George HW Bush as President / The Election of 1992

Monday - May 12, 2025

How long was George HW Bush President for?

4 years (1988 - 1992)

How was HW Bush’s first 2 years? His second 2 years?

great, bad

What was HW Bush’s national approval rate during his first 2 years? How’d it change during his second 2 years?

90% - 40%

When did the Cold War end?

November 9, 1989

How did HW Bush build positive press/image from 1990 - 1992?

he took photos w/ Russian leaders

What was America’s main focus after getting out of the Cold War?

the Middle East

Who became Iraq’s dictator on July 16, 1979?

Saddam Hussein

When did Saddam Hussein become a dictator in Iraq?

July 16, 1979

When did Iraqi forces invade Kuwait? Why?

August 2, 1990 - Kuwait was small & had a lot of oil

How did HW Bush reassure Americans after sending American forces into Kuwait?

He promised Iraq wouldn’t be another Vietnam

When did other nations form an international coalition with America against Iraq?

Mid-January 1991

What was America’s limited goal for dealing with Saddam Hussein?

Get him out of Kuwait, then leave

How long was the Gulf War?

6 weeks

When did the Gulf War end?

February 28, 1991

How was the Gulf War viewed in America?

It was popular

Around what time did HW Bush have a 90% national approval rate?

Late February 1991

What was going on in America from July 1990 - March 1991?

A recession

In 1992, America’s unemployment rate was?

5.5% - 7.8%

Why were Americans becoming frustrated with HW Bush by 1991/92?

There was a lingering recession & unemployment rates were bad

What was going on in LA from 1991-1992?

The Race Riots

Who was beat up badly ON CAMERA by police officers on March 3, 1991 in LA?

Rodney King

When was Rodney King beat up mercilessly by LA police officers?

March 3, 1991

What kind of jury ruled Rodney King’s abusers NOT guilty?

white, suburban people who didn’t live in LA

When were Rodney King’s abusers found NOT guilty (even with clear camera footage)?

April 29, 1992

When did LA’s Race Riots take place?

April 29 - May 3

How many were killed and injured during LA’s Race Riots?

63 dead & 2,383 injured

What was HW Bush’s response to the LA Race Riots?

Bush slowly responded by sending US marines into LA to manage the riots

Why didn’t Republican representative George HW Bush have any momentum going into the Election of 1992?

America was still in a lingering recession. Plus, we had a poor legal system.

How many EC votes did HW Bush have? What percentage of popular votes did he have?

168 EC & 37% POP

How many men ran for Presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention?

9 men

Who ended up representing Democrats for the Election of 1992?

Bill Clinton

Why was winning 1992’s election crucial for Democrats?

Bush gave Dems an opening & Dems hadn’t won since Carter in 1976

When Bill Clinton was 31 years old, what kind of political position did he have?

Governor of Arkansas

What kind of topics was Clinton an expert on?

Details & people

After Clinton lied about using pot in college and sexual affairs, what did people start questioning about him as a potential President?

Can Clinton tell the truth?

How did Clinton connect with younger voters, like 18 - 19 year olds?

He went on MTV and revealed himself as a saxophone player

How many EC votes did Clinton have? What percentage of popular votes did he have?

370 EC & 43% POP

What was the third political party in 1992’s Election?

The Reform Party

Who was the Reform Party’s representative?

Ross Perot

Did Ross Perot have any government experience? What did he have?

No, but he was a billionaire

Describe Ross Perot’s campaigning style. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

He said whatever he wanted, said he would rid of government waste, believed trade deals were unfair, and was anti-globalist

How many popular votes did Ross Perot receive? What percentage of popular votes did he have?

19.7 million & 18.9%