Frontline Season 11 Episode 8 Clinton Takes Over
- January 19, 1993
Clinton Takes Over is the eighth episode of the eleventh season of the documentary series Frontline. This episode is centered around the presidency of Bill Clinton and the events leading up to his election in 1992.
The episode begins by discussing the political climate of the early 1990s. The country was suffering from a recession, the first Gulf War had just ended, and many Americans were disillusioned with the political establishment. It was against this backdrop that Bill Clinton emerged as a compelling candidate for president.
The show explores Clinton's background, including his childhood in Arkansas and his early political career. The episode also delves into Clinton's personal life, including his relationship with Hillary Clinton and the scandals that would later haunt his presidency.
One of the major themes of the episode is Clinton's use of new media to connect with voters. Clinton was the first presidential candidate to embrace the power of cable news and talk shows, and he was able to use these platforms to present himself to the American public in a way that previous candidates had not.
The episode also examines Clinton's policy proposals, including his plans for healthcare reform and his focus on the economy. It looks at how his message of "putting people first" resonated with voters who were looking for change.
Throughout the episode, there are interviews with political insiders who worked on Clinton's campaign, as well as journalists and pundits who covered the race. These interviews provide insight into how Clinton was able to win over voters and become the first Democratic president to be elected in 12 years.
Overall, Clinton Takes Over is a fascinating look at one of the most consequential political campaigns in modern American history. It explores the personal and political factors that shaped Clinton's presidency and offers insight into the ways in which he was able to connect with voters in a way that changed the political landscape of the country.