In what ways was Bill Clinton a traditional Democrat in the style of Kennedy and Johnson? In what ways was he a conservative, like Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush?

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Kiley

History

6 May, 10:41

In what ways was Bill Clinton a traditional Democrat in the style of Kennedy and Johnson? In what ways was he a conservative, like Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush?

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Ronald Myers · Answer 1

Bill Clinton is considered to be a representative of the "New Democrats" branch of the Democratic Party: a branch known for their liberal stances on social and civil issues while being more conservative on economics and taxes. It can be said that he was a traditional Democrat, like Kennedy and Johnson, on civil rights: during his presidency he was in favour of minorities (women, gay people, racial minorities). Examples of this position are the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy regarding sexual minorities in the US armed forces and his healthcare program.

However, when it comes to economy, he is thought to a bit be closer to the ideas of conservatives like Reagan or Bush. He declared that the era of "big government" to be over and he was in favour of deregulation and free market. This would be reflected on walfare reforms, spending cuts and the formation of the NAFTA.