Page "Bill Clinton" Paragraph 30

Because Bush's approval ratings were in the 80 % range during the Gulf War, he was described as unbeatable.

However, when Bush compromised with Democrats to try to lower Federal deficits, he reneged on his promise not to raise taxes, hurting his approval rating.

Clinton repeatedly condemned Bush for making a promise he failed to keep.

By election time, the economy was souring and Bush saw his approval rating plummet to just slightly over 40 %.

Finally, conservatives were previously united by anti-communism, but with the end of the Cold War, the party lacked a uniting issue.

When Pat Buchanan and Pat Robertson addressed Christian themes at the Republican National Convention – with Bush criticizing Democrats for omitting God from their platform – many moderates were alienated.

Clinton then pointed to his moderate, " New Democrat " record as governor of Arkansas, though some on the more liberal side of the party remained suspicious.

Many Democrats who had supported Ronald Reagan and Bush in previous elections switched their support to Clinton.

Clinton and his running mate, Al Gore, toured the country during the final weeks of the campaign, shoring up support and pledging a " new beginning ".