In 1987 , the media speculated that Clinton would enter the Presidential race after incumbent New York Governor Mario Cuomo declined to run and Democratic front-runner Gary Hart withdrew owing to revelations of multiple marital infidelities . Clinton decided to remain as Arkansas governor ( following consideration for the potential candidacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton for governor , initially favored — but ultimately vetoed — by the First Lady ) . For the nomination , Clinton endorsed Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis . He gave the nationally televised opening night address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention , but his speech , which was 33 minutes long and twice the length it was expected to be , was criticized for being too long and poorly delivered . Clinton presented himself as both a moderate and a member of the New Democrat wing of the Democratic Party , and he headed the moderate Democratic Leadership Council in 1990 and 1991
1988 Democratic National Convention
1988 Democratic National Convention
Bill Clinton