Clinton did not inherit a recession. He came in just as the uptrending economic cycle started. There was 4% GDP growth the quarter before he was elected,more than Obama has been able to muster in his entire 3 years at the helm. When Clinton took over the economy stayed flat until the Republicans took charge of Congress 2 years later, reduced capital gains taxes over his objection and the stalled economy took off.I am surprised PBS did not also give Al Gore gain also for inventing the internet at that time and causing the technology economic boom.
People forget it was actually Newt and the republican controlled Congress that pushed through welfare and medicare reform against the scare tactics. I remember talking to an retirement age man who was convinced the republicans were going to take his medicare away.
However, Clinton was smart enough to see the trend and that if it was succesful he could take credit for it. If the sh#t hit the fan , he could blame republicans.