February 18, 1999
Web posted at: 12:07 p.m. EST (1707 GMT)

WASHINGTON (February 18) -- President Bill Clinton was the "comeback kid" in New Hampshire in 1992. Thursday, Clinton returned to New Hampshire for a symbolic homecoming. It's an anniversary visit that will take Clinton back in time to a past that in some ways will seem very much like the present.

Bill Clinton makes his "Comback Kid" speech in New Hampshire during the 1992 presidential campaign

"I think we know enough to say with some certainty that New Hampshire tonight has made Bill Clinton the comeback kid," Clinton told supporters the night of the granite state's primary in 1992. But he didn't win that primary. He came in second to the late Sen. Paul Tsongas of Massachusetts.

That was seven years ago. Clinton was Arkansas governor then, and saw a big lead in the New Hampshire primary evaporate because of the Gennifer Flowers sex scandal and questions about his Vietnam draft status.

A state, and a country, that hardly knew the small state southern governor got a lesson in resiliency.

"I'll never forget who gave me a second chance and I'll be there for you until the last dog dies," Clinton promised New Hampshire voters before the primary.

A strategy many then predicted would fail, is now a time tested Clinton trademark.

"It is what I've tried to do for six years, it's what I intend to do for two more, until the last hour of the last day of my term," Clinton, flanked by congressional Democrats, told the nation two months ago shortly after the House approved two articles of impeachment against him.

President Bill Clinton speaks in the Rose Garden after being impeached by the House of Representatives

"Bill Clinton learned in the snows of New Hampshire that you needed to stay focused on real issues and what was important to people's lives that was going to transcend any of the controversies that you may face," Frank Greer a former Clinton media adviser says.

The president's latest visit to New Hampshire includes a health care event and a state Democratic fund-raiser. Coming so soon after the impeachment trial ended, the White House is being careful not to call it a celebration.

But it is an opportunity to say thank you to people who gave him a second chance long ago. A chance for the president to once again make the case that Americans care more about his policy agenda than his personal failings.

Thursday, February 18, 1999

• Judge in Jones case won't be removed from contempt decision
• Los Angeles a step closer to hosting Democratic 2000 convention
• Smith joins race for 2000 GOP nomination
• Clinton returns to New Hampshire
• Clinton to pardon first African-American West Point graduate
• Starr's office clears Lewinsky for first interview
• How are CNN polls taken?
• Stream of politicians visit Gov. George Bush
• Nevada's Sen. Bryan won't run again
• Reno's deputy sees need for changes in independent counsel law
• Proposed Medicare changes could save billions over time
• What will scandal veterans do now that impeachment is over?
• Analysis: New battle over who can wage war -- Congress or Clinton?

ARCHIVES