Competition for the Democratic nomination was intense, Clinton was criticized for his lack of experience at federal level and his lack of knowledge on foreign affairs. Clinton, however insisted that he was a break from the elite of Washington and could bring a fresh perspective to the government. But his campaign was also plagued by allegations of extra-marital sexual liaisons and questions about his draft status during the Vietnam war.
However, Clinton pulled through, securing the Democratic party nomination, he chose Al Gore as his running mate. His general election campaign concentrated on the economic frailties of the Bush administration, he insisted that he had the wherewithal to pull America out of economic decline. Clinton solidified the old Democratic coalition of the blue collar workers and minorities and he polled well in traditional Republican strongholds in the West - he won the election, he was President of the United States at the tender age of forty-six.
The Clinton administration got off to a shaky start - it's first two nominations for Attorney-General were rejected after it was revealed that they had hired illegal aliens, he clashed with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell on the issue of homosexuals being admitted into the armed forces, Congress refused to pass health reforms and the White House staff was re-organised within a few months. In addition, Clinton looked uncertain on the international front, he appeared unsure in his dealings with Bosnia and Somalia. Further pressure grew over just how influential his wife was on him and by extension his policies. He was also dragged into the Whitewater scandal, involving the Whitewater Development Company, which the Clinton's had invested in and was being investigated for financial improprieties.
Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source Russell Shortt, http://www.exploringireland.net http://www.visitscotlandtours.com |  |
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