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Clinton doubts he's 'a drag on the Gore campaign'
October 28, 1999 WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Clinton said Thursday he does not believe his affair with Monica Lewinsky has hindered Al Gore's presidential campaign. Fielding questions from reporters at a joint news conference with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Clinton was asked if the Lewinsky affair that led to his impeachment "was a drag on the Gore campaign." "No," Clinton said. "A lot of people who may not like me may hold it against him. But I don't think you hold him responsible. I don't think mature people hold one person responsible for another person's conduct, do you? "I think if there had been some example of official misconduct in office, which he had been a part of, that would be a different thing." If American voters were to hold a grudge against Gore for the president's sexual affair with a former White House intern, Clinton said, then "I hope they do give him some credit for the longest peacetime expansion in history and the lowest unemployment rate in 29 years and the lowest welfare rolls in 30 years and the lowest poverty rates in 20 years and the lowest crime rates in 30 years and the first back-to-back budget surpluses in 42 years." During Wednesday night's Democratic town forum between Gore and former Sen. Bill Bradley, the vice president told the audience, "I understand the disappointment and anger that you feel toward President Clinton and I felt it myself ... I also feel the American people want to move on and turn the page." In Thursday's news conference, Clinton said, "In terms of what he said, he hasn't said anything that I haven't said." He called Gore "the most accomplished vice president in history" and said that ultimately "the American people will make a decision based on what's in their interest." "I don't think that they ought to vote for him on the fact that we had a great record either -- except that the great record is evidence of what he can do and where he will lead." |
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MORE STORIES:Thursday, October 28, 1999
• Clinton doubts he's 'a drag on the Gore campaign' • Bill Press analysis: Bradley edges Gore • Tucker Carlson analysis: Bradley picks the wrong heroes • Justice Department asks for rehearing on medical marijuana • Smith drops out of presidential race • Gingrich signs on as commentator for Fox News Channel • Stalemate could lead to 'recess' appointment • Glickman says he will propose changes to farm policy • House approves budget cuts and social spending, Clinton veto next • Huang gets immunity in GOP probe of Democratic fund raising | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
