Back to Work

Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy

By: Bill Clinton

Narrated by: Bill Clinton

Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

President Bill Clinton gives us his views on the challenges facing the United States today and why government matters - presenting his ideas on restoring economic growth, energy, job creation, resolving the mortgage crisis, and financial responsibility, and offering a plan to get us "back in the future business". He explains how we got into an economic crisis, and lays down a plan for long-term prosperity. He also offers specific recommendations on how we can put people back to work, increase bank lending and corporate investment, double our exports, restore our manufacturing base, and create new businesses. He supports President Obama's emphasis on green technology, saying that changing the way we produce and consume energy is the strategy most likely to spark a fast-growing economy while enhancing our national security.

Clinton also stresses that we need a strong private sector and a smart government working together to restore prosperity and progress, demonstrating that whenever we've given in to the temptation to blame government for all of our problems, we've lost our ability to produce sustained economic growth and shared prosperity. He believes our ability to compete in the 21st century is dependent on our willingness to invest in infrastructure: we need faster broadband, a state-of-the-art national electrical grid, modernized water and sewer systems, and the best airports, trains, roads, and bridges.

"There is simply no evidence that we can succeed in the 21st century with an anti-government strategy", writes Clinton, based on "a philosophy grounded in 'you're on your own' rather than 'we're all in this together.'" He believes that conflict between government and the private sector has proved to be good politics but has produced bad policies, giving us a weak economy with not enough jobs, growing income inequality and poverty, and a decline in our competitive position. In the real world, cooperation works much better than conflict, and "Americans need victories in real life."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2011 Bill Clinton (P)2011 Random House

Common Sense to Government

What did you like about this audiobook?

Common Sense outlines a realistic approach to how Government influences the daily lives of all Americans. It reminds us that the

sound presentation

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

good discussion of the proper role of government.
good ideas on how to help the economy and how to implement them

Unique ideology

What did you love best about Back to Work?

Bill Clinton understands how to deal with stupidity without offending.

What other book might you compare Back to Work to and why?

The Secret because both books, although different in style, share a common denominator.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked them all.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Knowing that I'm not alone, but Bill Clinton shares my ideology.

Positive

What did you love best about Back to Work?

A very positive approach to our federal government's quagmire of negativity in most branches. The statement that government can do good things has not been uttered in at least a decade. And written and told by a guy that's been there!

What does Bill Clinton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have always found President Clinton to always be a very entertaining speaker.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Any additional comments?

I would hope that every politician would read this book!

Outstanding overview of steps for a strong economy

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The book has a great many facts and examples and makes a very compelling case for the steps that both government and the private sector need to take to revitalize our economy.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What we need to do NOW to revitalize our economy

Clinton's make a good case for our country

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, it is important for everyone to get as many points of view as possible to make an informed voting decisions

If you’ve listened to books by Bill Clinton before, how does this one compare?

Different subjects

Have you listened to any of Bill Clinton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Bill is always a good talker

Was Back to Work worth the listening time?

about right

Great Book

I am so glad that this is narrated by Bill Clinton himself -- might not have bought it otherwise. First audio book I have listened to and will definitely buy more!

As usual he delivers

Would you listen to Back to Work again? Why?

I really loved his approach, explaining the problem and providing detailed proposed solutions. I have not checked his assumptions but knowing what a brilliant mind he is I would absolutely trust his work.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Current issues that US is facing and rather than hearing slogans and meaningless marketing campaigns he is providing a real step by step approach to solving our problems. He can explain the problem in a way that everybody can understand. What a great communicator! Also I love the fact that he acknowledges American place in the world and the fact that we are not who we think we are anymore.

What about Bill Clinton’s performance did you like?

Yes. I love listening to his lazy accent. It is familiar and reassuring.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Understand the core issues, Step up, do the hard work

Any additional comments?

I am so thrilled that he is still working. I am quite impressed with his global mind set. Absolutely admire him.

An outstanding and rebound book

A perfectly written book that I find is a pivotal guide to the up and up American. I found this to be fundamental and interesting and the intonations and inflections perfect in every way. I highly recommend this book.

A good overview with a touch of hope

For Bill Clinton this was a short book and he stayed on point and was concise. The book reviewed how we got into the mess and gives a list of possible actions to get us out. The biggest message is of hope that we can set this country and the middle class back on course again. He did down play the political blaming as best he probably could and included some of the republican suggestions to help us get people back to work. This book is a must read for everyone.