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William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton 1993-2000. Living Room Candidate. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992 http:// www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1996. Clinton Foreign Policy Issues: North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA]-
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Living Room Candidate • http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992 • http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1996
Clinton Foreign Policy Issues: North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA]- An effort to break down trade barriers between Mexico, Canada and the US is signed in 1992.
Impact/Effects: Trade increases/improves Tariffs reduced and trade restrictions lifted. A “Free Trade Zone” was created throughout North America
The Middle East- PLO Israel Jordan Clinton restarts peace negotiations. Groups agree to a degree of Palestinian self-government.
Iraq- Clinton airlifts troops to force Iraq to withdraw troops sent to the border of Kuwait. Clinton pushes for firm action against Iraq’s blocking UN weapon inspections [1997 &1998].
Haiti- Clinton is slow to help restore a democratic regime elected (1990) in Haiti & ousted by a military coup. He sends troops in 1994 and restores Aristide, the elected leader.
China- Clinton tries to tie economic policy and human rights with little success. Some reform occurs.
Russia- The crisis created in moving from communism to a market economy, leads Clinton to support Yeltsin in his conflict with the Russian Parliament.
North Korea- Clinton convinced North Korea to halt nuclear weapon development.
Bosnia- In the former Yugoslavia, Clinton cannot achieve international cooperation. The war in Bosnia is not ended.
NATO- In 1999, NATO expands welcoming in former Warsaw Pact nations.
South Africa- In 1994, South Africa ends apartheid and Nelson Mandela is elected president.
European Union- A trade organization designed to break down trade barriers within Europe.
Nuclear SouthEast Asia- Pakistan, India and North Korea all developed nuclear weapons.
Clinton Domestic Policy Issues: It was difficult for Democratic Clinton to achieve many of his goals due to the Republican dominated Congress.
Federal Budget Deficit- During his term in office, Clinton was able to balance the federal budget, bring the nation out of debt and produce a surplus.
Health Care Reform- One of the main goals of the presidency, Clinton immediately [1993] worked to reform health care. Clinton wanted guaranteed health insurance for all Americans. He appointed his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton to serve on this and a committee regarding education reform. The public was uncomfortable with a first lady in such influential positions.
Social Security- Clinton brought into the limelight the notion that SS as created during the New Deal had to be revised to reflect changing demographics and the baby boomers beginning to enter into retirement. Very little was able to be accomplished due to the clash of partisan politics.
Fighting Crime- Greater laws regarding gun were control enacted requiring a 5 day waiting period to purchase a gun. A major crime bill that increased funds for local police departments was passed.
Supreme Court Appointments- Clinton was the first Democrat in 26 years to appoint justices to the Supreme Court. He named two who were considered to be “middle of the road” jurists. Stephen Breyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Economic Recovery and Growth- The 1990’s under Clinton’s leadership were the longest period of economic growth in US history. Gasoline cost less than it had in 20 years. Interest rates were stable, unemployment and inflation were down.
Scandal and Impeachment- Throughout his entire presidency, GOP leaders investigated Clinton and his wife Hillary. They were investigated & accused, but there was never enough to formally charge until 1998 when Clinton was charged with perjury regarding a relationship with a White House intern.
Clinton was impeached on charges of perjury & obstruction of justice. He was acquitted.
Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, was impeached by the House of Representatives on two charges, one of perjury and one of obstruction of justice, on December 19, 1998. Two other impeachment articles, a second perjury charge and a charge of abuse of power, failed in the House. The charges arose from the Lewinsky scandal and the Paula Jones lawsuit. He was acquitted by the Senate on February 12, 1999. Requiring a two-thirds majority for a conviction, only 50 senators (out of 100) voted guilty on the obstruction charge and 45 on the perjury charge. The Senate was 17 votes short of removing Clinton from office. (Wikipedia)
