Bill Clinton lost his re-election effort to Frank White. But he would soon occupy in the state's highest office again. And his efforts to help the economy alienated some of his staunchest supporters.

It was Jan. 11, 1983. Arkansas watched Bill Clinton make his first political comeback.

In 1983, Arkansas' unemployment rate was 10.6 percent. The governor wanted to create new job opportunities, but believed it started with education.

Clinton's education reform proposal was a difficult challenge. Most of it was readily accepted. But the fight came when Clinton wanted to require all teachers and administrators to take and pass the National Teacher Examination.

Despite Arkansas Education Association opposition, the Legislature passed the teacher-testing proposal and teacher testing was implemented. In his memoirs, "My Life," Clinton called the '83 education reform plan his proudest accomplishment as governor.

Even though he wasn't a candidate, the '88 presidential campaign played a big role in shaping Clinton's political future. The Democratic nominee, Michael Dukakis, asked Clinton to give the nominating speech at the national convention. It lasted about an hour, the biggest applause coming at the end.

After that speech, many political pundits predicted Clinton's political career to be over. It was the suggestion of a Hollywood producer and friend that gave the governor the chance to turn a negative into a positive. Harry Thomason suggested he appear on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and poke fun at himself. It worked.

In 1991, after beating Republican challenger Sheffield Nelson and promising not to run for president, Clinton was traveling Arkansas asking people to release him from his pledge. He had made up his mind to run for president in 1992.

To watch the full story, click the THV Video link.