Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1997-2000)

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 partisanship.

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

Alistair Cooke considers the outdated presidential nominating conventions and remembers the dramatic evenings of the longest ballot in US history.

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

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

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

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

On the 50th anniversary of the United Nation's Korean War Alistair Cooke remembers the conflict that was often called the "forgotten war", including how the veto clause was written into the UN charter.

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 consumerism.

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 decisions.

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

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

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 China, he reflects that all inventions meet with resistance at first...including dishwashers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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