3. What was the significance of Clinton's image?

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we think about the different aspects of Clinton's image and its significance to his political career, focusing in particular on: (i) the importance of the president's image generally, especially since the widespread use of television in the 1950s; (ii) Clinton's engagement with pop culture, both during the 1992 presidential campaign and during his time as president; (iii) the sense in which Clinton's self-presentation as a 'new Democrat' was bolstered by his engagement with pop culture; (iv) the extent to which Clinton was seen to personify the 1960s – for better and for worse; (v) Clinton's closeness to the African-American community, his love of black music, Toni Morrison's description of Clinton as "our first black President"; and (vi) his feminist credentials: his marriage, his promotion of women to high positions, including as Secretary of State (Madeleine Albright) and Attorney General (Janet Reno).

Course

In this course, Professor Mark White (Queen Mary, University of London) explores the life, political career and presidency of Bill Clinton through five key questions: (1) How did Clinton rise to power?; (2) Why did Clinton win the 1992 presidential election?; (3) What was the significance of Clinton's image?; (4) How did the issue of Clinton's character affect his political career?; and (5) How successful was Clinton as a presidential policymaker?

Lecturer

Mark White is Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London, specialising in US foreign policy in the Cold War and the US presidency since 1945. His recent publications include Against the President: Dissent and Decision-Making in the White House (2007) and The Presidency of Bill Clinton: The Legacy of a New Domestic and Foreign Policy (2012)