The Truth of Power

br/> Benjamin barber was first invited to camp David in 1994 along with other prominent members of the academic community to participate in a seminar With President Clinton on the future of democratic ideas and ideals. Afterwards he became a steady informal adviser to the White House. For a politically committed Professor like barber the opportunity was exhilarating-heree was an opportunity to put ideas into action to link ideas to power. The result was enlightening if unexpected. The most unpredictable factor was the President himself: a man of astonishing intellectual gifts a consummate listener and synthesize of ideas who nonetheless failed to present a stirring progressive vision or even to craft a memorable speech. br/> with great perceptiveness wit and Alan barber provides a startling meditation on truth and power-andd the truth of power which is the responsibility of the elected not to an idea but to the electorate. He identifies the fault lines that future progressive candidates must straddle if they are to win-andd the gift they must have if they are to be great of calling forth the best in their fellow citizens. In the end barber give us a unique portrait of our compelling and maddening ex-president and the hopes and disillusionment he represents.