Bill Clinton Reveals 12 Simple Rules for Surviving Politics: Read Them Here (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

President Bill Clinton and his new book ‘Citizen’.Photo:Eugene Gologursky/Getty;Knopf

Eugene Gologursky/Getty;Knopf

President Bill Clintonhas a new book out about his life after he left the White House, and PEOPLE has an exclusive excerpt.

Citizen: My Life After the White House, out Nov. 19 from Alfred A. Knopf, is the former president’s first-person account of his years after he became a private citizen on Jan. 20, 2001, after nearly 30 years in politics and eight years as president. “Over the next two decades, he would create an enduring legacy of public service and advocacy work, from Indonesia to Louisiana, Northern Ireland to South Africa and in the process, reimagine philanthropy and redefine the impact a former president could have on the world,” explains the book’s official synopsis.

Knopf

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In addition to political issues,Citizenalso lets readers into his life as a father, grandfather and husband. He recounts his support for wifeHillary Clintonduring her time as senator, secretary of state and presidential candidate, and shares the “frustration and pain” of the 2016 election.

A follow-up to his previous memoirMy Life, this book is a “frank reflection on the past and, with it, a fearless embrace of our future” and “a testament to one man’s unwavering commitment to family and nation.”

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In advance of its publication, read an exclusive excerpt fromCitizendetailing his humorous “rules for politics” and listen to Clinton read it below.

Listen to Bill Clinton read from his new book ‘Citizen’

For years, going back to my days in Arkansas, I kept handy a list of “Clinton’s Rules of Politics” that I used to explain, enlighten and lighten up political conversations:

The 2016 election forced me to go to a baker’s dozen with a new rule: “If you’re ever in the room with someone who says … but you’re going to win anyway,’ smile, thank them for their time and get out of that room as fast as you can.” They may want you to win, but they don’t want to speak up for you for fear of criticism or punishment. “Anyway” is the tell word. When you hear it, get ready to move.

source: people.com