"I tried marijuana once. I did not inhale"

This quote by William J. Clinton is frequently used to show his track record for being a bit of a "slick politician". It indicates that he was attempting to appear open-minded and progressive by admitting to trying cannabis, however at the same time, he was attempting to distance himself from the drug by claiming he did not inhale. This quote is often viewed as a way of Clinton attempting to have it both ways, appearing to be progressive while still preserving a particular level of respectability. It likewise speaks with the stigma that was attached to cannabis use at the time, and how Clinton was attempting to navigate the issue in a way that would not harm his track record. Eventually, this quote is a reflection of the political climate of the time, and how Clinton was attempting to navigate it.