From: Eileen O'Connor/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 10-10-97

Subject: Sources: New Tapes 'Embarrassing' But Not Too Damaging

Administration sources tell CNN the tapes they are reviewing thus far have nothing substantively damaging to the president, but are politically "embarrassing" given the current political climate.

One tape shows the president vigorously thanking John Huang, the controversial fund-raiser, at an event at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, saying whenever John Huang is involved in an event it works out well. In another tape, the president points out Charlie Trie, his "good friend of 20 years."

One official says it is just embarrassing in this climate to be seen thanking people "identified as scoundrels." There are over 100 tapes, and thus far they have almost finished through 1996. Sources say they are working to get a log of the tapes to the Senate committee investigating campaign finance and at the same time, will hand it over to the Justice Department.

Administration officials profess frustration that the death throes of campaign-finance reform legislation is not getting as extensive coverage as the tapes of White House coffees, and say the new tapes, while not substantively damning, will subject the president to some embarrassment.

In Other News:

Friday Oct. 10, 1997

• Clinton Again Vetoes Abortion Ban
• Clinton Proposes IRS Reforms
• Air Force Secretary Widnall Stepping Down
• More Congressional Grumbling On Line-Item Veto
• Clinton Considering Extending Emissions Targets
• Tape Shows Reagan White House Fund-Raising Pitch

E-Mail From Washington:
• Sources: New Tapes 'Embarrassing' But Not Too Damaging
• Gore Attends Fund-Raisers

News Briefs:
• Report: Foster Was Deeply Depressed ...