By By Amanda DeCamp
While scholars, journalists and Washington staffers devoted the weekend to dissecting the presidency of William Jefferson Clinton, visitors received a first-hand peek into the White House, on the ninth floor of the Axinn Library. Although Bill Clinton’s presidency forced community members to analyze the ruler his presidency was portrayed quite optimistically on the ninth floor of Axinn Library during the President’s visit. Even though the highlights were depicted vividly-faculty, students and guests of the University were also reminded of the imperfections.
The exhibit, A New Democrat: Remembering the Clinton Presidency, featured original copies of President Clinton’s essays covered in red pen marks with corrections on display.
“It was especially interesting to see actual copies of speeches, and particular editing,” Carol Taylor, a guest at the exhibit, said.
The Clinton clan, including Chelsea, were depicted in photos and letters addressed to “Bill and Hillary.”
Various political cartoons, some negative, but mostly positive, were spread throughout the exhibit. A few samples from political cartoonist, Donald Reilly, were presented, including a cartoon from Feb. 2, 1993, which stated, “Are you kidding? We’re Clintonistas, too.”
Another cartoon by Robert Mankoff from July 12, 1993 said, “I don’t know about you, but Clinton has certainly bombed his way back into my heart.”
These displays and others contributed to the lighthearted atmosphere surrounding the entire exhibit.
“I love the funny nesting dolls,” Geri Solomon, assistant dean of special collections, said. “Also the president’s sax and cowboy boots.”
Nesting dolls, portrayed some of history’s most significant presidents including one of the most popular displays, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and George Bush. The saxophone and two pairs of cowboy boots both looked fairly new and unused.
Boy scout badges honoring “Billy” and a campaign ad for Hot Springs Senior High School student government with a slogan, “A Realistic Approach to Student Government,” all reminded viewers of his childhood. Decorative Easter eggs were displayed to depict the very popular Easter egg hunt the White House hosts annually.
A very small amount of space portrayed the negative points of Clinton’s career. A small showcase displayed newspapers articles on how he was almost impeached and the trials with Kenneth Star. A small “WANTED” poster was on display from June 1999 for Osama Bin Laden.
A colorful Kente Cloth reading, “From Ghana with Love” hung next to the New York Yankees World Series trophy from 1998.
Some photographs that were exhibitied included a picture taken on March 27, 1998 of Clinton embracing Nelson Mandela leaving Cell Block B where he was imprisoned. There also was a solemn picture of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton with their arms around each other, standing alone in the Oval Office.
With a few exceptions of negativity, the Clinton Exhibit optimistically displayed not only Clinton’s terms spent in the White House, but also memorable moments from his entire life, starting as a young cub scout.
The exhibit is on display at the David Filderman Gallery in the Axinn Library and it will run from Nov. 7 to Jan. 15. For more information call the Museum at (516) 463-5672.
These nesting dolls are only a few of the art pieces displayed at the Clinton exhibit located at the Axinn Library until Jan. 1, 2006. (Harry Tanielyan/The Chronicle)
