Bill Clinton

Early Life and Political Ascent

William Jefferson Clinton was born William Jefferson Blythe III on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas, taking his stepfather’s surname later in life. He attended Georgetown University, was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and graduated from Yale Law School, where he met his future wife, Hillary Rodham. Clinton served as Arkansas Attorney General and then Governor of Arkansas for multiple terms before launching his presidential campaign in 1992 as a “New Democrat” who could appeal to moderate voters.

Economic Success and Domestic Policy

Clinton’s presidency coincided with the longest economic expansion in American history, with low unemployment, minimal inflation, and the first federal budget surpluses in decades. He signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), welfare reform legislation, and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. His administration also saw the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act and significant increases in the minimum wage. The economic prosperity of the 1990s became closely associated with Clinton’s presidency, though economists debate how much credit he deserves.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Clinton’s foreign policy was marked by military interventions in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo, as well as diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. He oversaw the expansion of NATO to include former Soviet bloc countries and maintained generally positive relations with Russia under Boris Yeltsin. His administration also dealt with terrorism threats, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, to which the U.S. responded with cruise missile strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan.

Impeachment and Personal Scandals

Clinton’s presidency was overshadowed by personal scandals, most notably his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. When questioned under oath about the relationship in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Paula Jones, Clinton denied it, leading to charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. He became the second president in American history to be impeached by the House of Representatives in 1998, though he was acquitted by the Senate. The scandal dominated his second term and affected his ability to govern effectively.

Saxophone and Pop Culture Presence

Clinton brought a unique cultural flair to the presidency, famously playing the saxophone on “The Arsenio Hall Show” during his 1992 campaign while wearing sunglasses. He was known for his love of McDonald’s, often stopping at restaurants during morning jogs, which became a security challenge for the Secret Service. His ability to “feel your pain” became both genuine empathy and a source of parody, and he was often mocked for his long-winded speeches. After leaving office, he became known as the “First Gentleman” during Hillary’s political career, a role he seemed to relish with his characteristic charisma.