Reelection

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of Bill Clinton's electoral success as a native-son candidate, exploring the interplay of race and regional identity.

In Reelection, Hanes Walton Jr. provides a thorough examination of Bill Clinton as a native-son presidential candidate, utilizing a wealth of local, county, state, and national data. This analysis reveals how elections can be influenced by the values and beliefs of both candidates and voters alike. Since the Civil Rights Bill of 1964, only three Democrats have succeeded in capturing the White House, and notably, all hail from southern states. Clinton's rise and reelection serve as a compelling illustration of this trend, making it essential to explore the psychological factors at play in electoral contests.

Walton meticulously covers all twenty-one elections that Clinton participated in for state and national offices, illustrating one of the significant political success stories of the century. He highlights how Clinton's enduring popularity in his southern roots has significantly shaped his national electoral success. The book skillfully intertwines the native-son theory with racial dynamics, showcasing how the Democratic Party has cultivated a formidable power base in the South, largely due to the support from African-American voters.

The epilogue addresses the Monica Lewinsky scandal and its ramifications for the Democratic Party, adding depth to the discussion of Clinton's legacy. Reelection stands as a vital contribution to the understanding of the psychology behind national elections, especially at a time when insights into potential Democratic leadership for the future are critically important.