WASHINGTON (December 19) -- Hillary Rodham Clinton's rousing speech to House Democrats Saturday was interrupted three times by standing ovations and at one point she told her audience "We can't let them impeach our ideas."

According to one member, Mrs. Clinton also told Democrats, "I love and care deeply about my husband."

The first lady went to Capitol Hill to shore up Democratic support for her husband, President Bill Clinton, and to thank his defenders.

Several sources familiar with the emotional address tell CNN that Mrs. Clinton recalled her work on the 1974 Watergate Judiciary Committee, and described that process as fair, while criticizing this current impeachment debate as unfair to her husband.

The message Mrs. Clinton received from Democrats was that the president "cannot and must not resign," these sources said.

The extended Democratic leadership, six or eight lawmakers, are scheduled to visit the White House after the vote. But Democratic sources say dozens of members at the caucus meeting asked that the rank-and-file lawmakers be allowed to join in as well, and that a larger group was being considered.

Saturday, December 19, 1998

• House impeaches Clinton
• Reaction to impeachment mixed, emotional
• DeLay, Gingrich support Hastert for House speaker
• Clinton appeals for 'reasonable' compromise
• What's next in the impeachment process?
• Livingston bows out of the speakership
• Poll: Public still prefers censure
• Transcript: Clinton reacts to impeachment vote
• First lady delivers pep talk to Democrats
• White House says GOP's strategy is to get Clinton to resign
• House roll call: Article I
• House roll call: Article II
• House roll call: Article III
• House roll call: Article IV
• Clinton radio address: U.S. is vigilant on Iraq
• GOP radio address: Iraq shouldn't stall debate

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