How will Bill Clinton be remembered?

Bill Clinton's term of office is coming to an end. After eight years in power, the US President has given a triumphalist valedictory speech to his party faithful.

At the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, Mr Clinton claimed credit for "unprecedented" American prosperity, which has seen the creation of nearly 22 million jobs during his term of office.

But critics think that Clinton will be remembered for his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and for the attempted cover-up which led to his impeachment in Congress.

How will Bill Clinton go down in history? Will it be for his management of the economy and his role in world affairs? Or as the President who cavorted with a young intern in the White House? And will Al Gore benefit or suffer from the President's legacy?

A president cannot be held accountable for the performance of an economy -- stronger forces than the will of one man are at work. Voters seem to forget this: otherwise, President Bush would probably have served a second term.
Jonathan, Canada

He continues to be part of a long line of presidential liars

Michael Crimi, USA

I think Bill Clinton will be remembered as a president who happened to be in the right place at the right time, in regards to our economic prosperity. Other than that, he continues to be part of a long line of presidential liars.
Michael Crimi, USA

Bill will be remembered as a classic American ruthless in pursuit of what he believes and doing a perfect job in reshaping the entertainment industry through his sex scandal.
David Kamau, Kenya

I think we all should remember, what he did for the country and the people. Everybody has something hidden about their personal life.
Hanna, USA

We have a saying, "All is well that ends well". In spite of all the sensationalism if Clinton escapes any convictions over Monicagate, he will be remembered as a symbol of Happy times and prosperity. That is why his political opponents do not want his tenure to end well, they will continue to hound him and smear his legacy.
John W, Holland

I would rate him as the best US president of the century

Rajendra Shenoy, Germany

Bill Clinton was a capable leader and a warm human being, He had a unique ability to instil hope and confidence in people. I would rate him as the best US president of the century.
Rajendra Shenoy, Germany

He will be remembered as a very headstrong American who survived several sex scandals but who kept moving up the political ladder, meaning his sex-life was not so much of an issue to Americans.
Sanyi Tambe, Cameroon

Clinton will be remembered by the good he did, the enemies he made, and the fair and mostly foul means they used to bring him down. In history, Clinton's personal misdeeds will merely be a punctuation mark.
Julio A. Fernandez, Canada

A great president who improved the lot of minorities in particular and Americans in general, and attempted to bring peace to Ireland and the Middle East. The exposure of the Lewinsky affair only goes to prove that America is indeed a country that enjoys complete freedom of the press.
Fabian, Singapore

His family might not remember him as a good president.
Aung Myo Myint, Burma

As a Sri Lankan, I will remember him as a man who pleased a woman in Sri Lanka, the president, and missed a chance to solve the crisis in that country
John Selvan, Sri Lanka

Some of us will remember Clinton for his affairs with 'M'; whilst others for his unquestionable leadership skill that no other government leader could ever have. However, we all wish he was the only president of this planet.
L. Mengistu, New Zealand

He is a man who has worked to bring harmonious relationship between various races in his country and worked for world peace

Walter Omariba, Canada

President Clinton was elected by the American people to mainly bring economic growth. On this account no one can dispute the fact that he has done well. He is a man who has worked to bring harmonious relationship between various races in his country and worked for world peace. It is only people who are petty who will seek to trivialise his role in this unprecedented achievement in recent US history by focusing on a minor issue as the Monica Lewinsky saga.
Walter Omariba, Canada

I see the favourable comments on this man mostly come from citizens of other countries. The celebrity status is not what many of us want in the Presidency. We would prefer someone of honour and for this reason in the poll done last year Clinton rated very low as a President, lower than even Nixon. We all know how history is going to remember him, and it could get worse if the truth in many outstanding matters can find the light of day.
Lee Wimberley, USA

As a passive observer, I watched in disbelief while the "Monicagate" scandal unfolded, and I have to say that the scandal will tarnish the memory of the whole term in office. Clinton won't be remembered as the man who cut unemployment to a record low. Nor even for rebuilding strong relations with Russia.
Peter Bolton, UK in US

Clinton helps me to appreciate the great, near-great, and good presidents. Not everybody is suited for Mount Rushmore.
Rick, USA

Bill who?
Mark, UK

Bill Clinton will be remembered for the sex scandals and lies

Steve Dooley, England

What do you remember about Richard Nixon? His foreign policy perhaps, the performance of the US economy? How about Watergate and impeachment! Bill Clinton will be remembered for the sex scandals and lies.
Steve Dooley, England

I see all the comments here from various people about Bill's political achievements but it is a sad fact of life that famous and influential people are almost always remembered far more for their scandal and failures than anything else.
Nick, UK

There's another Bill responsible for the great prosperity we're having. Bill Gates is his name!!!
Ron Koenig, USA

As a man of great compassion and great appetites. I am sorry the policies he cared about were mostly thwarted by the right-leaning Congress - he could have made much more of a difference otherwise!
Carolyn, USA

A good President who went through a midlife crisis and got carried away - but who's perfect?
Ben B, UK

Nobody has mentioned that Clinton has been the most environmentally friendly President in over 100 years. Not since Teddy Roosevelt has a President exercised his rights so often under the Antiquities Act - creating several national monuments. I shudder to think of the US environment in the hands of GW Bush.
Grainne, USA

President Clinton has put the USA in a position where no one dares to question economic superiority

Terry, Ethiopia

President Clinton has put the USA in a position where no one dares to question economic superiority. He led the US through a clearly defined era regarding the status and position of the minorities.
Terry, Ethiopia

No President will satisfy no one individual fully. I remember Ethiopia's newspaper cartoon pages cartoonising his scandal like many other countries. As for me... I think he is a great president...did a lot for America!
Bello, Ethiopia

Most of you do not have a clue what has happened in the United States these last eight years. Bill Clinton will be remembered for how he has severely divided this nation. You may think of him as a king, but remember, three branches of government rule this nation of which the last four years the legislative branch - which by the way is the opposing party to Bill Clinton - is the reason for the economic reforms that have brought on this so-called great economy. All Bill did was agree to what the republicans sent to him to sign into law. Bill has been basically a lame duck trying to build on his legacy.
Shannon Wimberly, USA

How will Bill Clinton be remembered? He will be remembered as Nick in Big Brother, a liar, cheat and manipulator, two-faced President. But when he was caught on like Nick, he apologised that is how you know a great Leader, which he was indeed. I give him kudos for his economic achievements and the global peace related events
Femi Alabi, UK

Bill Clinton has made a legacy that by far encompasses many other American President

T.R, USA

Bill Clinton has made a legacy that by far encompasses many other American Presidents. History will remember him as someone who greatly regenerated the American economy, created opportunities for middle class America, and as a humane being who was involved in World affairs. God bless him.
T.R, USA

As a President, I considered him an embarrassment for our country. But there is still hope, or at least I like to think so. Consider ex-President Carter. While in office he did little to be well remembered for, but in his post-presidency days, he achieved true greatness as a man and in his actions.
Wade, USA

I hope for my country's sake that we put all things Clinton behind us and begin leading once again

Ward Abel, USA

Alas, Clinton is a reflection of the country that he has governed: indecisive, self-centred, vain, great potential wasted (so far). I hope for my country's sake that we put all things Clinton behind us and begin leading once again.
Ward Abel, USA

Clinton will be about as memorable as John Major will be in 20 years.
Ari, USA

US Politics can be compared to Jerry Springer in its public portrayal - all hype and shock values. Bill Clinton has probably been one of the most under-rated Presidents of the 20th century and has been praised for his fair conduct in office by a number of organisations. Unfortunately - for him, he will only be remembered for his overactive hormones, cigars and the fact that he, "did not have sexual relations with Monica Lewinski".
OD, Wales, UK

He'll be remembered as a mass murderer of Serbian (and Iraqi) people, a liar, a thief, a thug and a bad husband to his (even worse) wife - to mention a few things.
Nikola, Zrenjanin, Serbia

Clinton is the greatest American president in the eyes of racial and religious minorities

J.D., Oklahoma, USA

Clinton is the greatest American president in the eyes of racial and religious minorities. He rebuilt the country and helped bring minority communities into mainstream America.
J.D., Oklahoma, USA

Being the first post Cold War President, Clinton has never had to develop or show his skills in dealing with the former Soviet Union. We have not seen him in an East-West crisis situation, or involved with the complexities of "detente", which could either make or break other US Presidents. In the absence of this I think he will be remembered only for his adultery and overriding infidelity.
Gordon Macmillan, Scotland

Under the Clinton administration, enough hi-tech military technology was given, sold, and fumbled away to China that Julius and Ethel Rosenberg might blush. President Clinton's face will not appear on Mt. Rushmore.
B.C. Hansen, USA

As the comeback kid from a poor background, whom the American political elite, especially the Republicans, hated. A friend of the poor who dared visit Africa twice.
S. S. Adzei, Ghana

Clinton will be remembered for his great works!!!!
Nyachhyon, Nepal

I am amused that you are asking how Clinton should be remembered. There are those of us who believe he should best be forgotten. He didn't balance the budget; Congress forced him to. And it is a travesty to ask us to believe that HE ALONE was responsible for the economic boom in the USA. What rubbish!! However, if you ask me which American president was the biggest liar and which American president down-graded the White House to a cheap brothel then my answer to you is quite simple - Bill Clinton.
Al Fong, Jamaica

It takes a great achiever to sustain an 8 year term of office with the turmoil that is brought about by the rapid global changing scenario that we are living. It takes, at least, another 8years to find out whether anybody betters this record. When a week in politics is a lifetime, 8 years are of infinite parameters.
Anthony De Bono, Malta

He will be remembered with regret if the great US electorate choose G. Bush Jr and the rest of the big oil crowd.
Geoff Clarke, Singapore

Bill shall be remembered as the president who kept the world entertained with his sexual misgivings and attentions

Deborah, USA

Bill shall be remembered as the president who kept the world entertained with his sexual misgivings and attentions. Then, he shall be remembered as one of the most charming and electric presidents of recent times. Say what you like but the attention he has received (from both the lovers and the haters) is a strong suit in American politics. At least he is not boring and everyone wants a glimpse of him! He certainly assisted in the public paying more attention to politics and national/ international policy.
Deborah, USA

Well, he certainly won't be remembered as the president who brought health care to the American people, as he promised. Nor will he be remembered for promoting human rights abroad, as best evidenced through our flawed relationship with nations such as China and Burma.
Keith Cuiper, USA

Clinton will be remembered as a scandal-ridden president who used his appointees in the Justice Department to protect himself and his friends; who managed to lose the House of Representatives for his party for the first time in decades; and who bombed a Sudanese pharmaceutical factory in order to distract the nation's attention from his criminal activities. He also has given the language two new slang terms for obscene sexual activities.
James Castro, USA

This man should be allowed a third term. He very well deserves it.
Sattar Qureshi, Pakistan

Clinton did many good things, like balance the budget and let the country enjoy a long period of prosperity. He might have done millions of good things, BUT his affair with that intern will be the only thing that will go down in history that will be associated with his presidency. Too bad but it's an undeniable truth.
Yan, USA

Bill Clinton will be remembered as Bill Clinton: A guy who came out of poverty to become the great president of the USA. A Child of the 60's who ran away from the military, lied and had sex in the White House, not someone to have my son be like.
Dennis, USA

Bill Clinton will always be remembered as a selfless man like Princess Diana, a practical man, a man with that human touch who put people first. Forget the Lewinsky saga and focus on his contribution to the world, especially the Middle East peace talks. Focus also on the quest to ease the 3rd World debt and improve trade relations with the rest of the world. Not only did Bill want Americans to enjoy the fruits of his economic success but the rest of the world too.
David Mahlangu, UK

A indecisive President who was afraid to take a stand on any important issues.
Nadeem Saqib, Pakistan

Bill Clinton - A man who dedicated most of his time to make peace. His affair with Monica is not a good thing to do, he lied, but did anybody die out of this? He is one of the best leaders the world would ever get. I wish Africa had 2 leaders of his kind.
Patrick Alandu, GHANA

Clinton should be remembered for being one of the most prolific liars in politics, starting with "I didn't inhale"

Rich Vose, USA

Clinton should be remembered for being one of the most prolific liars in politics, starting with "I didn't inhale" to "I never had sex with that woman." He should also be remembered for being one of the best politicians of the century, but in the worst sense of the word. And for the non-USA citizens, you should know that Clinton had nothing to do with the great economy during his term. He had never heard of a balanced budget until the Republican Congress was elected in 1996. If it had not been for the latter, Clinton and his wife would have put the country in the same mess that most of Europe wallows in.
Rich Vose, USA

Sex, lies and video tape (evidence).
Anna-Marie, UK

President Clinton will mostly likely not be remembered at all. Does anyone remember Millard Filmore? It seems no one remembers anything past the last payday anymore. There's a lot to be said for tradition. That is why I read the BBC.
Chris Meadows, USA

Truth is that Clinton is a liar...when confronted about marijuana...he didn't inhale...when confronted about Monica, he did not have sexual relations. But, the American public love the man, they see right past the lies and deception, and will remember him as a great President due to his economic policies. I think that as the leader of the American superpower, he should have been honest or impeached.
Alex MacKenzie, Canada

A guy who came out of poverty to become the great president of the USA.

Kofi Ellison, USA via Ghana

Bill Clinton will be remembered as Bill Clinton: A guy who came out of poverty to become the great president of the USA. Like King David, he had his faults. But, when all is said and done, the quality of life he gave to the American people will remain unrivalled for years to come. I will remember him fondly. He was always humane, and human too!
Kofi Ellison, USA via Ghana

How will Bill Clinton be remembered? Like the epitome of a politician - an actor doing an actors job
Jeremy Rogers, England

Such promise, such talents betrayed by a system that calls itself a democracy but is in reality a big business oligarchy. America is a little richer for his term in office. Such a shame he does not have a worthy Democratic. It is likely that George W will be turning the clock back to the deficit ridden, anti abortion, gung-ho Reagan years.
Colin Rowland, UK

I don't look towards the President of the United states for moral values, I look at my parents

Darshan Ruikar, India

One of the greatest presidents the US had. Should be ranked with the greats for his achievements in getting the US and the world economy out of the doldrums. As far a his moral values are concerned its wrong to criticise him. After all the President is not a leader in morality. He is responsible to the people and he has passed this test with flying colours. I don't look towards the President of the United states for moral values, I look at my parents.
Darshan Ruikar, India

Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles really summed up his presidency - the man who turned the serious art of governing a nation into show business. Clinton came to power in a country with an already improving economy and then clung desperately to the limelight by means of spin over substance and ludicrously semantic denials of his own failings. Sound familiar to those living in the UK?
Colin Harley, United Kingdom

Clinton will be remembered as a brilliant and influential president who turn around the US economy, his shrewdness to overcome congress impeachment over Monica Lewinsky, his historical visit to African countries and his support for Middle East peace.
Ogunrinola Peter ademola, Nigeria

I am proud to have such President no matter if not in my country but somewhere in the world

Ashita, India

President Clinton will be remembered as a powerful caretaker not for his country only but for others too. He will be the only President who have worked hard and put all his efforts to maintain peace between two disputed countries. I think people who really love him have already forgotten his love scandal and want to realise all services he has given to the his country as well other parts of the world. He simply is genius. I am proud to have such President no matter if not in my country but somewhere in the world.
Ashita, India

Lying under oath, not really a good example to set the American people. I think his ineffectiveness has been America's greatest strength. With the government not doing much, everything seems to work much better.
Simon, England

In spite of the Republican Party's on-going "need" to exact pay-back (for Nixon's Watergate), Bill Clinton prospered!
D.A. Bozyk, USA

A liar who was found out.
Rick, UK

All his achievements should not be eroded by the Monica affair

Gastone Rusiha, Rwanda

A great president. Here is the man who was able to achieve great economic development for his country. He worked hard to balance the US government's federal budget never thought of by his predecessors. Here is the man who worked hard to see a viable Middle East peace. It is the same Clinton who made a historic visit to a tiny central African country of Rwanda after the world had witnessed a devastating genocide there. No man is infallible. All his achievements should not be eroded by the Monica affair. After all, the exaggeration of the affair itself is a result of great freedoms and liberty of the American press continues to enjoy.
Gastone Rusiha, Rwanda

Clinton will be remembered generally fondly. His only mistake was getting found out over Monicagate (Kennedy happily avoided such embarrassment before his assassination). The economy has flourished and there has been a greater liberalisation in some quarters of American society. Sadly the Republican majority in Congress has made many of Clinton's ideals unrealisable (for instance he could not force through any significant gun laws) but the overall effect of the Clinton era is an improved America. And that is before you even go into the good he has done in Ireland and the Middle East. Well done Bill, and God help America if they elect Bush!
PG, UK

President Clinton should be remembered for his achievements in boosting the US economy, world affairs. He is an incredible survivor.
ZMZ, UK

A great politician and head and shoulders above both Reagan and Bush. Flawed, certainly, but always humane. The US will miss him when he's gone.
Myles Neligan, Irish (resident in UK)

I'll certainly remember him as the most aged president. He looked young back in '92. The ravages of office certainly took their toll, not to mention the non-inhaled marijhauna and various women.
Olly, UK

A child of the sixties, who excelled himself in making love, rather than in making war!
Mohansingh, India

Clinton will be remembered for leading America to an economic power that it is today

Christine, South Africa

I think that Clinton will be remembered for leading America to an economic power that it is today. About the Lewinsky-scandal he showed that he's human.
In S.A I'll remember him standing along our then president Nelson Mandela. It meant a lot to me as a South-African to see the president of the United States with the father of South-Africa.
He'll also be remembered for getting the peace process back on track in Northern Ireland and the Middle-East. Although it did not succeed but he really tried. For me he is not the best president America ever had, but he sure tried. All the good presidents in America had controversy around their neck.
Christine, South Africa

Whatever one thinks of his achievements as a president, Clinton is the ultimate politician, a master of the arts of political presentation and persuasion. Ironically, for all his glitzy presentation, I feel he has had most impact as a backroom dealer and charmer.
A master of compromise, he has put his talents to good use in advancing the peace processes of Northern Ireland and the Middle East. He is probably one of the most gifted of presidents. For me, he will always be The Comeback Kid.
David Rhodes, UK

He is a thoroughly unremarkable leader. His attempts at notoriety are hardly spectacular

Duncan Drury, UK

He is a thoroughly unremarkable leader. His attempts at notoriety are hardly spectacular, but at the end of the day he would only be remembered in 100 years time if he had been a woman or a "person of colour" or something different to the norm in terms of who he was.
Duncan Drury, UK

Clinton will be remembered for the way he redefined our opinion of other presidents. What we have is a man who by comparison makes the Kennedy's look moral, Nixon appear ethical and Jimmy Carter seem effective and intelligent.
Mark, Western Australia

God bless you Bill, and all you sail with! A peacemaker, an equaliser and a shrewd economic sense gave America what it so desperately needed after the right wing madness of Bush. He may not have secured free trade with Cuba, but he gave their largest export market a boost. On ya, Bill!
Ed Gibbs, Australia

President Clinton will amount to a footnote in history. All of his domestic endeavours, such as the establishment of a health service, were blocked by a hostile Congress. His international policy was little more than formulaic American bullying, and could have been carried out by a computer. His shenanigans in latching onto the peace process in Northern Ireland were far too one-sided and even his extensive efforts in the Middle East produced little.
He claims credit for America's current economic boom, the only thing remotely remarkable about his presidency, but historians will note that the current growth cycle started more than a year before he took office.
Tom, USA

Clinton will be remembered for his natural intelligence, and the roll it played in lifting America out of its insular state

Peter Frost, South Africa

A sax player, a liar, a man with a sex drive, and an expert player of the game of politics. But above all else, Clinton will be remembered for his natural intelligence, and the roll it played in lifting America out of its insular state.
Peter Frost, South Africa

I think he will be remembered as the only American President who cared about the misery of the people in the third world especially Black Africa. As the only American President to officially visit Africa south of the Sahara.
Vally Ngwari, Germany

He will go down as the man who made America vain and egocentric and not willing to deal with the outside world. He encouraged the US to use its financial muscle to dictate to the world how it should live and any difference of opinion is not to be tolerated. Wake up America and get a president with compassion not just passion.
Mark Lisle, Germany

It doesn't say much for American political awareness that most of them seem to be obsessed with the image of the White House and not the content. I thought that Britain was morally naive with all the furore a minor "sex scandal" creates; but this is nothing compared with the American publics childish obsession with image.
Jez, UK

For merciless bombing campaigns to distract attention from him NOT 'having sexual relations with that woman'. For supporting Israel as they broke numerous UN Resolutions in order to gain the political support of the New York Jewish Vote. For his love for a fine Cuban Cigar!
Wayne Brannan, UK

A good president. It was the people like Kenneth Starr that were consistently trying to smear him that made the USA look stupid - not Clinton himself. He is a president of the modern generation - post Vietnam war - apart from the sexual dalliances he is a president for future leaders to model themselves on.
John Howard, Australia

In Palestine and Israel, he'll probably be remembered as a man who went an extra mile to broker the peace process

Grace Akello, Uganda

I agree with Jones, it will depend on who is remembering Bill Clinton. In Uganda he will be remembered as a USA president who landed at the only airport with the most powerful planes they have ever seen. He (and his wife) were also swift to make donations which only remained on paper.
In Palestine and Israel, he'll probably be remembered as a man who went an extra mile to broker the peace process but would only end up spending so much on the guests and nothing tangible would be realised in the end. And of course the Monica saga will always crown it all.
Grace Akello, Uganda

The case could be made that President Clinton's involvement in securing an end to the terrorism in Northern Ireland will be his lasting legacy. On the other hand, the case could reasonably be made that the fact that he did not resign following his perjury to a Grand Jury shows that President Clinton was never fit to hold the office in the first place.
John McCullough, Northern Ireland

Politics seems to attract certain kinds of people-frequently foolish, stupid, arrogant, corrupt or egomaniacal people. At least compared to his predecessors, Clinton seems a good deal less stupid, arrogant or egomaniacal.
Neil Saunders, Australia

A pity that such Lilliputian transgressions as petty perjury and petty burglary should eclipse their gargantuan political achievements.

L. Loukopoulos, USA

Clinton will be most readily remembered for the Lewinsky thing, just as Richard Nixon continues to be remembered for the Watergate thing. A pity that such Lilliputian transgressions as petty perjury and petty burglary should eclipse their gargantuan political achievements.
L. Loukopoulos, USA

I think people in the US should thank him for the economic boom and political superiority that they enjoy. Monica Lewinsky affair should not even be compared with those great efforts he has done for his country and for the world.
Mushfig Gasimov, Azerbaijan

He will be remembered for two phrases: (1) "I feel your pain"; and (2) "I did not have sexual relations with that woman Miss Lewinsky."
David Silek, USA

He came, he ruled, he conquered. The last 8 years have been magnificent in terms of economy. Due credit should be and will be given to Mr. Clinton for his effort in taking this country to a new level. People should not confuse his profession with his personal life. He will be remembered the way Mr. JFK is.
Rahul Seshadri, USA

Important political decisions and changes are hidden from the ignorant masses with this kind of ridiculous smokescreen.

Chris Cormier, Canada

Bill Clinton was the first president to appear so unreal, so made-for-tv that people began to realise it WAS made for TV. Important political decisions and changes are hidden from the ignorant masses with this kind of ridiculous smokescreen. The goal of having presidents the likes of who run today is to make people ignorant and apathetic of politics, and the trend to focus only on bizarrely petty personal issues is quite obviously to obscure the real ones. Think not?
Chris Cormier, Canada

A very lucky man who took credit for what Bill Gates did for the American economy.
Paul Hughes, USA

A president who combined an excellent economic record with a human face. Here in Russia he was so popular that he could have beaten any Russian politician up until his Kosovo flier. A leading newspaper even launched a humorist folk song contest in his support in the midst of the Lewinsky scandal and hundreds of people responded, ridiculing the morality-obsessed American conservatives.
Andrej, Russia

His extramarital encounters only reflect the prevailing sexual norms in the US but his shameful bombing misadventures against Afghanistan and Sudan and his pompous behaviour in Pakistan served to show the true character of the man: shallow, opportunist and a teller of lies.
Masood Ahmed, Saudi Arabia

Well, the first president to be impeached. What else can I say?
Basit Rahim, Canada

He will be remembered as one more amateur actor in the USA Presidency. The consortiums do not need professionals anymore to fool the American people.
Defkalion Tsagarakis, Greece

A great leader with great achievements but almost lost his presidency due to the Monica Lewinsky affair which will become as famous as the the Watergate scandal. I agree that he lied but isn't it that generally what all politicians do, regardless of nationality?
Zalde, Manila, Philippines

Clinton will be remembered as lucky, a liar and a cheat. He will be remembered as the presidency most influenced by small interest groups. Mickey Mouse could have been president of the USA in the 90's and their economy would still have boomed.
Damian Martinovich, Singapore

Forget the economy, forget the sexual escapades, Billl Clinton should be remembered for the strength of character he displayed while under continual attack during the time the opposition sought to have him impeached. To carry on successfully doing the job while being the subject of such widespread ridicule and abuse is indeed a great achievement.
Paul Buckley, New Zealand

I don't want to remember him!

T.J. Cassidy, USA

I don't want to remember him! I want to forget that this was the best his generation could put in the White House.
T.J. Cassidy, USA

Clinton did many good things for his country. However, it is very unfortunate that he will be remembered for the Lewinsky scandal. His Republican opponents, bitter at George Bush's defeat, waged war on Clinton from day one and succeeded in ensuring that he will be remembered for a personal mistake rather than his political and economic achievements. Of course, Lewinsky will be remembered as a victim, when it is clear to anyone who studies the facts that she was just as much to blame as Clinton for what went on.
John Kearney, UK

I just watched the speeches made by Bill and Hillary Clinton at the Democratic convention last night. Although, there was justifiable pride in the strength of the economy, there was also a sense of sadness at having to give up on so much of what they worked hard to achieve, like a fairer and more equitable health care system, and (possibly) a final peace in the Middle East. I think Bill Clinton was a competent manager but in terms of vision was frustrated by the Republican Congress.
Niall Kennedy, UK

I was in the US in 1992 and was aware that the fundamentals for a prolonged economic boom were in place. Ironically, it is President Clinton, the inheritor of the previous administration's efforts, who will be remembered for delivering the results.
Tom, Australia

President Clinton will probably be remembered as the U.S. politician who pioneered the art of making things work for his country despite a majority in Congress who were preoccupied with discrediting him. He ran circles around his opposition. On the other hand, he may also be remembered as the U.S. President who was least competent at concealing his extramarital indiscretions.
Jim Karam, USA

I would not be surprised if he is remembered as JFK for the 90s - young, energetic, liberal, strong and with a problem with the ladies.

Ross Chmiel, UK

He'll be remembered as one of the best Presidents the US has ever had. I would not be surprised if he is remembered as JFK for the 90s - young, energetic, liberal, strong and with a problem with the ladies.
Ross Chmiel, UK

I think Bill Clinton as looked at Americas best interests at all times, And his affair will be looked at as a glitch in his life as his wife seems to have forgiven him. But we must remember both as a couple are politically motivated and would stick it out for political gains. All in all Clinton a done better than his predecessors
Asif Majeed, UK

His record was one of fantastic business growth and peace. An almost unheard of combination today.

Dave Adams, USA

President Bill Clinton will be remembered as the most successful President in 20th Century aside from Franklin D. Roosevelt. Clinton's brilliance was no accident. He was the student, the Rhodes scholar, the politician, the leader, - that the GOP has wanted and could never find. He had the charm, the charisma, and the wit that only an exceptional person can have. The only way the GOP could possibly get rid of him was to start one scandal after another - and, that never worked. Here is a President who despite partisan efforts to get him impeached ended up with a higher approval rating than any American President in history. A truly amazing story. But, one that the 'spin-meisters' of the opposition could not overcome. His record was one of fantastic business growth and peace. An almost unheard of combination today.
Dave Adams, USA

Bill Clinton is the most incompetent, corrupt and immoral President in my lifetime, probably in US history. He is the greatest con-man ever to occupy the office. If you think you have heard about his scandals, just wait until he is out of office and those who know detail are free to speak without intimidation.
Knox Pittard, USA

Well he made a mockery of his position over Monica, he made a mockery of American "justice" over Monica, he made a mockery of himself over Monica... need I go on?
John B, UK

President Clinton will be remembered in many ways. In all ways he will be remembered as one among the God-favoured and best leaders of the 20th/21st Century. It is just impossible to rationalise the reasons why the world adores this man!
Kolawole Raheem, Finland

He'll be remembered as an intelligent self-absorbed child-man stuck in his genital fixation phase of emotional development

Kris Langley, USA

To many of us, he'll be remembered as an intelligent self-absorbed child-man stuck in his genital fixation phase of emotional development, and the author of Clinton's Unabridged Dictionary. To those who saw confiscation of [strict interpretation] Constitutionally-based liberties as the cure, rather than a problem, and deliberate calculated deceit as the "means to an end" to their agenda, he'll be a candidate for sainthood.
Kris Langley, USA

Bill Clinton will be remembered like all other people in politics or the public eye, for what he did that was unusual. Many presidents or world leaders preside over a period of prosperity or otherwise which may be none of their making but a function of world events which can never be completely within anyone's control. However to drag your country's name through the mire and to "expose the presidency" of the USA as the sham of hypocrisy, that in my opinion, takes real talent.
James Bruce REID,

In time Clinton's indiscretions will be seen in relation to dalliances of politicians past and future and will be found to be only mildly interesting. When time moves on Clinton will be more interesting to Media students than students of Economics or Politics.
Oliver Richardson, UK

I think Bill Clinton will be remembered as a great president. Americans are enjoying a great economy surplus after a long time with huge Federal Surplus. Overall I rate him as a great president for bringing the people of the world together!
Satish Pasupuleti, USA

Today, America is a much more prosperous place to live and I think that it is due to Clinton

Shawna Lanne, USA

Over the last eight years since President Clinton has been in office America has changed drastically and for the better. Reganomics had left this country bone dry and I remember when finding a job as a waitress was hard work. Today, America is a much more prosperous place to live and I think that it is due to Clinton. Unfortunately, for the next fifty years or so, at least that and everything else that he has done for the country is going to pale when compared to his stupidity in his personal life.
I think that it will take at least a generation for Americans and historians to look at Bill Clinton's presidency objectively because of his inability to keep his pants zipped when so many people were out to smear him.
Shawna Lanne, USA

Going through the e-mails, it was surprising to note that most American mails were quite bitter about the Bill Clinton. For me, he was a skilful politician, who messed around and got caught doing it. I am not sure that you can hold him responsible for the booming economy, just as Al Gore "invented" the internet, but at the same time could you hold him responsible for the increase in gas prices? It also seems that he has increased the range of participation of minorities in various part of the government and is generally regarded as their friend, right-wingers call him soft on that issue.
Navin N, USA

Bill Clinton successes are obvious to the onlooker, he kept the economy running, he reduced the debt of the US by balancing the budget, introduced tax cuts and worked hard for peace in this world. But the Monica Lewinsky affair will always be remembered. But give this man the credit he deserves rightly, for his never ending campaign to make life in the US and the world better for everyone.
Norman , England

Clinton will be remembered as a president with enormous political capabilities but like college going kids habits in personal life.
Scott Smith, USA

Surely it depends who you ask! To me, he'll be just another American president in a long line of presidents. He made mistakes and probably did some good along the way. Pretty average, really. Ask again in 20 years.
Kate, England

Had he possessed an ounce of integrity or gravitas his shenanigans in the Oval Office could have plunged the American executive and legislature into chaos

Stephen, UK

Clinton's a hammy actor. He brought his misfortunes on himself but whose very superficiality fortunately spared the US the calumny that he himself so rightly deserved; had he possessed an ounce of integrity or gravitas his shenanigans in the Oval Office could have plunged the American executive and legislature into chaos. He will be remembered for a cheesy grin, and false contrition.
Stephen, UK

In the short term, President Clinton will be remembered as the leader who brought back prosperity to the States, who orchestrated the economic conditions to create million of jobs and who was also got caught with his pants down!
In the long term however, the economic legacy will be felt a lot deeper and wider in American society than any scandal. Just look at the impression that JFK has left, even though he had his fair share of female liaisons.
Riad Mannan, UK

A sleazy, lying American politician?
Janet, UK

Inside the US he will be remembered as the President who was there when petrol prices peaked

Nicholas Bradley, UK

Clinton clearly has done a good job on the domestic front creating jobs and improving the already high American quality of life. However he still pursued the bully-boy foreign policy of the United States which did not help his popularity outside of the US. Inside the US I believe he will be remembered as the President who was there when petrol prices peaked.
Nicholas Bradley, UK

'Cavorting with a young intern'? Well that's a jolly way to colour Mr. Clinton's disgraceful conduct that had little to do with having oral sex with a woman young enough to be his daughter. Rather it was his committing a felony, PERJURY, in a court case. This from someone who took a OATH to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and who is the nation's chief law enforcement officer. This, then, is the tragic legacy of this profoundly self-absorbed man.
Peter C. Kohler, USA

Bill who?? I think I have already forgotten him!
James, Mexborough, ENGLAND

Bill Clinton will be remembered as a moral vacuum.
Chris Klein, UK

He seems to be the Teflon man. Nothing seems to stick on him

Kevin Jones, USA

I think he will be remembered as an aficionado of Cuban cigars. Really it depends on who is doing the remembering. He seems to be the Teflon man. Nothing seems to stick on him.
Kevin Jones, USA

As a man who only matured with time.
Rahul Dhir, United Kingdom

He'll be remembered by me as a socialist that divided our country within and made it look foolish to the world!
Peggy, USA

From the point of view of someone under the age of 20, I thing that Clinton will be remembered by my generation for the Monica Lewinsky scandal. I asked a few of my friends the for the name of Mr Clinton's daughter, wife, party name and anything else they knew about him. most knew his wife's name and a few his daughter's. No one knew the party name or any political facts relating to him. Everyone mentioned Monica!!!
Nadia Smith, England

Compared to what the Kennedys got up to, Clinton is a saint.
Tony Randall, England/EU

Workmanlike. The impeachment will be seen as the vindictive, partisan nonsense it was, but he hardly rates a 'greatness' tag. Pragmatic and capable, perhaps. But where was the vision thing?
Howard J. Rogers, Australia

Bill Clinton will be remembered as someone who levelled the playing field for people of colour in the United States

Rahul Mahajan, UK

Bill Clinton will be remembered as someone who levelled the playing field for people of colour in the United States. He will also be remembered as the President who done more for reconciling differences between countries and spurring on peace processes (e.g. Israel, Ireland) than any previous US President.
Rahul Mahajan, UK

For not having 'sexual relations with that woman'.
Joe Twyman, UK

Clinton's great achievements have been evident both at home and abroad. The great task - "it's the economy, stupid!" - of balancing the budget was achieved with some ease; there is now a massive budget surplus in the USA's coffers. His (potential) achievements in securing peace or at least ceasefires in the Middle East and in Ireland overshadow the continuing difficulties in ex-Yugoslavia and Iraq, but he has shown that America is not afraid to become involved in protracted foreign policy issues. I rather suspect that Senator Lieberman was correct when he said that Clinton's great achievements make his personal indiscretions all the more unfortunate.
ST, UK

A brilliant president but a flawed man. A man preyed upon by parasites who would amount to nothing on their behalf
Gerry, Scotland

Clinton will be remembered for trying to bring a little bit of social equality to the masses of American poor

Graeme, England

Over here he'll be remembered for Monica Lewinsky first, but also for loosening the right-wing grip on America (Ronald "McDonald" and Bush). For being prevented from taking on the gun lobby, for being prevented from breaking the commercial cartel that is the health system, for being prevented from introducing a nation-wide basic car insurance scheme. Clinton will be remembered for trying to bring a little bit of social equality to the masses of American poor, but ultimately failing due to an overwhelmingly rightwing big business sponsored Congress who only care about their paymasters.
Graeme, England

I think he will be remembered as a good and influential president, who was the intended victim of shrewd political manoeuvring, but survived!
Matt Evans, UK