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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 who, if anyone, is really to blame for this big oil situation.

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 Australia. Whilst reviewing the article he reflects on the eternal struggle between political idealism and reality.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 off the Florida coast.

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

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 forthcoming election.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 America Online.

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

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

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 reputation of debauchery.

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

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 against the World Trade Organisation in Seattle.

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

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

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; a memorial service in honour of Yitzhak Rabin. Plus, he evaluates Tony Blair's banishment of hereditary peers in the House of Lords.

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 held for democracy.

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 basis.

Under imminent attack from the All Hallows’ Eve celebrations, Alistair Cooke discusses the origins of Halloween, vampire legends, and the vulnerability of children "trick or treating".

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 short-sighted people.

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 Treaty of Versailles.

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

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

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 rivers.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 in 2010.

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

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

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 in Yugoslavia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 with daylight saving.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 the Federal Reserve Board.

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

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

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

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

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

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