Letter from America: The Clinton Years (1997-2000)

President Jiang in America

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chinese President Jiang's 1997 visit to America to meet President Clinton, the dangers of a strong Chinese economy, and Saddam Hussein's threat to sho...

America is Back to Normal

29 Dec 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses the reality of wind chill, questionnaires for appointing cabinet officers and the secrets to old age.

How Wrong We've Been, from Madison to Roosevelt

22 Dec 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explains how America was able to wait patiently for the confirmation of their new president, George Bush.

An Embarrassing Relic of Authoritarianism

15 Dec 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates the pros and cons of democracy and the role of America's Electoral College.

Bedazzled and Bewildered

08 Dec 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke asks whether the doubts about the result of the Florida vote are paralysing America's government.

It's a Nine Ring Circus and You'll Never be Bored

01 Dec 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the voting irregularities of 1876 and applies the lessons learned from them to the current electoral crisis in Florida.

The Origin of the Continental Blow Out

24 Nov 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke looks at the origins of Thanksgiving and seasonal trends in food.

The Florida re-count, 2000

17 Nov 2000

Contributed by Lukas

The various legal issues underlying the failure to elect either George W Bush or Al Gore as president are explained by Alistair Cooke.

Paralysis by Analysis

10 Nov 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Given the closeness of the recent election, Alistair Cooke asks what sort of mandate the next President will really possess.

The Day of Judgement

03 Nov 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Democrat or Republican? Gore or Bush? Who will be the next President? Alistair Cooke reviews the two candidates.

Suffocating in an Ocean of Advertising

27 Oct 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke looks forward with pleasure to the Presidential election and an end to wall-to-wall lobbying and advertising.

A Supreme Diarist

20 Oct 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life and work of diarist James Agate and contemplates how he would have approached the pressing issues of the modern wor...

The World's Tumult and the Price of a Barrel of Oil

13 Oct 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cook considers two conflicts - the rioting in Jerusalem and the revolution in Belgrade.

There He Goes Again

06 Oct 2000

Contributed by Lukas

With a presidential election a month or so away, Alistair Cook ponders the history of the American presidential debates.

A Vague Beast Called Big Oil

29 Sep 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst the rising price of gasoline (or petrol to the European listener) is casusing a problem across both Europe and the US, Alistair Cooke considers...

Just the Facts, Ma'am

22 Sep 2000

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of the reporting from the Sydney Olympic Games, Alistair Cooke is surprised by an article detailing the legal status of prostitution in A...

Trouble with the English Language

15 Sep 2000

Contributed by Lukas

In the run up to the presidential election Alistair Cooke considers the affect of the poll ratings, Governor Bush's language gaffs and personality con...

Doing What Comes Naturally

08 Sep 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the lengths athletes go to for sporting success and reflects on the history of bodily enhancement through drugs, hormones and ...

Father, God, Undefined

01 Sep 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the American passion for trusting in God and how religion is linked to the American constitutional rights.

Russia: The Victim of Democracy

25 Aug 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk and what public reaction in Russia has revealed about the government's rela...

Mother Nature's Wild Fires

18 Aug 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke talks about the colossal forest fires raging across the United States and explains how they've started to become an issue of political ...

Running Mates and Carpet Baggers

11 Aug 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explains the origins of the American political phrases "carpet bagger" and "running mate" as well as the role of the vice president.

From Exciting Horserace to Exhibition Trot

04 Aug 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the outdated presidential nominating conventions and remembers the dramatic evenings of the longest ballot in US history.

From Party Convention to Coronation

28 Jul 2000

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the political parties choosing a nominee for the presidency of the United States, Alistair Cooke remembers some previous party conventio...

Ghostly Applause for a News Blackout

21 Jul 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke evaluates the effect of the news blackouts surrounding the Israel and Palestinian peace talks and reflects on their joint history and t...

Now Read On...

14 Jul 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke remembers George Gallup, the man whose scientific polling method changed the study of government and public opinion forever.

Where Have all the Answers Gone?

07 Jul 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke bends his alphabet into a metaphysical helix in order to gain an understanding of the human genome.

Pursuing a Will-o-the-wisp

30 Jun 2000

Contributed by Lukas

On the 50th anniversary of the United Nation's Korean War Alistair Cooke remembers the conflict that was often called the "forgotten war", including h...

This Great Festival of Consumerism

23 Jun 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders on how long the ordinary American family has been paying attention to Father's Day and is worried by the great festival of cons...

A Wonderful Work or a Rat Trap?

16 Jun 2000

Contributed by Lukas

In light of a new vedict surrounding the visiting rights of grandparents, Alistair Cooke reflects on the pace at which the Supreme Court makes its dec...

Polishing up his Escutcheon

09 Jun 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on how President Clinton is polishing up his political legacy with his recent Chinese and Russian treaty summits.

Diet, Longevity and a Custard Pie

02 Jun 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the beginning of the national obsession with cholesterol and the scientific study which proved eating too much meat is bad ...

A Giant Step for Womankind

26 May 2000

Contributed by Lukas

If the mother of invention is necessity, then Alistair Cooke reflects that the father is resistance. In the light of unions disagreeing to trade with ...

Historic Turning Points

19 May 2000

Contributed by Lukas

After a shock announcement from New York City Mayor Giuliani, Alistair Cooke considers when the taboo of writing about the private life of prominent p...

The China Bill and other Kickshaws

12 May 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst the House of Representatives vote on granting China permanent trading privileges, Alistair Cooke considers San Francisco's law against sizeism.

The Outrageous David Merrick

05 May 2000

Contributed by Lukas

The life and times of a colourful character in American theatre - David Merrick - are remembered by Alistair Cooke.

A Sordid Struggle

28 Apr 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the legal battle to declare six year old Cuban Elian Gonzalez eligible for permanent asylum in the US and the political ramifi...

Cycle of Boom and Bust

21 Apr 2000

Contributed by Lukas

After the New York stock exchange plunges more than 600 points, periods of boom and bust are remembered by Alistair Cook.

The Year of the Census

14 Apr 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines whether questions on the US census invade individuals' privacy and explores the uses of private information.

Never-failing, Ever-soaring, High-flying, Hi-techs

07 Apr 2000

Contributed by Lukas

While technology stocks are puzzling financial experts, Alistair Cook wonders what alternative sources will be found to create energy.

The Most Significant Event of Recent Times

31 Mar 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the ramifications of the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power station and the Pope's apology for the Catholic Church's si...

A National Figure of Charm and Pity

24 Mar 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses the case of 6 year old Cuban Elian Gonzalez, the sole survivor of a group of would-be illegal immigrants whose boat capsized ...

Buying Judges and Acquiring a Patron Saint

17 Mar 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Recalling a misleading first impression of America, Alistair Cook examines St. Patrick's Day celebrations and the influence of Irish immigrants on the...

A Brief Joust and Tumble with Sir Galahad

10 Mar 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cook looks at the rise and fall of Senator John McCain - briefly a challenger to George W Bush to be the Republican party's candidate in the ...

Double diplomatic turmoil

03 Mar 2000

Contributed by Lukas

America's tricky relationship with Taiwan is under the spotlight as the country enrages China by ordering $6bn of warships from the US.

Fuelling Inflation

25 Feb 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cook considers how a meeting of Opec and the price of oil may ultimately affect the future of the US more than Republican primaries.

Charles Schulz: A Great and Good Man

18 Feb 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke commemorates the life of Charles Schultz, the creator of the comic strip characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock.

Fickle Crushes and Volatile Markets

11 Feb 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Considering America's financial situation, Alistair Cook remembers a forgotten lesson: the folly of economic prophecy.

Conventional Wisdom

04 Feb 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Reflecting on the history of how political parties choose their candidates, Alistair Cook finds that the conventions have become coronations, and hail...

A Gentleman but not a Scholar

28 Jan 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Following North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms's scolding lecture to the United Nations, Alistair Cook reviews how his message was received.

What are Animals put on Earth For?

21 Jan 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Upon finding that "Fur is back" Alistair Cook reasons America's climate is the reason it never actually went away.

The Death of the Old Media

14 Jan 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cook takes in the story of Rip Van Winkle as he tries (and fails) to make sense of the multi-million dollar tie up between Time Warner and Am...

A Breathtaking Global Tour and a Resignation

07 Jan 2000

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cook discusses the global televised countdown to the millennium; Russian president Boris Yeltsin's resignation, and the audacity of Mr Putin ...

On Y2K Alert

31 Dec 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses the precautions being taken by the US government to minimise the potential damage to the banking and administration services ...

Park Avenue's colourful Christmas

24 Dec 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst looking on the tasteful fairy lights of Park Avenue's festival decorations, Alistair Cooke reflects on how, not so long ago, Christmas had a re...

Old Sentiment and New Honesty

17 Dec 1999

Contributed by Lukas

A vintage edition of Letter from America, first broadcast in December 1967. Alistair Cooke muses on parking tickets for senators and tells a Christmas...

Renewed Concern Over Secondhand Smoke

10 Dec 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Passive smoking fears make Alistair Cooke evaluate the cleanliness of the air around us. Plus, he adds a postscript to his evaluation of the protest a...

The Last Demo Circus of the Year

03 Dec 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses the protests against the World Trade Organisation convention in Seattle and argues that globalisation can no more be abolishe...

The Most American of All American Festivals

26 Nov 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst turkeys roast and yams bake, Alistair Cooke reflects on the traditions, history and recipes of the traditional American Thanksgiving.

Fortress America and Beloved Symbols of Britain

19 Nov 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst President Clinton's visit to Oslo fizzed with pomp and glory, Alistair Cooke discusses how it managed to overshadow the real reason for going; ...

Democracy in Action

12 Nov 1999

Contributed by Lukas

To commemorate 10 years since the fall of the Berlin wall, Alistair Cooke explains why America paid so much attention to the city and the promise it h...

At the Centre of Things

05 Nov 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Upon visiting San Francisco, Alistair Cooke reflects on the ego-centric lives of city dwellers and the great assumptions that they make on a daily bas...

That Fateful Night in Macbeth

29 Oct 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Under imminent attack from the All Hallows’ Eve celebrations, Alistair Cooke discusses the origins of Halloween, vampire legends, and the vulnerabil...

Wishful Thinking Overload

22 Oct 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke compares the Boston Massacre with the rejection of a nuclear treaty, and explains how a good treaty can still be defeated by a few shor...

A Plea to the Senate

15 Oct 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the European pleas to the US Senate to ratify the Test Ban Treaty, and compares it with the Senate's condemnation of 1919 T...

Greed, Liquor, Jingoism and Bad Taste

08 Oct 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers why the vices of greed, liquor, jingoism and bad taste should suddenly intrude on the spectator stands at sports events.

The Arrival of the Golf Hooligan

01 Oct 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the etiquette of sport and reflects on the sad, infamous day that his beloved golf became a victim of audience hooliganism.

The Ordeal of Hurricane Floyd

24 Sep 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the affects of Hurricane Floyd - the massive untold story of the rain it dumped on inland towns and how it lifted the river...

Barkers at Pleasure Beach Side Shows

17 Sep 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the over-sensationalism within the British Press towards a parasitic virus affecting New York and examines the damage of hurri...

No Exempt Categories

10 Sep 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on his visit to a New York hospital, being exempt from jury service and Mayor Rudy Guiliani's recent stint as a juror.

Re-Writing History

03 Sep 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke critiques a thesis which believes America’s new National Policy is following in the footsteps of the British policies that foreshadow...

Grave Concerns

27 Aug 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reviews speculation on why the Russians and Chinese have chosen to hold "a friendly summit" and reflects on the non-confession of Gover...

Close, but No Cigar

20 Aug 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses the medical and social aspects of cigar smoking which is becoming fashionable again in the USA.

No Word from Mount Olympus

13 Aug 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst Congress tries to pass a huge tax cut before the summer recess, Alistair Cooke wonders how they could possibly predict the state of the economy...

Going to Pot or to Pluto

06 Aug 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on preaching to the youth of today and is staggered by two little words – "British Citizen".

Loneliness, Male Companionship and the Hunt

30 Jul 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses his admiration for Ernest Hemingway and provides his own comical parody of his writing style.

Tyrants and Curses Live On

23 Jul 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the hysterical press coverage of John F. Kennedy Junior's plane crash, and is heartened by a NATO led environmental survey ...

The Brewing of Racial Storms

16 Jul 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the long held belief of sports journalist Henry Longhurst that many forms of sporting contests do more harm to internationa...

Air Conditioning and Changes in Society

09 Jul 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke concedes to his hot weather house arrest by reflecting on the creation of air conditioning.

The First Golden Paratrooper

02 Jul 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the golden parachute of retirement and Gloria Minoprio's first stand for women's liberty in the golf world.

Playing for Time

25 Jun 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on why it takes so long for the judges in the Supreme Court to reach a verdict.

Freedom in America

18 Jun 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders on spontaneous protests and reveals what led up to Rosa Parks changing American history.

Testing Times in the Advancement of Science

11 Jun 1999

Contributed by Lukas

With the US in uproar about genetically modified crops, Alistair Cooke remembers other scientific discoveries which caused controversy in their creati...

Laws Doomed from the Start

04 Jun 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explores how one man’s use of an electric golf buggy altered the meaning of a US disability law and remembers the UK’s struggle wit...

Witticisms and Crazy One-Liners

28 May 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke tries to forget the worrying events like the Balkan wars in the news by remembering some witticism and anecdotes.

A Course in Manners

21 May 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on Germaine Greer and the feminist movement, and the new US course to teach taxi drivers and other civil servants good manners...

Two Attitudes about China

14 May 1999

Contributed by Lukas

After the bombing of a Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan, Alistair Cooke reflects on the subsequent souring of the American-Chinese relations.

Columbine High School shootings, 1999

07 May 1999

Contributed by Lukas

The shootings by schoolboys in Columbine High School, Colorado and the long running fight between gun controllers and the National Rifle Association.

No Schadenfreude on Nato's Birthday

30 Apr 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke recalls his memories of 1949 when NATO was first created and considers the roles of the founding fathers.

What's Your Exit Strategy?

23 Apr 1999

Contributed by Lukas

On the 50th anniversary of NATO, Alistair Cooke considers the power it wealds, President Clinton's tactics and the use of exit strategies.

Whatever It Takes

16 Apr 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers why the only senator running for office who will acknowledge the NATO war is Senator John McCain.

The Art and Curse of Television

09 Apr 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the power television has in reflecting the real images of war and peace since the abolition of front-line censorship.

In the Hot Seat

02 Apr 1999

Contributed by Lukas

In the light of NATO Airstrike against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Alistair Cooke reflects on the tactics of war from World War Two, to Vietna...

Doves, Hawks, Owls and the People

26 Mar 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the squawked warnings from two sides of the economic market plunge and the power held by Mr Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of t...

Wholesale Flouting of the Law

19 Mar 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers how US Presidents keep flouting the War Powers Resolution, San Francisco's immigrant population and the use of bulk carriers ...

A Natural Gentleman

12 Mar 1999

Contributed by Lukas

In a tribute to the placid, talented, baseball player Joe DiMaggio, Alistair Cooke reflects on the character of a gentleman.

Played for a Sucker

05 Mar 1999

Contributed by Lukas

In the light of revelations about the CIA in Iraq, Alistair Cooke ponders the age old question; who watches the watchmen?

The Pursuit of Self-Determination

26 Feb 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the influence of President Woodrow Wilson on redrawing the map of Europe after the First World War.

Our Long Holiday from History is Over

19 Feb 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the political fallout of President Clinton’s impeachment trial and a pilots' strike.

It ain't Over, Till it's Over

12 Feb 1999

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke celebrates Americans who've coined famous lines and concludes that "it aint over, till it's over" for President Bill Clinton's impeach...