Presidential election
1992 presidential election
Bill Clinton defeated George H.W. Bush, winning 370 of 538 electoral votes and 43% of the popular vote.
Results
55.2%
Turnout rate
104.4M
Total votes cast
189.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| California(CA) | 54 | DemocraticClinton | +13.4% |
| New York(NY) | 33 | DemocraticClinton | +16% |
| Texas(TX) | 32 | RepublicanBush | +3.5% |
| Florida(FL) | 25 | RepublicanBush | +1.9% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 23 | DemocraticClinton | +9% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Al Gore
Home state
Arkansas
Age at election
46
Previous position
Governor of Arkansas
Campaign slogan
"It's the Economy, Stupid"
Popular vote
44.9M
(43%)
Electoral votes
370
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Dan Quayle
Home state
Texas
Age at election
68
Previous position
41st President of the United States (Incumbent)
Popular vote
39.1M
(37.4%)
Electoral votes
168
Party
IndependentRunning mate
James Stockdale
Home state
Texas
Age at election
62
Previous position
Business executive
Popular vote
19.7M
(18.9%)
Electoral votes
0
Women
Clinton
45%
Independents
Perot
38%
African Americans
Clinton
83%
Key events
Gennifer Flowers Scandal
Affair allegations didn't derail Clinton
Perot Drops Out/Returns
Bizarre withdrawal and return confused voters
Issues & context
End of 12-year Republican era. Recession hurt Bush. 'It's the economy, stupid' was winning message. Perot's 19% strongest third-party since 1912. Baby Boomer generation took power.
Recession. Unemployment rising. Recovery slow. 'Read my lips' broken promise hurt Bush. Deficit concerns grew.
Bush's Gulf War popularity evaporated. Economy soured. Seemed out of touch (grocery scanner story). Clinton's energy contrasted.
End of Reagan-Bush era. Clinton's triangulation strategy shaped Democratic Party. Perot movement led to Reform Party and influenced Trump later.
Did you know?
- 1.Perot's 19% was best third-party since TR in 1912
- 2.'It's the economy, stupid' became legendary phrase
- 3.Clinton played saxophone on Arsenio Hall
- 4.Bush checking his watch became symbol of detachment
- 5.First Baby Boomer president