Clinton, William J. (1946–)

WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON was born William Jefferson Blythe IV in Hope, Arkansas. His father died prior to his birth, and he adopted the last name of his stepfather, Roger Clinton, whom his mother, Virginia Kelley, would later remarry. Clinton received his education at Georgetown, Oxford, and Yale universities and became governor of Arkansas in 1978 at the age of 32.

He lost his governorship in 1982, before regaining the position in 1986 and holding it until his bid for the presidency. In 1992, he successfully defeated the incumbent candidate, Republican George H.W. Bush, to become the 42nd president of the United States. Clinton's presidency lasted two terms, as he successfully defeated Republican candidate Bob Dole in the 1996 election and became the first Democrat to win ...