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Oral History Interview with William J. (Bill) Clinton, June 15, 1974. Interview A-0027. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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  • Abstract
    This interview took place during Bill Clinton's unsuccessful 1974 bid for a seat representing Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives. Two years later, he ran uncontested to become the state attorney general, and in 1978 he won the governorship. Here, Clinton demonstrates his devotion to the intricacies of political maneuvering, his sense of the role of personality in politics, and his fondness for words. He seems aware that his ability to personally connect with Arkansas voters will be important as he vies for the seat, but seems uncomfortable with the idea that he will rely more on charm than on issues. He hopes that his stands on various issues will give Arkansas voters a clear picture of him as a person. The interview is packed with many specific details about Arkansas politics.
    Excerpts
  • Personal connections will determine votes
  • Effect of identity politics on electoral success
  • Personal history of political involvement
  • Decision to run for office
  • Personal connections will determine votes
  • Considering Nixon's impeachment
  • Exploiting general dissatisfaction with government as campaign issue
  • Minimal influence of labor in Arkansas
  • Hard work trumps appearance in electoral success
  • Voters respond to issues
  • Learn More
  • Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
  • Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
  • Subjects
  • Arkansas--Politics and government
  • Fulbright, J. William (James William), 1905-
  • The Southern Oral History Program transcripts presented here on Documenting the American South undergo an editorial process to remove transcription errors. Texts may differ from the original transcripts held by the Southern Historical Collection.

    Funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services supported the electronic publication of this title.