The American Vote
Modern PolarizationCycle 52 / 60

1992

Bill Clinton and the 1992 map.
Bill Clinton (Democratic) defeated George H. W. Bush (Republican), 43.0% to 37.5%.
Clinton
370 EV
Bush
168 EV
0270 to win → 270538
The map · 1992
35 states for Dem · 16 for Rep
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Narrative

Bill Clinton and the 1992 map

Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton defeated incumbent George Bush as billionaire Ross Perot ran the most successful third-party campaign since Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. Perot won 18.9% of the popular vote and no electoral votes but significantly divided the anti-Clinton vote, helping Clinton win with just 43% of the popular vote. Clinton's campaign team's internal motto was 'It's the economy, stupid,' capitalizing on the 1990-91 recession. Clinton became the first Democratic president elected since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Key issue

Economic recession; NAFTA; healthcare reform; 'It's the economy, stupid'

Notable

Perot won 18.9% — best third-party popular vote since TR 1912; Clinton won with only 43%

States · 51 reporting