APUSH Review: Bill Clinton to George W. Bush

Election of 1992: Democrats selected Bill Clinton and Albert Gore, Jr.; Clinton focused on economic growth, defense, and anti-crime policies.
Republican Opposition: George H.W. Bush and J. Danforth Quayle emphasized "family values" and claimed Clinton’s character was flawed.
Third Party Impact: Ross Perot received nearly 20 million votes but no electoral votes; Clinton win: 370 to 168 Electoral College.
Diversity in Governance: Clinton’s cabinet included significant minority representation, with Janet Reno as the first female attorney general.

Military Policy: Attempted to integrate homosexuals into the armed forces; resulted in "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy.
Health Care Reform: Hillary Clinton’s plan was criticized and seen as a liability.
Legislative Achievements: Reduced federal deficit by 1996; passed Brady Bill (gun control) and a $30 billion anticrime bill.
Terrorism Incidents: Notable events included the 1993 WTC bombing and the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.

Republican Resurgence: Newt Gingrich led the “Contract with America” in 1994, gaining congressional seats and fueling Republican popularity.
Clinton's 1996 Victory: Won reelection against Bob Dole despite controversies; rebalanced political center.

Key Policies: Supported NAFTA and the WTO; dealt with growing cynicism over campaign finance reforms.
Foreign Affairs: Engagements included military actions in Somalia and the Balkans; normalization of relations with China despite human rights issues.

Whitewater Investigation: Investigations into personal and financial misconduct led to scrutiny.
Monica Lewinski Affair: Clinton impeached for perjury related to sexual relations but acquitted by the Senate.

Presidential Achievements: Balanced budget and moderate policies contributed to economic growth.
Final Actions: Focused on shaping a positive legacy before leaving office amid scandals and controversy.

Candidates: Al Gore and George W. Bush competed closely; Ralph Nader’s candidacy impacted the outcome.
Controversial Results: Bush won narrow electoral victory (271-266) despite losing the popular vote.

Initial Actions: Emphasized tax cuts and faith-based programs, leading to major budget deficits.
September 11 Attacks: Marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy and initiated the "War on Terror" against Al Qaeda led by Osama Bin Laden.

Rationale for War: Accusations of Saddam Hussein harboring WMDs led to U.S. military action; Baghdad fell quickly but post-war stabilization was challenging.
Domestic Impact: Increased casualties and rising discontent regarding the war among Americans.

Key Issues: Continued divisions over election integrity, civil liberties (Patriot Act), and war in Iraq.
Bush vs. Kerry in 2004: Security concerns dominated the reelection campaign, with Bush ultimately securing victory despite contentious issues.