The Clinton Presidency: First Appraisals

This work provides analyses by political scientists of President Clinton's performance in an era of divided government. Among the frustrations identified by this group of observers are Clinton's failure to define or adhere to his agenda as a "New Democrat", continuing problems caused by his management style and character issues, and his inability to end the gridlock between the presidency and Congress, even with the Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress during his first two years in office. The book assesses the Clinton presidency at mid-term, including the separation-of-powers system, the President's team, relations with Congress, the courts, the executive branch, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, domestic and foreign policies, and presidential leadership. A final, summary chapter considers the results of the 1994 midterm elections and the prospects for the future.