Louis J. Freeh's book, My FBI, came in last night (released today). A few notes while flipping through it…
It's chock full of compelling stuff: the first-person account of the Unabomber investigation, tracking down Robert Hanssen, and others. This isn't just a front row narrative though: it comes with political significance attached, as Matt Drudge already let on in his previews. After the FBI nabbed Hanssen, Bush called Freeh to thank him and pass gratitude to the FBI. "It was the first time since I became director that a president — and Bush had been in office less than thirty days — had ever thanked the FBI for protecting the country."
Of course, the most salacious part (to the politicos) is Chapter 9, "Bill and Me." There's the Whitewater investigation, the Chinese contributions to the DNC, Freeh answering
The last chapter, "9/11," patiently explains the FBI's role in prosecuting terrorism during the 1990s. Freeh frankly discusses the agency's failures first and accepts responsibility where he ought to. As for Richard Clarke,
Freeh isn't writing to score points, or settle scores. He's settling the record, and so his account reads like an honest, detached man who's glad he escaped