Jonathan Alter

Shattered by the Republican victory, Clinton begins to sideline his most trusted advisors in favor of an aggressive political consultant named Dick Morris who uses extensive polling to diagnose the administration’s weaknesses and develop strategies to correct them. The Republican “Contract with America” is riding high and by spring 1995, Gingrich and his allies select the ground on which to wage their war: a plan to eliminate the federal budget deficit by drastically cutting Medicare and Medicaid. The plan leads to a government shutdown and slowly the tide begins to turn toward the President, who reclaims the political center with a stream of new initiatives that will curb big government and appeal to middle class families. Clinton wins the 1996 election in a landslide, pulling off one of the greatest turnarounds in political history. But events have been set in motion that will soon divide the country and nearly destroy Clinton's presidency.

From the political backwaters of Arkansas, Bill Clinton emerges as a political force unlike any seen on the national stage in a generation. Overcoming a troubled upbringing marred by alcoholism and violence, Clinton is determined from the start to succeed, first in Arkansas, then at Georgetown, Oxford and finally Yale. There he meets a young woman named Hillary Rodham who shares his intellect and idealism. Together they forge a marriage and political partnership that takes them to the Arkansas governor’s mansion and ultimately the White House. Hour 1 follows their bumpy road to the 1992 presidential victory, an amazing triumph over repeated scandals and setbacks. Although they have won the presidency, the Clintons have not yet won the country. In their moment of triumph, the first couple has no way of imaging the turmoil that lies ahead.

Author and Newsweek editor Jonathan Alter discusses his new book "The Promise: President Obama, Year One," which takes a comprehensive look at President Obama's first year in office on The Daily Show.

Senior Editor for Newsweek Jonathan Alter discusses the election and what the new Congress might look like.

Former Clinton White House adviser James Carville updates Stephen on the situation in the Gulf and author Jonathan Alter details Obama’s first year in office.

A Conversation About Aids With Anthony Fauci And David Ho || A Conversation With Tom Ridge || A Conversation With Drew Westen Author Of "The Political Brain: The Role Of Emotion In Deciding The Fate Of The Nation"

Stephen welcomes political journalist Jonathan Alter, author of "The Defining Moment."

A Discussion About The 2008 Presidential Election With Bob Schieffer Of Cbs News, Jonathan Alter Of Newsweek And Paul Begala Of Cnn.

First, Guest Host Bob Schieffer Of Cbs News, Has A Conversation With Author And Newsweek Senior Editor Jonathan Alter. Alter'S New Book Is "The Defining Moment: Fdr`S First One Hundred Days And The Triumph Of Hope." Then, Director Peter Bogdanovich Talks To Actor Isabella Rossellini About Her New Film, "My Dad Is 100 Years Old."