George H.W. Bush, the incumbent president of the 992 election was a strong candidate. One of the most striking and visible issues during the election of 992 was the employment rate. The United States was seeing the highest unemployment rate in over five years. In 992, the unemployment rate jumped to a staggering 7.4% in December. At the height of unemployment in 992, the unemployment rate was 7.8%. At the start of Bushs presidency, the unemployment rate was only 5.4 to 6.3%. As the unemployment rate continued to increase, Bushs approval rating tanked. Voters were in disbelief of the exorbitantly high unemployment rate. George H.W. Bush was starting to be seen as out of touch with the middle class and struggling Americans and did not take a strong course of action to try to reinvigorate the economy and lower unemployment rates. Bill Clinton, even though he may not have been an economist, had a clear plan to improve the economy, thus lowering the unemployment rate. Voters enjoyed having a plan that was clear and concise that outlined how to improve the unemployment rate. Clintons plan during his 992 campaign included paying more attention to the middle class and renewing a government program to solve the problem. Bill Clintons plan to decrease the unemployment rate was key in convincing voters to vote for him instead of George H.W. Bush.
The economy was perhaps the biggest issue in the 992 election. Leading up to 992, the election was not performing well. Between 990 and 992
there was an economic recession. In 99, the United States saw a loss of over 800,00 jobs. Overall, the economy was in a slump and Bush was partially to blame. Clinton saw Bushs weakness and exploited it. Bill Clinton publicly came out during his campaign and gave his own potential economic plans. Voters, excited by the thought of an improving economy, heavily supported Clinton and his plan. Clintons plan included cutting taxes for the middle class, making training more easily accessible so workers could become highly-trained, giving funding to emerging technologies, and making FHA loans more accessible. Middle class families and those struggling saw the chance to elect a president that would fight for them and their families. During the Clintons 992 campaign, Clintons strategist, James Carville, put such an emphasis on the economy that they coined the phrase, Its the economy, stupid. Since many voters will vote in accordance with how well their bank account is performing, Bill Clinton was the top candidate due to his direct plan to boost the economy. Even though Ross Perot was an economist, his lack of political experience and his history of leaving elections made voters weary of what he may do as president. Therefore, Ross Perot lagged behind in the race, even though his main issue to tackle was also his strong suit, the economy. Bill Clinton was able to push an economic plan to Americans that would ultimately aid him in becoming President of the United States of America.