George H.W. Bush-Bill Clinton—George W. Bush and the election of 2000
The end of notes J
Before we move on to Bush I---RRs VP ---We need to examine the Supreme Court under RR***
Reagan used the Supreme Court in an attempt to win the CULTURE WARS.
RR was able to appoint a near-majority –as Nixon had in the 70s---So the Supreme Court became more conservative for sure---under RR.
-1st Woman appointed ---Sandra Day O’Connor from Arizona---a moderate—in 1981. Really and Truly one of the Great Supreme Court jurists---for sure---
RR attacks affirmative action and Racial discrimination in hiring---and wins--- making it more difficult to prove that an employer practiced racial discrimination---and easier for white males to prove “reverse discrimination”—like in the previous “Bakke” case in 1978---
RR attacks Abortion—in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, 1989 – the court approved restrictions on abortions and gave the states the ability to go farther in restricting abortion.
In the case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, 1992-The court ruled the states could restrict access to abortion as long as they did not place an “undue burden,” on the woman---for example a minor would have to notify her parents--- as well as other restrictions***
“More than a decade ago, a Supreme Court decision [Roe v. Wade, 1973] literally wiped off the books of 50 states statutes (laws) protecting the rights of unborn children. Abortion on demand now takes the lives of up to 1.5 million unborn children a year. Human life legislation ending this tragedy will some day pass the Congress, and you and I must never rest until it does. Unless and until it can be proven that the unborn child is not a living entity, then its right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be protected.” Ronald Reagan, 1983
The Election of 1988 –A referendum on Reaganism***
The Republicans lost control of the Senate after 1986--- Hopes rose among Democrats that the “Reagan Revolution,” was over.
They were wrong---4 years early---
But---due to political scandal under RR—5 of his executive branch appointees were fired for corruption –at the end of his 2nd term---- the Dem’s had hopes---but were wrong 4 years early---
The huge budget deficit—and trade deficit---as well as hundreds of banks/Savings and Loans ( de-regulated under RR) failing—going bankrupt---due to FSLIC/FDIC---it cost us 500 Billion Dollars to re-pay account holders----I guess those darn New Deal regulations worked ---hmmm –darn it. More banks failed in the late 80s early 90s than since before the New Deal--- hmmm how many before RRs deregulation---0.
Wall ST. Crash—1987*** uh oh---you mean the rules and regulations put on traders and companies that traded stocks during the New Deal worked too---darn it---It could not have been RRs fault---he just gave those guys freedom by de-regulating—(removing restrictions-rules) but the market fell 508 points in ONE DAY—THE LARGEST SINGLE DAY FALL BY # OR % IN OUR HISTORY****BILLIONS JUST BLEW AWAY*** SHOULD HAVE BEEN SMARTER I GUESS ----EVERYONE DESERVES THE FREEDOM TO BE CHEATED AND SWINDLED RIGHT---IT IS THEIR OWN FAULT***DUMMIES.
The 1988 Election:
Bush I makes two legendary promises while campaigning:
1 “To work for a kinder, gentler America,”—The Americans with Disabilities Act is passed J
2- “Read my lips, no new taxes,” a poor economy dooms him to raising taxes--- ooops trouble***
George H. W. Bush Republican 47.9 million 426
Michael Dukakis Democrat 41 million 111
Bush wins but inherits a de-stabilized world as the USSR is collapsing---a growing threat of Islamic Fundamentalism--- and an Economy that is tanking fast*** he will barely last 4 years---but much about our world is changing quickly*** Cell phones—internet explosion is coming—Cable TV has become dominant--- and Bush I will serve as a transition to the first “Baby Boomer” President—who understands this new stuff better---he even campaigns on MTV---and speaks of trying marijuana---he didn’t inhale he said---William Jefferson Clinton III---also the only other-- 2nd President, Andrew Johnson, in the entire history of the US to be impeached---Wow---he is so accomplished J
George H. W. Bush and the end of the Cold War
Democracy flowered seemingly everywhere in Bush’s 1st few months as President---
The 89’ Revolution--
Tiananmen Square in China
Solidarity in Poland
Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, East Germany (the wall falls)
------In 1990 the two Germany’s are finally re-united 45 years after the end of WWII
------In 1991 Boris Yeltsin takes over Russia—the formal end of the USSR
and the Creation of the CIS---Commonwealth of Independent States is formed
One very concerning question that arose after the fall of communism in Europe----was what would happen to all of the Nuclear Weapons---and Material---a large concern was that it would fall into the hands of the Islamic Fundamentalists----The START II TREATY************huge*******helps in reducing the nuclear arsenal between Yeltsin and Bush---and guidelines are established on how to account for all of the Nuclear materials and weapons---a pretty good job is done in reality---not much loss--- THANK GOD---because there were a lot of worries through this period---Especially due to the Islamic Caucasus area---CHECHNYA---TRIED TO DECLARE THEIR INDEPENDENCE---which actually ties Russian and US interests together in battling the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism.
A Large economic blow was to the Defense Industry which for 45 years dominated Government and spending====now began to lose rapidly and in a HUGE WAY—base closings---cancelling of weapons contracts--- surely impacted employment in this industry and communities in the Sunbelt that depended on the income from the bases or Defense industries===but the COLD WAR WAS OVER---
South Africa frees Nelson Mandela in 1990---and in 1994 he is elected President---MAYBE THE GREATEST MIRACLE IN WORLD HISTORY---considering the history here---Democracy was certainly triumphant over totalitarianism and communism---but ---a lingering Islamic threat is gaining momentum in the Middle East and in some parts of Asia and Africa---due to the totalitarian nature of the governments in power since WWII or before---
Panamanian Drug Cartel Crisis & The 1st Persian Gulf Crisis---“Operation Desert Storm”
Fortunately for the USA we had become a stronger military---very expensive---but stronger in the 80s===in the 90s we will test our strength---
1st in Panama---the corrupt President Noriega was colluding with the Drug Cartels to launder the billions in profits as well as helping them ship their drugs to the USA--- Bush invades Panama in 1989 and captures Noriega and continues to control the Canal===remember Carter had promised to give it to Panama in the year 2000---hmmm maybe not ? we will see J
IRAQ –AND SADDAM HUSSEIN****
In 1990 Saddam sends the Iraqi army across his border in August, 1990, and into neighboring Oil Rich Kuwait---a tiny but wealthy country---he had in the past been given billions in support from the USA while he fought Iran in a ghastly war that featured the use of Poison Gas for the 1st time since WWI in battle.
Saddam wanted to take complete control of the Oil in the Rich Persian Gulf*** AND to destroy Israel.
The Untied Nations demanded a complete withdrawal of Iraqi troops by Jan. 91’****
As Jan 15 approached a million man army from 28 nations paid for mostly by Japan---really---but with mostly US Soldiers—Commanded by legendary General “Stormin” Norman Schwarzkopf---the International-US Commanded Force CRUSHES THE IRAQI ARMY----ON FEB 23 THE INVASION BEGAN----“OPERATION DESERT STORM,” 1991—LASTED 4 DAYS J---WE HAD LEARNED SINCE VIETNAM---NEVER AGAIN---- VICTORIOUS AND QUICKLY---COMPLETELY SUPPORTED AT HOME---AND IN THE WORLD----J SADDAM’S ARMY LAY IN RUINS----AFTER 4 DAYS J 100 HOUR WAR****However, the UN did not call for Saddam’s removal just---Iraq’s removal from Kuwait---and for Iraq to settle down and apologize----Saddam was smart enough after 100 hours of but whuppin to say I am sorry---AND STAY IN POWER AND WAIT FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY**** HE DOES LATER***
GEORGE H. W. BUSH (DADDY) ON THE HOME FRONT
THE LANDMARK (ADA) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IS PASSED BY CONGRESS IN 1990***FORBIDDING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE 43 MILLION AMERICANS WITH PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITIES****
With the economy at home crumbling and unemployment reaching 10%---especially in areas with base closings or defense industry cutbacks--- and with Sexual Harassment cases being denied in the Supreme Court--- Bush was in trouble---
And in his 1990 budget he RAISED TAXES---WHAT THE HECK HE PROMISED----HE IS A REPUBLICAN ISN’T HE----
The Election of 1992---Bill Clinton---The first “Baby Boomer” President
Bill Clinton, despite the rumors of cheating on his wife, smoking marijuana (not inhaling he said while campaigning on MTV), and Dodging the Vietnam Draft----and his VP running mate Al Gore took on Bush----
-And a surprisingly strong 3rd Party businessman candidate Ross Perot in the crazy election of 1992. Perot had a personal vendetta against Bush—he was from Texas and a gazillionaire---and had battled the Bush family for years----HIS SINGLE GOAL WAS TO DENY BUSH A 2ND TERM*** AND GETTING 20% OF THE POPULAR VOTE (NO ELECTORAL VOTES) HE IS SUCCESSFUL---A CONSERVATIVE BUSINESSMAN WITH BIG EARS AND A HIGH PITCHED SQUEAKY VOICE HE WAS GREAT IN COMMERCIALS ON TV WITH SLIDES AND BACKBOARD BUSINESS LIKE PRESENTATIONS---POPULAR AMONG MANY WHO THOUGHT A BUSINESSMAN WAS NEEDED TO GET US OUT OF THE HUGE DEFECITS****
Clinton called himself a “New Democrat,” pro-business/strong defense/and anti-crime----reform welfare---stimulate the economy----and overhaul the health-care system (controversial)---Clinton’s best slogan made use of the terrible economic situation that was left to Bush by Reagan---“It’s the Economy, Stupid”
Bush ran with a lightweight non-intellectual poor speaking Indiana Gov. Dan Quayle—Who insulted women and lost debates consistently—although honestly he didn’t mean to insult anyone and tried real hard---- focusing on Family Values and honesty---he just was not a very good speaker---who sometimes thought he was brilliant----but it did provide a lot of good Saturday Night lives J
Election of 1992**************************
George H. W. Bush Republican 38.1 million 168
Ross Perot Independent 19.2 million 0* but did break Wallace’s record for most popular votes by a 3rd party candidate for President---total # TR still the Man in 1912—
Bill Clinton Democrat 43.7 million 370 ***but if you add up Bush and Perot’s popular vote total---you notice the Billy was a “MINORITY PRESIDENT” –MORE PEOPLE VOTED AGAINST HIM THAN FOR HIM ---AND THAT WILL MAKE TROUBLE FOR BILLY BOY LATER, FOR SURE**** BUSH WOULD HAVE EASILY BEAT CLINTON IF PEROT HAD NOT RUN**** I guess Perot got his revenge on Bush---and “Slick Willy” out maneuvered them ---not inhaling marijuana and all J
William Jefferson Clinton III --- “Slick Willy” -- “Stain man” (a play on words from a popular movie at that time “rain man, 1988” J
I have to tell you that Bill was a very controversial figure from the beginning--- he was a “Minority President,” ---by the most since Abraham Lincoln---barely 40% voted for him--- and this is going to cause him trouble later--- As well as his supposed many affairs ---cheating on his wife Hillary ( who herself was a successful Lawyer---and former Watergate staffer to Congress right out of Yale)—While Bill did go to Yale, as well---he was the Gov. of a lowly southern state---Arkansas---but he was “cool,” a good thing at times and a really bad thing at other times---Remember America is still “Graying,” getting older---and many folks just did not trust “Slick Willie.”
Bill was gifted with strong majorities in both houses of Congress, initially ---- Carol Moseley-Braun is elected to the Senate from Illinois ****AND BECOMES THE 1ST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN ELECTED TO THE SENATE***EVER****AND JOINED 5 OTHER WOMEN---THE LARGEST GROUP EVER (5) WOW.
Clinton also appointed ---many women to cabinet positions—1st female Attorney General, Janet Reno---Donna Shalala, Sec. of Health and Human Services----and appointed the 2nd woman to the Supreme Court ---Ruth Bader Ginsburg--- and also many minorities-- Blacks and Hispanics to cabinet positions---“I will shape a government that looks like America.” BC
A False Start For Reform
Bill overestimated his strength of his victory---and got punched in the mouth right away----
-He advocates an end to the ban on Gays and Lesbians in the Military---and settles for the most ridiculous ----“DON’T ASK-DON’T TELL” RULE---HUH???
- BILL NEXT GOES ON NATIONAL TV AND TELLS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT HIS WIFE---Hillary---was going to LEAD HEALTH CARE REFORM----SHE THEN TELLS AMERICA SHE IS A FULL POLITICAL PARTNER WITH HER HUSBAND---FIRST LADY –FIRST MAN---PEOPLE WERE LIKE WHAT??? R U KIDDING ME---BE A FIRST LADY—LOOK PRETTY (NOT ME I DID NOT SAY THIS)---YOU DID NOT GET ELECTED ANYTHING (I SAID THIS)--- AFTER A BUNCH OF TELEVISED HEARINGS ON REFORMING THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM---NATIONALIZED MEDICINE???
A HUGE BACKLASH---AND THE PLAN FAILS MISERABLY---AND BILL AND HILLARY GET A TON OF CRITICISM**** Bill begins to get comfort from a 18 year old intern named Monica--- poor Bill he was sad--- and needed lots of support---especially after the failed World Trade Center Bombing—the Oklahoma City Bombing---Blackhawk Down in Somalia---the fiasco against the cult in Waco, TX ---Ok city and the cult were against Private Militias in the USA—Private Armies of ultra-conservative crazy folks---armageddonists---
With lots of love Bill is able to respond---- by getting Congress to pass the “Brady Gun Control bill” and the “Anti-Crime Bill” that gives $$$ to states and Cities for more Police officers***very popular.
The Politics of Distrust—Hilary finds out about the support and love Bill was getting from Monica and others---ouch---Bill has a hard time responding ----to these accusations and lies to Hilary, His Daughter, His Girlfriends, A Grand Jury (against the law—even for a President) and to the American People live on TV----but again it led to many really funny Saturday Night Live skits J
Of Course at the Same time---VP Al Gore and his wife, “Tipper,” go on a campaign to get Music and Video Games rated like Movies---- especially the popular “Gangsta Rap” they do not like it—and feel that it is a bad influence on Children. Al also claims the popular 70s movie “Love Story,” was about him and that he “invented the Internet at Harvard,” hmmmm—like I said it was a crazy time---later he dances in the premiere of Justin Timberlake’s Video--- “Sexyback” after getting more popular votes than “W” Bush---and losing----he was getting his sexy back J oh yeah I forgot---because Bill lied to a grand jury and there were a lot of jealous Congressmen---He is IMPEACHED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES---THE 2ND EVER--- HE WINS THE TRIAL IN THE SENATE THOUGH---THE VOTE WAS 50-50=== THERE WAS A LOT OF SPATTER ABOUT EVIDENCE AND THE STAIN ON THE COUNTRY—DUE TO “SLICK WILLIE’S” PERFORMANCE---AS PRESIDENT. AGAIN LOTS OF GREAT SKITS ON SNL*** BILL SURVIVES ---AL GORE WAS WAITNG ---BUT BILL SHOWED HIS BONE HARD TOUGHNESS AND REALLY HELD BACK HIS ENEMIES---- DEFEATING BOB DOLE SOUNDLY IN THE 1996 ELECTION JUST BEFORE ALL OF THIS MESS HAPPENED.