I'm really not trying to cause a flame war with this post, but...

Love him or hate him, the fact is Clinton was a master of the media (and still is, although he comes off more corny now).

The economy wasn't doing so good during Clinton's terms, but he was masterful at presenting things in a good light (he had to, after all "it was the economy, stupid"). Then, he took credit for the "good economy" -- which is in part accurate. He did (with the aid of a willing media accomplice) help create the impression of a booming economy. It was like a self-fulfilling impression. Unethical? In my opinion, yes. But he did it very well.

And, really, the main way the president affects the economy is through his tax policies -- which should be checked by the congress (although Clinton did go around them pretty well). It's not as though the president (any president) can push a button and *poof* we get a fantastic economy.

It's interesting: just about everyone who relies on the major news media in the U.S. thinks Clinton was a good president. Everyone else thinks he's got unbelievable gall.

Definitely a master of the media.

-Phil