Bush also had to deal with the financial fallout of the 9/11 attacks not even 8 months into his first term and the ensuing war. Clinton lucked out because there were no major conflicts of any sort happening under his watch. That makes a HUGE difference. He also happened to be dealing with a Republican Congress which gave the country a good balance. Single party rule does not work. Bush’s first 6 years and Obama’s term thus far illustrate that.