Debunking the myth that Dick Morris reelected Bill Clinton

[Mr.Phips]

Dick Morris and many others say that he was responsible for Bill Clinton's reelection in 1996.  The data shows that this simply is not true.  Morris began advising Clinton in September 1994 and from that time on until December 1995, Bill Clinton went absolutely nowhere in the polls.  He was stuck at around 45% approval and was either running behind or even with Bob Dole.  During this period, Clinton took Morris' advice to pretty much agree with the Republican Congress and not to fight them on anything.  This clearly was not working. 

It wasnt until December 1995 when Bill Clinton began his recovery in the polls.  This happened because Clinton began actually confronting Republicans on their budget that Medicare and vetoed it.  His approval rating rose about 10 points and he took about a 10 point lead over Bob Dole and never looked back.  What is really ironic here is that Dick Morris actually advised Clinton to cave to Republicans and just sign their budget.  What caused Clinton to ignore Morris on this was when Jesse Jackson privately promised to run against Clinton either in the primary or as a third party candidate if he signed the budget with the Medicare cuts.

Had Clinton taken Morris' advice, he probably would have been a one term President, as the Democratic base probably would have sat home or voted third party in the general election over their anger at Clinton.

This is good advice for Obama when Republicans try to privitize Social Security next year.  He should veto it and then surge to reelection.

[minionofmidas]

Not to mention that Clinton's victory in 1996 was decidedly underwhelming. That in itself ought to debunk it.

[You kip if you want to...]

Do not listen to Dick Morris.

[Bo]

Clinton was going to win in 1996 with or without Morris due to the good economy and lack of foreign threats. BTW, the fact that Clinton was tied with Dole in 1994 and 1995 means nothing, since many people only begin to pay attention to the presidential race on Labor Day and afterwards. Dukakis was leading Bush Sr. by 10-20% throughout the summer, yet Bush Sr. ended up winning by 8% in the end (due to the good economy and lack of foreign threats). Similarly, Bush Jr. was leading Gore by 10-20% in 1999, but Gore actually won the PV by 0.5%.

[pragmatic liberal]

Do not listen to Dick Morris.

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Ditto.

[The Mikado]

Honestly, I think the only informed person that seriously believes this is Dick Morris.  The others that spout it are people that are trying to fluff Dick Morris' reputation because they want him to look credible on whatever issue he's been invited to discuss.