2. Why did Clinton win the 1992 presidential election?

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we think about why Clinton managed the win the 1992 presidential election, focusing in particular on: (i) the extent to which he attempted to contain concerns about his private life before the campaign started; (ii) the importance of George H. W. Bush's popularity in 'scaring off' other Democratic candidates; (iii) Mario Cuomo's decision not to run; (iv) Clinton's effectiveness as a campaigner; (iv) early scandals: Gennifer Flowers, Clinton as 'draft-dodger'; (v) his strong showing in the New Hampshire primary, Clinton as the 'Comeback Kid'; (vi) his strong showing in further primaries; (vii) more scandals: Whitewater, drug-use at Oxford; (viii) his strong showing at the Democratic National Convention and his selection of Al Gore as his running-mate; (ix) the poor performance of the US economy, and Bush's political vulnerability; (x) Clinton's policy innovations, especially the concept of the Third Way; and (xi) his winning performance on the television debates.

Course

In this course, Professor Mark White (Queen Mary, University of London) explores the life, political career and presidency of Bill Clinton through five key questions: (1) How did Clinton rise to power?; (2) Why did Clinton win the 1992 presidential election?; (3) What was the significance of Clinton's image?; (4) How did the issue of Clinton's character affect his political career?; and (5) How successful was Clinton as a presidential policymaker?

Lecturer

Mark White is Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London, specialising in US foreign policy in the Cold War and the US presidency since 1945. His recent publications include Against the President: Dissent and Decision-Making in the White House (2007) and The Presidency of Bill Clinton: The Legacy of a New Domestic and Foreign Policy (2012)