1996 Clinton challenger (4)
I believe the answer is:
dole
'1996 clinton challenger' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for dole that I've seen before include "Dish (out sparingly)" , "Informal word for unemployment assistance" , "Unemployment pay" , "Unemployment benefit (sl.)" , "Kansas senator and 1996 presidential candidate, Bob" .)