William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, serving two consecutive terms from Jan. 20, 1993, to Jan. 20, 2001.
Supporters of Clinton argue that during his presidency, the United States enjoyed the lowest unemployment and inflation rates in recent history. There was a record-high rate of home ownership, crime was at a 25-year low, and a budget surplus was achieved. They credit Clinton for eliminating the deficit and for welfare reform, despite having to deal with a Republican-controlled Congress.
Opponents of Clinton argue that he cannot claim credit for the strong economy during his presidency because it was a result of outside factors. They argue his policies led to the global financial crisis that began in 2007. They also point to his impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice, in addition to his failed attempt to pass universal health care coverage, as further evidence that he was not a successful president.
Bill Clinton was born on Aug. 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He received a BS in Foreign Affairs from Georgetown University in 1968, attended Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship, and earned a JD from Yale Law School in 1973. He married Hillary Rodham in 1975 and was first elected Governor of Arkansas in 1978. After serving five consecutive terms (12 years) as Governor, Clinton announced his candidacy for president on Oct. 3, 1991. Despite allegations that he dodged the draft and cheated on his wife, Clinton and running mate Senator Al Gore (D-TN) defeated incumbent President George H.W. Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot in the Nov. 3, 1992, election, winning 370 electoral votes and 43 percent of the popular vote.[1] This victory made Clinton the first Democratic president elected in 12 years.