Hatch Sees Resignation Probable Should Charges be Proven

By John Bisney/CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) says that while "it's too early to talk about impeachment," he expects Democrats to pressure President Bill Clinton to resign should impeachment seem inevitable.

In a CNN interview, however, Hatch also acknowledged he "personally think(s) it's going to be very difficult to get (the charges against Clinton) to a definite conclusion," adding later, "I'm not sure you'll ever be able to prove these charges one way or another."

Although Hatch would obviously play a central role should the Senate try articles of impeachment, he says that should the charges be proven, he doesn't "think there's any question there'll be a strong move to get the president to resign in the Democratic Party and that will be fomented in part because others will be pushing to impeach the president."

Of the president's latest carefully crafted denials, Hatch says, "What bothers me greatly is that in many ways when the president speaks you can interpret it in two ways. It's not as straightforward as it should be."

With regard to Tuesday night's State of the Union address, Hatch says he'll "be very upset if people don't show courtesy. I would hope that both sides would have some consideration for the fact that he's willing to show up and express his ideas on what should be done in the years ahead."

Monday Jan. 26, 1998

• Lewinsky Has Spoken
• White House Crisis Spawns Media Feeding Frenzy
• First Lady Ignores Scandal During Visit to N.Y. School
• Business As Usual At White House, Officials Say
• Lewinsky Allegations Overshadow State Of The Union
• Hatch Sees Resignation Probable Should Charges be Proven
• White House Scandal At A Glance
• Starr Said To Be Using Tested Tactic Against Ex-intern
• Allegations Of Previous Affair, Forgery Haunt Lewinsky

Poll:
• Only A Third Thinks Clinton Honest
• Clinton Wrong, But Should Stay In Office