Ross Perot

Definition

Ross Perot was a billionaire businessman and political activist who gained national attention during the 1992 presidential election as a third-party candidate. His campaign focused on economic issues, particularly the national debt and trade policies, which resonated with many voters disillusioned by the two major parties. Perot's candidacy is notable for drawing significant support away from both the Republican and Democratic candidates, impacting the overall outcome of the election.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ross Perot founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, which provided data processing services and made him a multimillionaire.
2. During the 1992 campaign, Perot used infomercials to communicate directly with voters, discussing complex issues in an accessible way.
3. Perot's platform included a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility and reducing the federal budget deficit.
4. He garnered about 19% of the popular vote in the 1992 election, marking one of the most successful third-party campaigns in U.S. history.
5. Perot's candidacy highlighted voter dissatisfaction with traditional politics, paving the way for future independent and third-party movements.

Review Questions

• How did Ross Perot's approach to campaigning differ from traditional candidates during the 1992 presidential election?
  • Ross Perot's approach was distinctive because he utilized infomercials to reach voters directly and explain his policy positions. While traditional candidates relied on rallies and debates, Perot created a platform where he could discuss complex economic issues in a simple manner. His focus on economic topics like national debt and job loss due to trade agreements set him apart from mainstream candidates.
• Evaluate the impact of Ross Perot's candidacy on the results of the 1992 presidential election.
  • Ross Perot's candidacy significantly influenced the outcome of the 1992 presidential election by drawing votes away from both Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. His appeal to voters concerned about economic issues allowed him to secure nearly 19% of the popular vote. This division of support is believed to have aided Clinton's victory, as it limited Bush's ability to garner sufficient votes for re-election.
• Analyze how Ross Perot's focus on economic issues during his campaign reflected broader trends in American politics during the early 1990s.
  • Ross Perot's focus on economic issues mirrored a growing public concern over fiscal responsibility and the national debt in the early 1990s. His candidacy highlighted dissatisfaction with established political norms and demonstrated a shift toward prioritizing economic discourse in political debates. As voters grappled with recession and job insecurity, Perot's emphasis on these issues resonated strongly, indicating a trend toward valuing direct engagement with pressing economic challenges in American political discourse.

Related terms

Third Party: A political party that is not one of the two major parties in a political system, often representing specific issues or interests.

NAFTA:

The North American Free Trade Agreement, a trade deal between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that aimed to eliminate trade barriers; Perot opposed it, citing concerns over job losses.

1992 Presidential Election: The election in which Bill Clinton won the presidency, defeating incumbent George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot, who ran as an independent candidate.