Elections

Hillary Loses Electoral College Vote 18 Years To Day After Bill’s Impeachment

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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Hillary Clinton lost the Electoral College vote to Donald Trump on Dec. 19, 2016, 18 years to the day after the U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Bill Clinton on two charges of perjury and one of obstruction of justice.

Trump and his running mate Mike Pence won 304 electoral votes, surpassing the needed 270 to beat Clinton who won 227 electoral votes. Of the seven electors that did not vote for Trump or Clinton, five were were originally slated for Hillary. Clinton set the record for the most faithless electors deserting a nominee since 1872.

In 1998, the Republican-controlled House voted 228 to 206 to approve the first article of impeachment which accused President Clinton of perjury before a grand jury. One hour later, lawmakers passed another article claiming he tampered with witnesses and helped hide evidence.

Two other impeachment articles, a second perjury charge and a charge of abuse of power failed to pass the House. The Senate later acquitted Bill Clinton of both charges on Feb. 12, 1999.

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