Through presidency and scandal, through lawsuits and the birth of their daughter, Bill and Hillary remain holding hands in a show of love and solidarity. In an effort to explore their tumultuous relationship, this documentary, based on the book “Clinton Inc.” by Daniel Halper and produced by Doug Sain, delves into the psychological reasons that brought Bill and Hillary together and explores how they have become such a political tour de force since the 1970s.
As a bipartisan look at a family who have made an empire from their modest beginnings, the documentary brings together a host of experts from all sides of the political spectrum – such as Dick Morris, former confidante of the Clintons, Doug Henwood, publisher of Left Business Observer and Myra Adams, National Review contributor – to answer the question: What motivates the Clintons?
The film begins by establishing one of its main themes: the relationship between Bill and Hillary, which was built on both love and a need for their fundamental personality differences to work together as a business relationship. Bill and Hillary are nothing without each other. “Clinton Inc.” makes it clear that the couple not only love each other, but are connected on an intellectual level. This twofold connection is why they have remained such a strong couple for over four decades.
This initial establishment of their loving relationship immediately puts to rest the idea that the couple have stayed together primarily as a way of increasing their mutual power; their marriage is not one of convenience. From interviews, letters and personal accounts, the viewer is made aware of the intellectual and emotional bonds between Bill and Hillary. Despite Bill’s numerous extramarital affairs, it’s clear that their respect and love have kept them together for decades.
With this awareness comes an understanding that we are not dealing with a political machine; instead, we are facing the rest of the documentary knowing that Bill and Hillary are human beings with ambitions, desires and instincts driving their lives. Having forced viewers to confront the humanity of the Clintons, the documentary is ready to explore the facets of the political dynasty they have been sculpting for years. And this time around, the couple is not presented in a positive light.
The film takes on a more ominous tone as it breaks away from their relationship and explores the fraudulence and scandal pervading Bill’s presidency and Hillary’s tenure as Senator of New York and Secretary of State. Although it is clear that experts from both left and right admire and even respect the couple, at this point viewers are introduced to the adjective that would describe the Clintons for the rest of the film: corrupt.
This corruption can be seen in Bill’s pardoning of Marc Rich, which coincides with donations made to the Clinton Library and Hillary’s senate campaign by Rich’s ex-wife, Denise. The documentary also asks whether it would be a conflict of interest to have Hillary Clinton as President when the Clinton Foundation’s sources of donations are often from foreign countries hoping to curry favor with high-level politicians.
The film continues with an analysis of Hillary’s corrupt behavior by questioning her involvement in Benghazi and looking at her admittance of a “mistake” in which she personally sent “at least 104” – but potentially much more, as over 30,000 emails were deleted before the investigation began – classified documents from a private email server.
This theme of secrecy that pervades the Clinton’s lives is analyzed in-depth by the various experts featured in this film. Doug Henwood says that Hillary’s goal is to stay out of public scrutiny. He questions why a public servant would seek such secrecy unless there was something to hide and cautions – along with political advisor Dick Morris and Halper – that her ambition and greed will play a large role in her presidency if she wins the election this November.
“Clinton Inc.” is the first documentary of its kind that allows its viewers a glimpse into the personal and political lives of one of the most powerful couples of this century. Uniquely allowing viewers to see Bill, Hillary and Chelsea as more than just cogs in a political machine, this film forces viewers to personally confront the corruption and secrecy pervading the family business and is a must-see for both fans and foes of the Clintons.
