Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton — 42nd President of the United States.

Herbert reaches Clinton through two completely independent paths.

Via Joy Anderson: Herbert's daughter Joy Anderson met Clinton directly, placing Herbert one degree from the presidency through family.

Via Doug Eaton: Doug Eaton attended a January 1992 fundraiser for Clinton's campaign in New Jersey, at the invitation of his friend Doug Eakeley — who had been Clinton's roommate at Yale Law School and a fellow Rhodes Scholar. Doug notes that people often confuse his name with Eakeley's. He adds that Clinton would have gladly appointed Eakeley to a federal judgeship, but Eakeley, as a prominent litigator in New Jersey, likely preferred being a player rather than an umpire.

Two paths, two worlds — family and the law — converging on the same president.

Cross-Connections

• Hillary Rodham Clinton — Herbert's close friend Don Jones was Hillary's youth pastor; the Clintons' marriage closes the loop between both connection paths
• Joy Anderson — direct family connection to Bill