Clinton himself has always embraced the title of 'first Black president'. Although I would assume he had the good instinct not to use the phrase himself. But he certainly embraced it and had it used to great political effect.

He is proud of it, and perhaps rightly so. He did connect with many Black Americans, they felt comfortable around him, andf he felt comfortable around them. Clinton's always had genuine Black friends, Blacks featured prominently in his personal entourage. As president, he did a lot to make them feel fully part of America.

Clinton Honored As 'First Black President' at Black Caucus Dinner

Former President Bill Clinton was honored as the nation's first black president Saturday at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Annual Awards Dinner on in Washington, DC.

The chair of the all-Democratic caucus, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.), told the crowd that Clinton "took so many initiatives he made us think for a while we had elected the first black president."

[...]

Clinton told CNSNews.com he was honored to be considered America's "first black president."

"I think it's a function of the work I have done, not just as president, but my whole public life to try to bridge the racial divide and the fact that even when I was a little boy I had friends who were African-American," he explained.

Clinton said that while he misses being president he has "a wonderful life now and I had the time that was allocated to me under the Constitution." He explained, "I have no regrets and I'm trying to go on and play a constructive role as a citizen now and I am quite happy with it."

He added, "I am happy in Harlem and I am honored to be thought of as the first black president."