Clinton Faces Tough Questions from MTV Audience
President Clinton's visit to MTV's studios was a testament to the changing ways in which politicians reach out to the younger generation. Amidst the lighthearted moments, where Clinton revealed his preference for briefs over boxers and his love for the song "A Song For You," the discussion turned serious, tackling tough issues like crime, violence, and the Whitewater scandal. Clinton's responses, while sometimes defensive, provided a glimpse into the complexities of his foreign policy and his personal approach to leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Clinton fielded questions from an audience of 200 young people, including Princeton student Alexander Greenwalt, who asked him to defend his credibility on the Whitewater scandal and his campaign commitment to halt the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia.
- Clinton placed much of the blame for the continuing Whitewater scandal on the press, saying they initially wanted a special counsel to investigate the 16-year-old Arkansas land deal and now want to "ask questions anyway."
- Clinton maintained that he has been fully forthcoming regarding the Ozarks deal he invested in with his wife and James McDougal, but sounded a complaint about the intrusiveness of the process, saying "I don't think just because you become president that everything all of a sudden should be subject to answering."
- Clinton revealed his personal thoughts on the Tailhook sexual assault scandal, stating that Adm. Frank Kelso should be allowed to keep his four stars despite being implicated in the scandal.
- Clinton shared his personal life, including his conversations with his 14-year-old daughter Chelsea about clothing and his idea of a perfect day, which involves a good book, a good game of golf, a long run, dinner with his wife and daughter, and movies with friends.
Statistics:
- 200 young people attended the MTV event, where Clinton was questioned on a range of topics, including crime, violence, the Whitewater scandal, and his campaign commitment to Bosnia.
- 4 stars: Adm. Frank Kelso, who Clinton believes should be allowed to keep despite being implicated in the Tailhook sexual assault scandal.
- 16 years: The age of the Arkansas land deal, which is at the center of the Whitewater scandal.
- 14 years: The age of Clinton's daughter Chelsea, who has discussed clothing with her father.
- 1996: The year Clinton "probably" would seek re-election.
- 2 years: The duration of the Balkan war, which Clinton has struggled to bring an end to.
Sources:
- "Clinton Faces Tough Questions from MTV Audience" by uncredited author, dated April 19, no publication title provided.