“During the Clinton years didn’t we actually get to the point that the military stopped saluting Bill?”
Not sure it ever got to that point.
But stationed at Travis AFB, CA during his reign, it DID get to the point where they had to assign airman to catch and refuel Air Force One. Prior to that point you had to sign up on a waiting list for the honor.
The only time anyone should wave to the press is when they leave and fade into well-deserved obscurity.