What were the successes and failures of the Clinton presidency? Bill Clinton What were the successes and failures of the Clinton presidency?

Background Information Born August 19, 1946 in Hope, Arkansas Attended college at Georgetown University, then won a prestigious scholarship to Oxford for 2 years While in England, he received a draft notice and had to return to Arkansas. He dodged the draft, but later resubmitted his name. He was never called. Became the governor of Arkansas. Also, at age 16 Bill Clinton met President Kennedy for the football American all-stars. 30 years later he became the president.

Domestic Policies The republican party argued that government was the problem, not a solution. This resonated with the American public as Clinton came into presidency. For this reason, Clinton needed to find a middle ground between the “traditional” democratic way and the republican way. Took position of a moderate, practical democrat

Laws and Reform Early on Clinton signed the Family Medical Leave Act this allowed most full-time employees 12 workweeks unpaid leave for birth and care of a child, to recover from serious illness, or care for an immediate family member. this had been vetoed by President Bush Clinton administration also raised minimum wage, increased access to college loans and expanded tax credits for higher education Clinton’s list of priorities was headed by healthcare reform, Hillary Clinton was appointed to head. After a year of debate the bill was dropped due to lack of support.

Dealing With Violence Brady Bill- a gun control act named for presidential aide James Brady, who’d been wounded in 1981 assassination attempt on Reagan. $30 billion anticrime bill- increased funding for police and banned several kinds of assault weapons

Violence cont. 1995 bombing of a government building- killed 168 people injured 800 others. Committed by home-grown anti-government extremists Surrounded federal buildings with barriers and passed new laws to deter terrorism and impose stiffer penalties 1999 school shooting- two students shot and killed 12 students and a teacher, wounded 42 others Installed metal detectors in schools and instituted anti- bully policies, “zero tolerance” approaches

Mid-term Elections and Reelection Clinton had made a few victories, but failure of healthcare reform damaged his popularity. Republicans won control of the house In the mid 1990’s American economy began to soar, no reason to change power. Labeled Dole as an “out-of- touch conservative” and Perot as a “political quack.” Clinton wins election. The House and Senate retained Republican majorities.

The Scandal and Trial Dodged scandals: one a sexual harassment suit, one concerned investments made in Whitewater Development Corporation Whitewater was investigated twice, though it was over- shadowed by an affair Clinton had with an intern Investigator Kenneth Starr recommended impeachment on multiple accounts, none related to Whitewater scandal. Clinton’s actions were condemned, but impeachment was opposed

Impeachment Clinton had an affair with a 22 year old intern, this lasted from 1995 to 1998 until co-worker from the Defense Department recorded their telephone conversations. Put on trial for 21 days in the U.S. senate, resulting on his impeachment. This ruined Bill Clinton’s image, as well as the enthusiasm for the entire democratic party. Despite the public’s changed view of his trustworthiness, his approval rating was still high.

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