ABSTRACT
Chapter 5, “The Popular Two-Termers: Ronald Reagan and William J. Clinton,” examines the character and leadership approaches of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Although they were from different generations, it argues that what distinguished these men from their contemporary peers and contributed to their popularity was their respective interest and ability in performing the role of president. Both were perceptive of the public's expectations and knew that they had been elected to govern, not campaign. It focuses on Reagan's 1983 decisions to stay the course on the economy, while upending nuclear policy to bring about a confrontation with the Soviet Union. Reagan adopted leadership approaches of courage and curiosity. It also examines Clinton's decisions during the 1995 budget negotiations with a Republican Congress and government shutdown.
