Born: August 19, 1946
Place of Birth: Hope, Arkansas
Major Notes:
William Jefferson Blythe was named after his father, William Blythe, who died prior to Clinton's birth.
His mother, Virginia Kelley, eventually married Roger Clinton and he was given the Clinton name.
Bill Clinton was a high achiever in school and undertook many extra-curricular activities.
He received some inspiration for politics when, as a youth, he met President John F. Kennedy.
From 1968-1970, Clinton attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.
He transferred to Yale University in 1970 where he met Hillary Rodham, his future wife.
Clinton entered his first political race in 1974, losing a close election for the Congress.
Two years later, Bill Clinton was elected to the office of Attorney General for the State of Arkansas.
In 1978, he made a significant political move when he was successful in being elected Governor of Arkansas.
His administration had faced a major problem with Cuban exiles and this led to his losing in the next election.
In 1982, after a brief return to practising law, he again was successful in winning the role of Governor in Arkansas.
He was Governor from 1982-1993 and achieved some remarkable success in Arkansas.
Bill Clinton announced in 1991 that he would become a Democrat candidate for the President of United States.
He won the election and, along with his Vice-President Al Gore, was inaugurated on January 20, 1993.
His years of presidency were ones with almost continuous turmoil while effectively managing the US economy.
The Clintons were under investigation into what was dubbed the "Whitewater" incident.
Clinton was also subjected to impeachment for alleged sexual misconduct dealing with Paula Jones, a former Arkansas employee, and Monica Lewinsky, a young intern.
Public sentiment was with the President who the country and the world felt was under undue duress by the actions of Kenneth Starr, a conservative Republican.
When the above investigations were over, Bill Clinton basically was found not guilty although he confessed he had acted improperly with Lewinsky.
Politically, he brought the budget under control by cutting federal spending, created millions of jobs, and reduced the deficit.
Bill Clinton was also a world leader who dealt with major problems including the countries of Haiti, Bosnia, and Iraq.
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