Downfalls of Clinton's Presidency

Upon taking office, Clinton created a storm of protest when he proposed lifting the ban on homosexuals in the military. In July 1993 a compromise "Don't ask don't tell" policy was struck, requiring gays and lesbians to be discreet about their sexual orientation and not to engage in homosexual acts. This was a mistake because it did not go along with his moderate stance. Instead he looked like quite the liberal. Also several embarrassing problems with …

…Foster, and a sexual harassment suit brought against the president by Paula Jones. Whitewater spawned the Justice Department's appointment of an independent counsel, Robert B. Fiske, to look into it. Fiske's successor, Kenneth W. Starr would expand the scope of the investigation. These personal problems made people lose faith in their president. Citizens felt that a president should have morals and a clean record. However, Clinton's controversial past added negativity to his already weak administration.