|
|
 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clinton apologizes to nation
February 12, 1999 WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, February 12) -- An acquitted President Bill Clinton apologized to the American people again Friday, saying he was "profoundly sorry" for what he did that led to his impeachment and the Senate trial. "Now that the Senate has concluded its constitutional duty," Clinton said, "I want to say again to the American people how profoundly sorry I am for what I said and did to trigger these events and the great burden they have imposed on the Congress and on the American people."
The president went on to say this should be "a time of reconciliation and renewal for America." Speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House, Clinton said he was grateful for the support and prayers he has received from millions of Americans over the past year. "Now I ask all Americans, and I hope all Americans here in Washington and throughout our land will rededicate ourselves to the work of serving our nation and building our future," he said. At the end of his statement, a reporter asked Clinton if he was willing to forgive the Republicans who pursued the case against him. He responded, "I believe any person who asks for forgiveness has to be prepared to give it." Clinton spoke about two hours after the Senate voted 55-45 against conviction for perjury and 50-50 against obstruction of justice. It would have taken 67 votes to convict Clinton and remove him from office. Clinton's statement was brief, his manner subdued. It was in sharp contrast to the scene following his impeachment by the House in December. Then more than 200 House Democrats came to the Rose Garden and applauded as the president said he would continue his work as president until the last hour of the last day of his term. The White House had said for days there would be no gloating following an acquittal. At a news briefing following Clinton's statement, White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart said the president did not watch the Senate votes, but White House Chief of Staff John Podesta called to inform him of the results. "This coming to an end brings relief both to the president and to people here at the White House," Lockhart said. In addition to the president's public message, he sent a private message to every member of the White House staff via e-mail. The president thanked the staff for their work and said he knew "the past year has been especially difficult" for them. "I know that my actions and the events they triggered have made your work even harder, for that I am profoundly sorry. In all this, under the most extraordinary of circumstances, you never lost sight of your first obligation - to serve the people of our nation - for that I am profoundly grateful," the president's note read. Clinton went on to outline what he would like to do with his two remaining years in office, and closed by telling the staff "your dedication and loyalty have meant more to me than you can ever know. The best way I can repay you is to redouble my own efforts on behalf of the ideals we share and to make the most of every day we are here." The memo was forwarded to White House staffers via e-mail, from Podesta. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MORE STORIES:Friday, February 12, 1999
• How the senators voted on impeachment • What's next for Clinton, Congress • Politicians react to Clinton verdict • Clinton apologizes to nation • Transcript: President Clinton comments on end of Senate trial • Clinton's evolving apology for the Lewinsky affair • A reverent tone inside the Senate chamber • Evening newspapers get Clinton scoop • Text of Clinton e-mail sent to White House staff • Weary nation welcomes the trial's end • Bush sends video to Iowa activists • Rehnquist returns to Supreme Court • In history's annals, where will we find Monica? • Linda Tripp says she would do it again • Student: The New Yorker stole Monica Lisa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
