Bill Clinton: Difference between revisions

In the years leading up to the [[1996 United States presidential election|1996 presidential election]], Clinton's reelection remained uncertain, given his low approval ratings and the lopsided defeat of national Democrats in the 1994 elections.<ref>Brown, Peter A. (November 9, 1994). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/casper-star-tribune-republicans-take-con/160487514/ Republicans take control of both houses of Congress]. ''[[Casper Star-Tribune]]''. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref><ref>Beltrame, Julian (January 26, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-can-comeback-kid-come/160487069/ Can Comeback Kid come back again?]. ''[[The Ottawa Citizen]]''. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref> However in mid-1995, as a result of a rebounding economy and the growing unpopularity of congressional Republicans, public favorability of Clinton up-ticked<ref>Lewis, Kathy (April 26, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-pierce-tribune-clintons-empathy-ra/160490140/ Clinton's empathy raises approval rating]. ''[[Treasure Coast Newspapers|Fort Pierce Tribune]]''. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-clinton-approval-over-50/160487794/ Clinton approval over 50% in two polls]. ''[[National Post]]''. May 17, 1995. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref><ref>Kondracke, Morton (December 2, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-facts-as-poll-ratings-climb-clinton/160506279/ As poll ratings climb, Clinton takes leadership role]. ''[[Brazosport Facts]]''. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref> and early 1996 polls found he had a lead of up to 20 points over his likely Republican opponent [[Bob Dole]].<ref>Balz, Dan (March 27, 1996). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/saint-john-times-globe-dole-clinches-in/160490998/ Dole clinches in California]. ''Saint John Times Globe''. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref> Along with Dole, Clinton once again faced Ross Perot, who was nominated by the [[Reform Party of the United States of America|Reform Party]], but he garnered significantly less support than he did in the 1992 election.<ref>Kelly, John Michael (August 19, 1996). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-stuart-news-outside-parties-losing-s/160492328/ Outside parties losing steam]. ''The Stuart News''. Retrieved December 7, 2024.</ref> JustClinton beforewas expected to easily win, given his lead in the electionpolls, Clinton'sand his approval rating hit 60 percent just before the election.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-clinton-leads-dole/160543498/ Clinton leads Dole in poll – approval rating reaches 60%]. ''[[Associated Press]]''. September 4, 1996. Retrieved December 8, 2024.</ref>