Yes, I saw that. I don't think that single poll from the early date (December 1998) really gives an accurate picture of the effects of the impeachment and public perception. People are even remembering impeachment incorrectly thinking it came before re-election or before the midterms. It can be true that Clinton saw an initial bump in public polling right at the start of the scandal (c.Dec. 1998) but by the end of the scandal (c.1999-2000) people were sick of Clinton and his drama and the Republican impeachment did have some benefit for them.
"Personal image problems and fallout from Clinton administration scandals are contributing to Al Gore’s declining favorability ratings and his poor showing in early horse race polls. As the vice president has inched closer to the Democratic presidential nomination, his favorability ratings have fallen and he has slipped further behind GOP frontrunner George W. Bush in the horse race polls.
While general election polls taken at this point in the cycle are more often wrong than right (see page 5), Gore’s problems may be more enduring. Fewer Americans volunteer positive descriptions of Gore than did so just two years ago, and his favorability ratings are well below the 1987 ratings of Vice President Bush, who trailed the likely Democratic nominee at that time.
The patterns of response to questions about Gore may be more troublesome than the weak numbers themselves. Analysis of the latest Pew Research Center survey shows that attitudes toward Gore are more closely linked to Bill Clinton’s mixed personal ratings than to his strong job approval. The opposite pattern was observed for Bush and Reagan 12 years ago. The survey also finds that three-quarters of Americans say they are tired of the problems of the current administration — an attitude more closely tied to voter choice than are views of Gore’s likability or his sympathy for the problems of ordinary Americans."
https://www.people-press.org/1999/04/17/clinton-fatigue-undermines-gore-poll-standing/
"President Clinton appears to have worn out his welcome with many Americans. More than half of those surveyed (53 percent) said they are "just plain tired" of Clinton, a view expressed by many political independents and moderates, two swing groups that will be crucial in determining the outcome of next year's election.
The issue of "Clinton fatigue" is a closely watched – and vigorously debated – phenomenon as the presidential campaign of 2000 unfolds. Some earlier polls have found clear evidence that a scandal-weary public will be happy to see the Clinton presidency end.
The new Post-ABC poll confirms broad weariness with a president who has a high job approval rating but low personal standing following a succession of scandals that culminated in his impeachment last year."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/vault/stories/poll090899.htm
