1996: Setting Up Dole v. Clinton

Critical Presidential Elections

November 16, 2011

William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton

· 42^nd President of the United States from AR.

· Incumbent; no challengers in Democratic primary.

· Assets in election:

o Flourishing economy

o Political charm

· Conflicts in election:

o Loss of control of both houses of Congress

o “Hilary factor”

o Ethics in general (e.g., “Travelgate” and “Filegate”)

“Pat”rick Buchanan

· Former Presidential Adviser and Political commentator from Virginia

· Grass-roots Right

· Sought Republican Party’s nomination in 1992 and 1996.

· Carried 4 states in 1996: NH, AK, MO, and LA.

Steve Forbes

· Businessman from New York.

· President and CEO of Forbes magazine.

· Primarily ran on a platform to establish a flat income tax.

· Carried 2 states in 1996: DE and NM.

Lamar Alexander

· Former Secretary of Education (1991-1993) and Governor of Tennessee (1979-1987)

· Did not carry any states, but had decent numbers in NH, SC, and GA.

Senator Robert J. Dole

· Significant strengths:

o Public opinion polls: better known and better liked than others

o Senate Majority Leader: influence over ongoing business of government

§ Received more media coverage than any of the other opponents

o Very well liked and respected by Party members

§ Governors of IA, NH, SC

o Clear voting record: acceptable to all major Republican factions

o Exceptional fund raiser

· Contenders

o Colin Powell and Jack Kemp: didn’t run

o Buchanan, Forbes, Alexander?