BBC Radio Podcasts from Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1997-2000)
President Jiang in America
President Clinton's ground breaking meeting with President Jiang of China.
America is Back to Normal
After the presidential election excitement, Alistair Cooke ponders the secrets to old age.
How Wrong We've Been, from Madison to Roosevelt
Alistair Cooke discusses the confirmation of the new president, George Bush.
An Embarrassing Relic of Authoritarianism
Alistair Cooke contemplates the pros and cons of democracy.
Bedazzled and Bewildered
Alistair Cooke asks whether voting result doubts are paralysing America's government.
It's a Nine Ring Circus and You'll Never be Bored
Alistair Cooke compares the voting irregularities of 1876 to the current electoral crisis.
The Origin of the Continental Blow Out
After feasting on turkey and yams, Alistair Cooke delves into the origins of Thanksgiving.
The Florida re-count, 2000
The various legal issues underlying the failure to elect a new President.
Paralysis by Analysis
After the close election, Alistair Cooke considers what authority the President will have.
The Day of Judgement
Who will be the next President? Alistair Cooke evaluates Al Gore and George W Bush.
Suffocating in an Ocean of Advertising
The bombardment of Presidential election adverts becomes too much for Alistair Cooke.
A Supreme Diarist
Alistair Cooke celebrates the life and work of diarist James Agate.
The World's Tumult and the Price of a Barrel of Oil
How do conflicts in Jerusalem and Belgrade affect world trade? Alistair Cooke finds out.
There He Goes Again
Alistair Cook ponders the history of the American presidential debates.
A Vague Beast Called Big Oil
The rising prices of gasoline leads Alistair Cooke to wonder who the culprit is.
Just the Facts, Ma'am
Prostitution at the Sydney Olympics makes Alistair Cooke reflect on idealism and reality.
Trouble with the English Language
Alistair Cooke looks at the affect of poll ratings on presidential elections.
Doing What Comes Naturally
The search for athlete perfection leads Alistair Cooke from exercise techniques to drugs.
Father, God, Undefined
Alistair Cooke questions the use of the American constitution's religious right.
Russia: The Victim of Democracy
Alistair Cooke considers the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk.
Mother Nature's Wild Fires
Alistair Cooke reflects on colossal forest fires raging across the United States.
Running Mates and Carpet Baggers
Alistair Cooke explains the origins of the American political phrase "running mate".
From Exciting Horserace to Exhibition Trot
Alistair Cooke recalls the longest presidential nomination ballot in US history.
From Party Convention to Coronation
Alistair Cooke remembers past political conventions, including John F Kennedy's.
Ghostly Applause for a News Blackout
Alistair Cooke evaluates the news blackouts over the Israel and Palestinian peace talks.
Now Read On...
Alistair Cooke remembers George Gallup, the creator of the scientific polling method.
Where Have all the Answers Gone?
Alistair Cooke bends his mind into a metaphysical helix to understand the human genome.
Pursuing a Will-o-the-wisp
Alistair Cooke recalls the Korean War and how vetoes were written into the UN charter.
This Great Festival of Consumerism
After enjoying his own Father's Day, Alistair Cooke becomes concerned by mass consumerism.
A Wonderful Work or a Rat Trap?
In light of a Supreme Court verdict Alistair Cooke reflects on the rights of grandparents.
Polishing up his Escutcheon
Bill Clinton’s recent treaty summits look to Alistair Cooke like a quick legacy polish.
Diet, Longevity and a Custard Pie
To eat meat, or to not eat meat? Alistair Cooke finds out the perfect diet for longevity.
A Giant Step for Womankind
Union resistance to trading with China, reminds Mr Cooke of the invention of dishwashers.
Historic Turning Points
Alistair Cooke recalls when the private life of a politician was a taboo topic.
The China Bill and other Kickshaws
Alistair Cooke reflects on China's trading privileges and a law against sizeism.
The Outrageous David Merrick
Alistair Cooke remembers the colourful life of American theatre character David Merrick.
A Sordid Struggle
Alistair Cooke examines the legal battle fought by Cuban Elian Gonzalez for asylum.
Cycle of Boom and Bust
After a stock exchange drop of 600 points, Alistair Cook remembers other booms and busts.
The Year of the Census
Alistair Cooke examines whether questions on the US census invade individuals' privacy.
Never-failing, Ever-soaring, High-flying, Hi-techs
Alistair Cook wonders what alternative sources will be found to create energy.
The Most Significant Event of Recent Times
Alistair Cooke considers the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear power station explosion.
A National Figure of Charm and Pity
Alistair Cooke considers the sole survivor of a capsized boat full of illegal immigrants.
Buying Judges and Acquiring a Patron Saint
Alistair Cook examines Irish heritage in America and the celebrations of St.Patrick's Day.
A Brief Joust and Tumble with Sir Galahad
Alistair Cook looks at the rise and fall of Senator John McCain.
Double diplomatic turmoil
America's tricky relationship with Taiwan.
Fuelling Inflation
Alistair Cooke considers how oil price may affect the future of the US more than politics.
Charles Schulz: A Great and Good Man
Alistair Cooke commemorates the life of Charles Schultz, the creator of Charlie Brown.
Fickle Crushes and Volatile Markets
Alistair Cook remembers a forgotten lesson: the folly of economic prophecy.
Conventional Wisdom
Alistair Cook reflects on the history of how political parties choose their candidates.
A Gentleman but not a Scholar
Alistair Cook reviews how the United Nations reacted to a scolding from Senator J Helms.
What are Animals put on Earth For?
The news that "Fur is back", leads Alistair Cook to explore why it never really went away.
The Death of the Old Media
Alistair Cook uses Rip Van Winkle to understand the Time Warner and America Online deal.
A Breathtaking Global Tour and a Resignation
Alistair Cooke discusses Boris Yeltsin's resignation and Mr Putin's praise of the KGB.
On Y2K Alert
Alistair Cooke discusses the US Government’s precautions against the millennium bug.
Park Avenue's colourful Christmas
Festive fairy lights remind Alistair Cooke of a time when Christmas was less than holy.
Old Sentiment and New Honesty
In a vintage Letter from America from 1967, Alistair Cooke tells a Christmas story.
Renewed Concern Over Secondhand Smoke
Passive smoking fears make Alistair Cooke evaluate the cleanliness of the air around us.
The Last Demo Circus of the Year
Alistair Cooke discusses the protests against the World Trade Organisation convention.
The Most American of All American Festivals
Whilst turkeys roast and yams bake, Alistair Cooke reflects on traditions of Thanksgiving.
Fortress America and Beloved Symbols of Britain
Alistair Cooke criticises Bill Clinton’s appearance at Yitzhak Rabin’s memorial service.
Democracy in Action
Alistair Cooke commemorates the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.
At the Centre of Things
Whilst visiting San Francisco, Alistair Cooke muses on the ego-centric lives of city folk.
That Fateful Night in Macbeth
Amid the festivities of All Hallows’ Eve, Alistair Cooke ponders the origins of Halloween.
Wishful Thinking Overload
After the US rejects a nuclear treaty, Alistair Cooke explains how easily pacts can fail.
A Plea to the Senate
A European plea to the US Senate reminds Alistair Cooke of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.
Greed, Liquor, Jingoism and Bad Taste
From greed in golf to jingoism at judo, Alistair Cooke dislikes bad spectator behaviour.
The Arrival of the Golf Hooligan
Alistair Cooke is saddened by audience hooliganism during a golf match.
The Ordeal of Hurricane Floyd
Alistair Cooke reflects on the affects of Hurricane Floyd.
Barkers at Pleasure Beach Side Shows
The hysterical news reporting in Britain of a US parasitic virus astounds Alistair Cooke.
No Exempt Categories
Alistair Cooke discusses jury services and whether Mr Giuliani will run again for Mayor.
Re-Writing History
Alistair Cooke explains how re-writing history to obtain ominous parallels is dangerous.
Grave Concerns
Alistair Cooke reflects on Governor Bush's non-confession of cocaine use.
Close, but No Cigar
Alistair Cooke discusses the medical and social aspects of smoking cigars.
No Word from Mount Olympus
Alistair Cooke wonders how Congress can predict a $3 trillion Treasury surplus in 2010.
Going to Pot or to Pluto
Youth might be wasted on the young, but Alistair Cooke believes they have a bright future.
Loneliness, Male Companionship and the Hunt
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Ernest Hemingway with a parody of his writing style.
Tyrants and Curses Live On
Alistair Cooke considers the hysterical press coverage of John Kennedy Jr's plane crash.
The Brewing of Racial Storms
Do sports contests ease international relations? Alistair Cooke is sceptical.
Air Conditioning and Changes in Society
Whilst under a heat induced house arrest, Alistair Cooke marvels at air conditioning.
The First Golden Paratrooper
Alistair Cooke reflects on a golden parachute handed out upon retirement.
Playing for Time
Alistair Cooke reflects on why it takes so long for the Supreme Court to reach a verdict.
Freedom in America
Do spontaneous protests occur? Alistair Cooke explores Rosa Parks’ infamous bus ride.
Testing Times in the Advancement of Science
GM crops remind Alistair Cooke of other scientific developments that caused controversy.
Laws Doomed from the Start
Alistair Cooke explores how an electric golf buggy altered the US disability law.
Witticisms and Crazy One-Liners
With the Balkan wars still ongoing, Alistair Cooke relies on humour for some light relief.
A Course in Manners
Alistair Cooke reflects on male chivalry, the feminist movement and good manners.
Two Attitudes about China
Alistair Cooke reflects on the Chinese reaction to an accidental bombing of their embassy.
Columbine High School shootings, 1999
The shootings by schoolboys in Columbine High School, Colorado and the gun control debate.
No Schadenfreude on Nato's Birthday
Alistair Cooke recalls his memories of 1949 when NATO was first created.
What's Your Exit Strategy?
On the 50th anniversary of NATO, Alistair Cooke considers the power it wealds.
Whatever It Takes
Alistair Cooke wonders why only Senator John McCain acknowledges the NATO war.
The Art and Curse of Television
Alistair Cooke reflects on TV war reports since the abolition of front-line censorship.
In the Hot Seat
In the aftermath of a NATO airstrike, Alistair Cooke reflects on the tactics of war.
Doves, Hawks, Owls and the People
Alistair Cooke considers the power held by Alan Greenspan over the economic market plunge.
Wholesale Flouting of the Law
Alistair Cooke considers how US Presidents keep flouting the War Powers Resolution.
A Natural Gentleman
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the placid, talented, baseball player Joe DiMaggio.
Played for a Sucker
After revelations about the CIA in Iraq, Alistair Cooke ask; who watches the watchmen?
The Pursuit of Self-Determination
Alistair Cooke explores how President Woodrow Wilson helped redmap Europe after WWI.
Our Long Holiday from History is Over
The political fallout of Clinton’s impeachment trial is explored by Alistair Cooke.
It ain't Over, Till it's Over
Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial.
Dot Dot Dash Dash, Over and Out
To commemorate the last wireless telegraph, Alistair Cooke remembers some Morse code.
The Moral Pillar and the Moral Contortionist
Alistair Cooke reflects on the ethical dilemmas that arise when the Pope visits the USA.
Striving for a More Perfect Union
Alistair Cooke reflects on the celebration of Rev. Martin Luther King Day.
The US Senate trial of Bill Clinton, 1999
Alistair Cooke reports on the US Senate trial of President Bill Clinton.
Illuminating Events with Unpredictable Results
In light of Clinton's impeachment trial Alistair Cooke recalls the only other of its kind.
America, 1998
Alistair Cooke reflects on some of the more memorable moments of 1998.
Decline in US personal savings
The differing opinions of economists on the drop in personal savings to below zero.
Operation Desert Fox begins
As the UN is refused access to weapons sites in Iraq, Operation Desert Fox begins.
Clinton impeachment hearing
A discussion of the likely outcome of the hearing to decide on Clinton's impeachment.
Thanksgiving 1998
The history and traditions of Thanksgiving and the opposition to the celebration in 1998.
Saddam's nuclear arsenal
A discussion on America's possible reaction to Saddam Hussein's nuclear stockpile.
Some memorable letters from America
Alistair Cooke recalls some of his most memorable talks from the last 52 years.
Hurricane Mitch devastates Honduras and Nicaragua
Hurricane Mitch strikes Honduras and Nicaragua and why trivial news can be so distracting.
Democrat victory 1998 midterms
The Democrats make historical gains in the 1998 midterms and Clinton's confidence returns.
Congressional midterms 1998
Have Republican attempts to use the Lewinsky scandal against Clinton to have backfired?
John Glenn returns to Space
Remembering the televised spectacle of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth.
Separated by Language
Jerome Weidman, America's first 'street-smart novelist' and peculiarities of US English.
Presidential infidelities impeachment
The modest history of presidential infidelity and how the impeachment process works.
The President's economic problems
Asian economic problems spread to Brazil; the limits of the president's economic power.
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
The life and music of George Gershwin and a post-Soviet boom in Russian immigration to NY.
George Wallace
George Wallace,(1919 - 1998) Governor of Alabama and reformed segregationist, remembered.
Impeachment for Clinton?
As the Lewinsky report is published the House starts considering an impeachment trial.
Son of Black Monday
The August 1998 financial crash is compared to Black Monday 1987 and Black Thursday 1929.
US cruise missile strikes
US cruise missile strikes in Sudan and Afghanistan and Clinton makes a public appearance.
The President will address the nation
President Clinton admits affair with Lewinsky to the grand jury and makes a TV apology.
The threat of Y2K
The threat posed by the Y2K computer glitch and what is being done to avert disaster.
Proposition 227, immigration and English
California passes proposition 227: to only teach Spanish speaking immigrants in English.
The evolution of the grand jury
Clinton subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury and the US grand jury system explained.
Clinton's high aproval rating and Monica Lewinsky
Allegations that Clinton persuaded Monica Lewinsky to give false testimony examined.
Texas heatwave and investigating Clinton
The emergency of the 1998 Texas heatwave and testimony from Clinton's Secret Service men.
Roy Rogers and cinema cowboys
Remembering Roy Rogers and some other great cinema cowboys Wayne, Cooper, Hart and Canutt.
Bad behaviour in tennis and chivalry in golf
The rise and fall of bad behaviour in tennis and golf, final refuge of sporting chivalry.
Clinton in China, June 1998
President Clinton visits China, considering US - Chinese relations and Nixon's 1972 visit.
Japan's economy, Louise Woodward and homosexuality
The US intervenes to help Japan's economy and Louise Woodward returns to England.
El Niño making Congress restless
Religious freedom, anti-Catholic feeling, same-sex marriage and El Niño.
Barry Goldwater (1909-1998)
Remembering Barry Goldwater, the most influential presidential runner-up in US history.
Immigrants to America and assimilation
Considering what happens if immigrants don't want to be assimilated into American culture.
The Microsoft monopoly actions
Microsoft faces legal challenenges to its alleged Internet Explorer web browser monopoly.
India's first nuclear tests
India launches a series of nuclear tests, taking the American government by surprise.
Medicine, inventions and the quick-fix
Groundless promises of the media's daily medical miracle and the desire for a quick-fix.
California's progressive social legislation
Homogenisation of US life and why California leads in creating new social legislation.
US anti-smoking legislation
US anti-smoking legislation, teenage smoking and the efforts of the pro-smoking lobby.
US financial regulation
Financial regulation in Asia and the US and the uncertain future of the investment bubble.
Consequences of the Disability Act
Practical consequences of the US act banning discrimination against the disabled.
Clinton sexual assault case thrown out
Paula Jones' civil prosecution of Clinton for an alleged 1991 sexual assault thrown out.
Constitutional rights
Constitutional rights and violation of the American flag.
St Patrick's Day controversies
Controversies behind the NYC St Patrick's Day parade: Gay rights and Northern Ireland.
US power and responsibility abroad
Examining America's responsibilities for protecting life and 'liberty' around the world.
Bill Gates and the Senate Judiciary Committee
Bill Gates appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a monopoly investigation.
Jerome Murray, inventor (1912-1998)
Remembering inventor Jerome Murray's many discreet but very usefull creations.
Investigating President Clinton
Outlining the investigation which has led to the Clinton and Lewinsky allegations.
The problems of military action in Iraq
UN refusal to act against Saddam Hussein and the problems of a US war against Iraq.
Clinton's contadictory polls
Contrasting Clinton's high approval rating with the widespread belief that he's lying.
The Monica Lewinsky scandal emerges
The first evidence of the scandal of Monica Lewinsky's affair with Clinton, mulled over.
Cuba after the fall of the USSR
Cuba's remarkable post-Soviet economic survival and Pope John Paul II's 1998 visit.
New York society
Social change in America and the continual cycles of New York's 'high society'.
Failing to predict the future
The problems with predicting the future, from Westbrook Pegler to today.
Helping the homeless
Considering the complexity of homelessness and the failure of ideology to address it.
A New York Christmas story
The story of the Zebby Adams, a New York City Santa Claus.
Financial crisis in Asia
The danger that a financial crisis in Asia poses to the global economy.
American tourists
An examination of what American tourists expect to see when on vacation.
US national Holidays
How Alistair Cooke convinced the state of Idaho to celebrate George Washington's birthday.
Sir Isaiah Berlin
A profile of British political theorist and historian Sir Isaiah Berlin (1909-1997).
Judge Zobel and the Louise Woodward verdict
The reduction in the severity of the verdict in the Louise Woodward trial by Judge Zobel.
The Wall Street crash
The events leading up to the 1929 Wall Street crash.
The Kennedy Missile Tapes of 1962
The 1997 release of conversations Kennedy taped during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.
El Niño
An overview of El Niño and the Queen's visit to California.
Clinton's veto
President Clinton's use of line-item vetos on projects he deemed wasteful.
Dr George Gallup (1901 - 1984)
A profile of George Gallup, the inventor of the Gallup poll.
American stereotypes on film
American stereotypes, as portrayed by Hollywood.
Rudolph Valentino
The life of Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926).
Megan's Law
Megan's Law, and other laws named after people, and a protest at Yale.
Princess Diana of Wales (1961-1997)
The American reaction to the death of Princess Diana.
The 1997 United Parcel Service strike
Do union strikes bring change? UPS and Air Traffic Controllers find out.
Bottled water
Status symbol mania, and the demand for bottled water.
Integration in San Francisco schools
The low outcomes for black and the Latin American students, contrasts with Asian ones.
Clinton: Prosperity and popularity
The prosperity and popularity of President Clinton.
The end of civilisation
Woolworth stores in America close their doors to the public.
James Stewart
Memories of actor James Stewart (1908-1997).
The Clinton re-election campaign
The mystery of illegal donations to President Clinton's re-election campaign.
The sovereignty of Hong Kong.
How the US see the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong back to China.
Roswell UFO incident
What really happened at Roswell, New Mexico in the summer of 1947?
Watergate - 25 years on
The Watergate scandal and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon.
Health scares
A look at the trend for health scares in the media when the economy is booming.
William Clayton (1880-1966)
A profile of business leader and government advisor William Clayton.
The Kelly Flinn case
The sex scandal cases of Kelly Flinn and Paula Jones.
Spending the nation's money
The differences between the American and British systems of budget making.
Sir Lionel Sackville-West (1827 - 1908)
Sir Lionel Sackville-West, the man whose fatuity lost the Democrats the 1888 presidency.
Franklin D Roosevelt monument
The problems that arise when erecting statues of notable figures.
Tiger Woods' ethnicity
Tiger Woods, the golfing wonder whose ethnicity proves hard to pigeonhole.
Nicotine addiction
How the tobacco industry bosses lied about nicotine addiction.
Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972)
A tribute to Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) the first black Major League baseball player.
The Augusta National Golf Club
How the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia became the home of golf in America.
Al Gore's Chinese aeroplane deal
Vice-President Al Gore's oversees the Boeing 777 jetliners deal with China.
Alan Greenspan
A profile of Alan Greenspan, economist and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Internet pornography
How can the US protect children from accessing pornography on the internet?
Clinton's campaign money scandal
President Clinton's solicitation of money from inside the White House causes a scandal.
Protecting the freedom of speech
Should the American Civil Liberties Union fight to protect the freedom of speech?
Astronaut John Glenn
A profile of astronaut John Glenn upon his retirement.
American Airlines pilots' strike
President Clinton halts the 1997 American Airlines pilots strike.
OJ Simpson's damages
Is $33.5m damages a fair sum for guilty OJ Simpson to pay?
OJ Simpson guilty
Why the jury found OJ Simpson guilty in his civil trial.
Pope John Paul II (1920 – 2005)
How Pope John Paul II's instillation caused excitement in America.
A history of Washington DC
A recollection the work of Pierre Charles L'Enfant in shaping Washington DC.
Presidential Inauguration
The presidential inaugurations from George Washington (1789) to Bill Clinton (1997).
The Speaker of the House
An overview of the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Boston Massacre
How an engraving by Paul Revere exaggerated the 1770 riot at Boston's Customs House.