Nothing Bill Clinton talked about in the 1992 campaign so typified his vision as his wildly popular plan to let Americans wipe out college loans by serving their communities. The idea was quintessential Clinton, the New Democrat trying to reclaim the moral authority of government, marrying "rights" and "responsibilities.".

With the cooperation of more than fifty people intimately involved in the process - including the president himself - Waldman captures in vivid detail (and surprising humor) the struggle to revamp the college loan system and create the program now known as AmeriCorps. Because he was allowed to sit in on scores of private meetings, Waldman provides an unprecedented inside portrait of how Washington really works, one that is essential reading for even casual students of politics, economics, and history.

For Americans who are interested in service or in an affordable college education, The Bill shows what happens when a policy designed to tap the best impulses of American citizens collides with a Washington culture that brings out their worst.