Republicans, Democrats Wrangle Over Gingrich Admission -- Dec. 22, 1996

Gingrich Admits To Ethics Violations -- Dec. 21, 1996

Clinton Sticks To Christmas, Stays Mum On Gingrich

By Jill Dougherty/CNN

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AllPolitics, Dec. 23) -- President Bill Clinton had barely begun his visit to the Marines at Camp LeJeune when he was asked about House Speaker Newt Gingrich's ethics problems. He ignored the question.

It was the second time in as many days that Clinton and his administration refused to comment publicly on the speaker. Sunday he ignored a reporter's question while Christmas shopping.

The Gingrich story is headline news that, at least temporarily, has overshadowed the president's own ethical and fund-raising issues.

Instead, the president, as commander in chief, spent the day thanking the Marines and all service members for their sacrifices, especially during the holiday season.

He began with a briefing from a unit just returned from deployment in the Mediterranean. Then he had lunch with Marines from the Air Contingency Force, whose ground troops rescued Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady from Bosnia a year and a half ago.

Later, in a holiday celebration, the president addressed several thousand Marines and their families.

"Only the United States today, thanks largely to you, has the ability to lead the world in its advance of peace and freedom, in its advance of security and prosperity. We simply could not do it without the overwhelming superiority of armed forces, which you represent." (256K AIFF or WAV sound)

"For all your fellow Americans, in a very real sense, you make every day Christmas," Clinton said. "You have always been faithful to America, and America must always be faithful to you. Thank you, semper fi, happy holidays, God bless you, and God Bless America." [Semper fidelis -- always faithful -- is the Marine Corps motto.] (256K AIFF or WAV sound)

"Because of your example, people everywhere look to America for help and inspiration," Clinton said. "In the Persian Gulf, America's men and women in uniform tightened the straitjacket around a dangerous tyrant. And, off the Taiwan Straits, they calmed a rising storm.

"Because of all you have accomplished, more people in this holiday season, in places like Haiti and Bosnia, and, indeed, all around the globe, can look forward to the blessings of a more normal life in the new year. I thank you for the service that has made that possible. And your nation thanks you for that service."

Behind the scenes at the White House, there has been some debate on how to handle the Gingrich issue. But one aide says, for every argument to speak out and try to exploit the speaker's problems, there is another just as strong argument to remain silent.

And that view is winning so far.