The first Democratic president for twelve years, William Jefferson Clinton entered the White House on a note of optimism, pledged to give priority to economic policy and his domestic agenda of healthcare and welfare reforms. President Clinton the "Man from Hope" faced what looked like a fresh opportunity to move ahead with legislation. The years of "gridlock", whereby a president of one political party faced a Congress dominated by another, were over. This volume analyzes in depth the processes and policies of the Clinton presidency. It reveals the contradictions, achievements, reversals and triumphs of a complex and fascinating president and his administration.

The first Democratic president for twelve years, William Jefferson Clinton--the "Man from Hope"--faced what looked like a fresh opportunity to move ahead with legislation. The years of "gridlock," whereby a president of one political party faced a Congress dominated by another, were over. After November 1994, when the Republicans gained control of both chambers of Congress, the years of gridlock and confrontation seemed set to return with a vengeance. The essays in this volume explore the Clinton presidency and examine the wide fluctuations in the president's popularity and achievements.