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Governor Bill Clinton
First Term (1979-1980)
While serving as attorney general of Arkansas in 1978, Bill Clinton won the Democratic nomination for governor and went on to garner 64.3 percent of the popular vote in the gubernatorial election. Clinton was sworn in as governor in January 1979 at the age of thirty-two.
During his first term as Governor of Arkansas, Bill Clinton faced several adversities. The 1979 energy crisis resulted in higher oil and gas prices throughout the United States which dealt a blow to the state‘s economy that lasted well beyond the end of Governor Clinton’s first term. In order to pay for a new highway program, Clinton persuaded the legislature to increase taxes on motor fuels and automobile license fees. While rural roads received necessary repairs, the annual automobile license fees were unpopular with the majority of the public. He met opposition during his efforts to raise taxes on semi-trailer trucks, and angered members of the trucking and poultry industries by not supporting an increase in truck weight limits. He quarreled with Arkansas Power and Light over the company’s efforts to make Arkansans pay for costs associated with the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant in Mississippi. And in 1980, Governor Clinton received criticism when President Jimmy Carter decided to send Cuban refugees to Fort Chaffee. The situation was further compounded when violence erupted at the refugee camp in June of the same year.
Frank White successfully seized on public safety concerns at Fort Chaffee and the public outcry over high automobile license fees as key campaign issues to win the 1980 governor’s race.
Audio Samples
Click ‘listen to more’ below each sample to hear the complete recording.
Clinton for Arkansas Committee campaign radio ads
Bill Clinton / 1978
In the full recording, Governor Clinton delivers seven “Clinton for Arkansas” 1978 gubernatorial campaign advertisements. Topics include hazardous waste, child healthcare, public utilities, farms, job creation, senior citizens, and roads. This sample features four ads on public utilities, farms, job creation, and roads.
full length of recording: 4:48 min
KTHV Television ‘Face the State’ interview
Bill Clinton / 1978
Arkansas Attorney General Bill Clinton discusses current state issues with a panel on KTHV-TV program “Face the State” during his 1978 gubernatorial campaign. Clinton responds to accusations made by his Democratic opponents, and describes his accomplishments as Attorney General. Topics include education, the economy, and possible changes to the Arkansas constitution. In this sample, Governor Clinton speaks about education and education standards.
full length of recording: 30:46 min
Press conference on Three Mile Island accident and Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO-1) reactor
Bill Clinton / April 2, 1979
In the complete recording, Governor Clinton comments on the recent nuclear meltdown at a Three Mile Island nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania. He relays his concern over the reactor’s cooling system having been built by Babcock & Wilcox who also constructed the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO-1) reactor. He describes a temporary shutdown of the ANO-1 plant and emergency plans for dealing with a possible nuclear accident. He also expresses his previous and present reservations on building nuclear power plants in Arkansas, and he expresses his opposition to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mississippi. In this sample of the full recording, Governor Clinton responds to a reporter’s question concerning safety at the ANO-1 reactor facility.
full length of recording: 23:16 min
Television address on Arkansas and the national energy crisis
Bill Clinton / July 26, 1979
Governor Clinton speaks about Arkansas and the national energy crisis during an audio recording of a televised address. Clinton comments on gasoline prices and the United States’ reliance on foreign oil, and he describes Arkansas’s efforts to promote energy conservation and alternative energy sources. He also comments on the independent truckers’ strike, taxation, state revenues, teacher salaries, the elderly, economic development, and quality of life in the state.
full length of recording: 28:22 min
KARN Radio Metro Morning News interview
Bill Clinton / March 31, 1980
Governor Clinton speaks about his accomplishments as governor of Arkansas and answers questions from callers during the “Metro Morning News” program on KARN Radio in 1980. He describes his intention to file for reelection and comments on issues related to the PSC, farming, accounting, property taxes, car license fees, clear cutting, and handicapped parking. This sample features Governor Clinton responding to a caller’s question on state car license fees.
full length of recording: 47:21 min
Georgetown University Commencement speech
Bill Clinton / May 25, 1980
Governor Clinton speaks at the 1980 Georgetown University Commencement in Washington, D.C. Clinton comments on the current national economy and an impending ideological change in the United States. He speaks about the importance of citizenship and personal responsibility in the United States, and he comments on energy conservation and current international affairs. Topics also include the Cuban refugee crisis and President Kennedy’s visit to the Berlin Wall.
full length of recording: 22:06 min
Press conference on Cuban refugee crisis
Bill Clinton / May 27, 1980
Governor Clinton addresses the press and answers questions regarding the Cuban refugee camp at Fort Chaffee. Clinton comments on Cuban refugees walking out of the camp and describes a lack of communication between federal agencies and the federal government. He also speaks about the deployment of the Arkansas National Guard to help secure the camp and answers questions regarding a growing public fear of Cuban refugees in the area surrounding Fort Chaffee.
full length of recording: 32:27 min
Second Term (1983-1984)
In 1983, after defeating Frank White to win back the governor’s office, Bill Clinton was successful in implementing tougher education standards with the help of the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee chaired by his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton. After holding 75 public forums, one in each of the state’s counties, Hillary Clinton and the committee submitted proposals to improve education standards. The new education standards would improve course curriculum, increase teacher salaries, establish student learning assessments, mandate smaller class sizes, increase the school dropout age to 17, make kindergarten mandatory, and provide state and local revenue support for education. The standards would also implement a teacher testing program requiring all Arkansas teachers and school administrators to pass a basic academic competency test. The teacher testing program remained controversial during Clinton’s time as governor.
In the spring of 1983, Bill Clinton persuaded the state legislature to approve a one-percent sales tax for education in order to implement new education standards and raise teacher salaries in Arkansas. This was the largest ever sales tax increase for education in the state’s history.
Clinton defeated Jonesboro businessman Woody Freeman to secure the governor’s office for a third term on November 6, 1984.
Audio Samples
Click ‘listen to more’ below each sample to hear the complete recording.
Press conference on Democratic gubernatorial primary victory
Bill Clinton / June 9, 1982
Former governor Bill Clinton addresses reporters at a press conference after his recent runoff victory against Joe Purcell in the Arkansas Democratic gubernatorial primary. He comments on utilities, education, property taxes, and issues related to black Arkansans. He also comments on farming and economic decline in the states, and speaks about creating high technology jobs.
full length of recording: 29:58 min
Clinton for Arkansas Committee campaign radio ad on Frank White’s record
Bill Clinton / 1982
1982 “Clinton for Arkansas” gubernatorial ad criticizing Frank White’s record as governor. Paid for by the Clinton for Arkansas Committee.
full length of recording: 1:00 min
Southern Governors Association Conference speech
Bill Clinton / September 27, 1983
Governor Clinton speaks at the Southern Governors Association Conference in Austin, Texas. Topics include education standards, teacher tests, at-risk students, and parental involvement.
full length of recording: 13:43 min
Opening address to the First Extraordinary Session of the Seventy-fourth Arkansas General Assembly
Bill Clinton / October 4, 1983
Governor Clinton delivers the opening address to the First Extraordinary Session of the Seventy-Fourth Arkansas General Assembly. He proposes tax increases to pay for teacher testing and other programs that would improve education in Arkansas.
full length of recording: 28:35 min
KARN Radio ‘Pat Lynch Show’ interview
Bill Clinton / October 22, 1984
Governor Clinton describes his accomplishments as governor of Arkansas and answers question from callers during an interview on KARN radio.
full length of recording: 39:28 min
Third Term (1985-1986)
In 1985, after winning the general election against Republican Woody Freeman, Clinton focused his legislative program on economic development, which was mostly met with approval by members of the state legislature. His program encouraged new job creation in the state by changing banking laws, providing loans for high technology startups, and increasing tax incentives for Arkansas companies.
During his third term, Bill Clinton gained national attention for his leadership roles in politics and education. Clinton delivered the Democratic Party response to Ronald Reagan’s 1985 State of the Union Address and he was elected chair of the National Governors Association (1986-1987) and the Education Commission of the States (1986-1987). Clinton also served as chair of the Southern Growth Policies Board (1985-1986) and he was appointed to the third Commission on the Future of the South.
The 1986 election saw Clinton overcome issues concerning the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant and public utility rates. He first defeated Orval Faubus in the Democratic primary and then won the general election against familiar Republican opponent Frank White to secure the state’s first four-year gubernatorial term.
Audio Samples
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Gubernatorial reelection campaign announcement
Bill Clinton / July 23, 1985
Governor Clinton describes his accomplishments and speaks about the future of Arkansas during his announcement to run for reelection. Topics include economic development, education, Grand Gulf Nuclear Powerplant, and teacher testing.
full length of recording: 21:27 min
Education Commission of the States and National Conference of State Legislatures Joint Meeting speech
Bill Clinton / November 16, 1985
Governor Clinton speaks during a session on “Financing and Governance of Higher Education” during at a joint meeting of the Education Commission of the States (ECS) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Topics include education, higher education, teachers, education reform, education surveys, the Southern Regional Education Board, vocational education, education funding, cooperative education, remedial education, the economy, and economic development.
full length of recording: 33:55 min
Grand Gulf Nuclear Powerplant litigation PSA
Bill Clinton / September 10, 1985
Governor Clinton informs the public about litigation related to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Generating Station public service announcement.
full length of recording: 01:06 min
Clinton for Governor campaign radio ad on Frank White
Bill Clinton / 1986
A 1996 gubernatorial campaign ad refuting claims made by Frank White and criticizing White’s record as governor of Arkansas.
full length of recording: 01:09 min
Arkansas Gubernatorial Debate
Bill Clinton / September 16, 1986
Governor Clinton and Frank White debate each other during the 1986 gubernatorial election sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The debate was televised statewide on KTHV-TV Channel 11 in Little Rock. In this sample, Governor Clinton and Frank White debate over Vertac, ENSCO, and hazardous waste issues.
full length of recording: 57:09 min
Fourth Term (1987-1990)
In 1987, after defeating Frank White to secure the state’s first four-year gubernatorial term, Clinton focused much of his fourth term on education and economic development. Clinton’s legislative program, titled “Good Beginnings, Good Schools, Good Jobs,” also proposed initiatives to decrease infant mortality rates, increase health care access for poor mothers and children, and improve child care and early childhood education in the state. While education standards implemented in 1983 had become fully effective by 1987, Bill Clinton failed in his attempts to raise new taxes to fund education between 1987 and 1989.
Bill Clinton remained popular on the national stage during his fourth term. He continued serving as chair of the Education Commission of the States (1986-1987) and as chair of the National Governors Association (1986-1987) where he oversaw the “Making America Work: Productive People, Productive Policies” initiative to develop a national welfare reform policy. He also delivered the nomination speech for Michael Dukakis at the 1988 Democratic National Convention (DNC) which was greeted by boos and jeers from many audience members due to its length. The negative media coverage of Clinton’s DNC speech earned him an interview and saxophone performance on The Late Show with Johnny Carson which helped turn around public opinion and increase his popularity.
In 1990, Clinton was elected chair of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) and he defeated Republican Sheffield Nelson to secure a fifth term as governor of Arkansas.
Audio Samples
Click ‘listen to more’ below each sample to hear the complete recording.
Central State University (Oklahoma) political science lecture
Bill Clinton / February 18, 1987
Governor Clinton speaks to political science students at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. Clinton describes the growing importance of state governors and state legislature in the emerging global economy. He also speaks about issues related to education and its importance to the national economy.
full length of recording: 30:46 min
Press conferences at Education Commission of the States National Forum on Education Policy
Bill Clinton / July 9, 1987
Governor Clinton speaks to the media during two separate press conferences. He comments on welfare reform legislation and he speaks about education reform efforts in the United States. He also speaks about the selection, training, and continuing education of school leaders.
full length of recording: 39:11 min
Leadership Conference on Civil Rights speech
Bill Clinton / March 10, 1988
Governor Clinton speaks at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights in Washington D.C. Clinton comments on the NAACP, the Central High School Desegregation Crisis, infant mortality, teen pregnancy, adult literacy education, and voter turnout.
full length of recording: 30:19 min
University of North Carolina Democratic Party Rally speech
Bill Clinton / October 25, 1988
Governor Clinton speaks at a Democratic rally at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Clinton stumps for Governor Dukakis’ presidential campaign and he condemns policies of the Reagan administration. At the conclusion of his speech, Clinton introduces the North Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Bob Jordan, to speak to the crowd.
full length of recording: 5:08 min
National Dropout Prevention Network Conference speech
Bill Clinton / April 2, 1989
Governor Clinton speaks at the National Dropout Network Conference in San Diego, California. Topics include high school dropouts, education, adult education, early childhood education, international competition, prison education, and welfare reform.
full length of recording: 32:05 min
National Governors’ Association ‘Making America Work’ Dinner speech
Bill Clinton / May 14, 1989
Governor Clinton speaks at the National Governors Association ‘Making America Work’ Dinner in Little Rock, Arkansas. Topics include American ideals, democracy, freedom, free economics, the national economy, the global economy, education, and global competition.
full length of recording: 25:52 min
Democratic Leadership Council Convention speech
Bill Clinton / March 24, 1990
Governor Clinton speaks at a business session during the Democratic Leadership Council Convention (DLC) Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Topics include job growth, education, transportation, and healthcare.
full length of recording: 23:08 min
Washington County Democratic Rally speech
Bill Clinton / October 25, 1990
Governor Clinton speaks at the Washington County Democratic Rally in Springdale, Arkansas during his 1990 gubernatorial reelection campaign.
full length of recording: 31:52 min
Christian Ministerial Alliance gubernatorial campaign interview
Bill Clinton / October 27, 1990
Governor Clinton speaks to members of the Christian Ministerial Alliance during a 1990 gubernatorial campaign interview with the organization in Little Rock, Arkansas. Clinton comments on adult learning and children’s health programs, and he speaks about issues affecting African Americans in Arkansas
full length of recording: 01:01:59 min
Fifth Term (1991-1992)
In 1991, after defeating Republican Sheffield Nelson in the general election, Bill Clinton was able to raise taxes for teacher salaries and increase funding for public schools and vocational education. He established the Educational Excellence Trust Fund which expanded early childhood education programs and he passed legislation to improve health care, small business initiatives, and state prisons.
Clinton spent much of 1991 focused on state legislation and traveling the country in support of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), a group of moderate Democrats and business people which he played a key role in organizing. He announced his bid for the presidency on October 3, 1991 and spent most of 1992 campaigning.
In June of 1992, Clinton defeated Governor Jerry Brown in his home state of California to clinch the Democratic Party nomination and he selected U.S. Senator Al Gore as his vice-presidential running mate the following month. Bill Clinton defeated former President George H.W. Bush by a near six-percent margin to be elected president of the United States on November 3, 1992.
Audio Samples
Click ‘listen to more’ below each sample to hear the complete recording.
Press interview with Arkansas Democrat
Bill Clinton / January 9, 1991
Governor Clinton responds to questions from reporters before the first Arkansas legislative session. He comments on education standards and Arkansas’s educational ranking among other states, and emphasis a need to raise teacher salaries. He comments on welfare reform, the state’s prison system, and health care, and he describes the possibility of new economic development opportunities if the state can improve its infrastructure.
full length of recording: 56:08 min
Arkansas Gubernatorial Inaugural Ceremony speech
Bill Clinton / January 15, 1991
Governor Clinton addresses the Arkansas General Assembly during the 1991 Gubernatorial Inaugural Ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol Building in Little Rock. Topics include education, adult education, free early education, teacher salary raises, unemployment, rural healthcare, economic development, infrastructure, small businesses, environmental issues, child support, and prison alternatives.
full length of recording: 26:54 min
Arkansas Agenda Radio PSAs
Bill Clinton / 1991
During a set of two Arkansas Agenda Radio public service announcements, Governor Clinton describes legislative programs passed in 1991 to the environment, education, and healthcare. Clinton urges the public to make a phone call in order to obtain more information on the programs.
full length of recording: 2:15 min
Ninth Annual Hispanic Leadership Conference speech
Bill Clinton / October 12, 1991
Governor Clinton addresses attendees of the 9th Annual Hispanic Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois during his campaign for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Clinton touches on issues related to education and the economy, and argues that every American should have access to affordable healthcare. Governor Clinton also describes issues related to the global economy and building up the middle class.
full length of recording: 24:28 min
Lebanon (New Hampshire) presidential campaign fundraiser and reception speech
Bill Clinton / October 26, 1991
Governor Clinton speaks to local Democrats during a fundraiser in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He comments on economic leadership and global competition and describes the funding for military spending that could be diverted to paying for future education programs. Clinton comments on the war on drugs and defends his stances on welfare reform. He also describes how he would handle negative campaign tactics in the upcoming presidential election if he were to receive the Democratic nomination.
full length of recording: 37:03 min
New Jersey Democratic presidential campaign rally
Bill Clinton / January 29, 1992
Governor Clinton speaks at a Democratic rally in New Jersey during his 1992 presidential campaign. Clinton criticizes President Bush’s foreign and domestic policies policies. Topics include education, Head Start, health care insurance, and banking.
full length of recording: 17:17 min
Digital access
Over 3000 audio recordings have been digitized as part of the Bill Clinton Gubernatorial Audio Project. While a small sample of these recordings is featured within this site, the complete curated collection of digital audio is available online at arstudies.com.
To listen to complete recordings by topic, please choose a subject listed in the navigation bar on the right (for desktop users) or at the bottom of the page (for mobile users viewing in portrait mode). A finding aid for the complete collection is available here.
