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President Clinton. Section 33.1. Main Idea. Bill Clinton was a new type of Democrat, and his administration faced challenges for a new millennium– and scandals as old as politics. 1992 Election. Bush Sr. was hurting from a sagging economy.
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President Clinton Section 33.1
Main Idea • Bill Clinton was a new type of Democrat, and his administration faced challenges for a new millennium– and scandals as old as politics.
1992 Election • Bush Sr. was hurting from a sagging economy. • 3rd party candidate Ross Perot appealed to many Republicans for his desire to balance the budget and decrease debt. • Bill Clinton (Democrat) was able to sweep to victory.
New Democrat • Clinton appealed to many Americans. • Politically he was liberal • Homosexual rights • Health care reform • Welfare reform • Economically he was conservative • Balanced budget • Cut deficit
Opposition • Republicans feared New Democrats like Clinton. • Republicans gained control of Congress in 1994. • Led by Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Rep. began to try to weaken Clinton’s power.
Somalia • Somalia was in the midst of a civil war in 1993. • Along with the UN, US forces were sent to provide food and restore order. • Many soldiers died, Clinton withdrew our forces. • The experiences in Somalia prohibited the US from intervening in other conflicts of the time, like genocide in Rwanda.
NAFTA • North American Free Trade Agreement • Established tariff free trading between Canada, Mexico, and US. • For: increase trade, lower prices • Against: low-wage American jobs could go to Mexico
Impeachment • Republican Congress searched for information that would damage Clinton’s popularity. • Investigations were held into business deals Clinton had before he was pres., Clinton was cleared. • A woman also sued Clinton for sexual harassment, which allegedly occurred while he was Governor. • Clinton was also cleared of these charges. • During these investigations new evidence was exposed of a more recent improper relationship with a WH intern.
Impeachment • Clinton was questioned about his relationship, and he testified, under oath, that it was not true. • Clinton later admitted that he had an affair. • The House, lead by Gingrich, impeached Clinton in 1998. • The Senate held a trial, but did not remove Clinton from the presidency.