why did america vote overwelmingly for Clinton in '96 while they had voted in a republican senate 2 yrs before

Answer 1

People perceive of the roles of their congress-people from a viewpoint of benefit to their localities. They want someone who will represent for their interests.

On the other hand Presidents tend to run on perceived idealism. In general people don't care about their reps positions on the vaster issues of international politics and macro-economy; but a president needs to be present on that larger stage. This leads to a different set of considerations.

As to the idea that people vote appositely (and yes, that is the word I intend) --I have yet to see much evidence that Bill Clinton, in his policies was not vastly different than Bush the first or Reagan.

On the presidential level there is only conservatism, it would appear. The most radically different president we've had in the last fifty years is the current one. He is neither Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal. He is rather a sort of independent, well, um... the only word I can find is: dictator. Do you know a more accurate word?

Answer 2

Well, I wouldn't call 49.2% of all votes cast to be an overwhelming vote, but Clinton was able to play off the Republican Congress, as well as the fact that the Republicans nominated probably the worst candidate they have nominated since they decided to let Hoover run again in 1932.

Answer 3

Often America votes for the opposite party that controls Congress. We'll see a demonstration of this when the opposite of the party controlling Congress is elected the next President

Answer 4

Because America was well aware that Bill was a great president (probably the greatest of modern times) and knew that his leadership was needed. Hillary will also do a fine job during her 2 terms

Answer 5

Universal suffrage.