Platform : Clinton and Whitewater: ‘It’s Politics’

The Whitewater controversy is threatening President Clinton’s legislative agenda. We asked some Southern Californians if Clinton is getting what he deserves or if the Republicans and other critics are ganging up on him?

JOSEPH CHESS

Owner, Canoga Jeep Eagle, Chatsworth

I think probably they didn’t use good moral judgment in the beginning and that seems to have mushroomed. I don’t think there’s much there, but I think the fact that they didn’t use good judgment in clarifying the situation immediately has cost him. When you don’t use good judgment, you’re open for any kind of flak.

JOHN GLYNN

Municipal bond broker, Thousand Oaks

They are ganging up on him, but he is getting what he deserves. And that’s not for what he may or may not have done. He is getting what he deserves because he hasn’t learned from the mistakes of past presidents. He should come clean and fully disclose the facts.

PATRICIA TURNIER

Painter, Laguna Beach

I am a moderate Republican as are many of us in Laguna. But my impression is, frankly, that there is too much attention paid by the press to the peccadilloes of people in public office.

Whereas Clinton may be quite guilty, slightly guilty or not guilty at all, I think the press should get away from people’s personal lives and concentrate instead on how wrong-headed many of Clinton’s policies are.

DAHLONEGA CRUZ

Writer, West Hollywood

What I find really ironic is that 20 years ago, Richard Nixon walked away from the Oval Office. Ever since then, the Republicans have been sniffing at the Democrats’ laundry basket. And, frankly, the only thing the two have in common is H2O.

I think that the only people really interested in Whitewater are politicians, specifically Republicans, and the media. I don’t think the public at large, including myself, is interested.

I don’t care about what’s in Clinton’s 1040, I’m interested in what’s in my tax returns. I’m concerned about crime, education, health issues, the economy and world peace. If the allegations and speculation advance to congressional hearings, then perhaps I will rise to the edge of my seat and take notice.

JEFF MAZIE

Insurance executive, Burbank

It’s politics. The Democrats did it to the Republicans with the Silverado Savings & Loan issue (looking into the role of Neil Bush, son of former President George Bush, in the failure of the Colorado thrift) and the Republicans are getting back at the Democrats this time. I think it’s undeserved but, again, that’s what happens inside the Beltway.

CAROLINE ROSS

Rehabilitation counselor,

Thousand Oaks

When this first came up, I thought this is just another Republican tactic to find anything wrong with the Clintons, especially with Hillary. Now, I’m not quite sure what to make of it.

It is odd that the Clintons didn’t come forward sooner about the whole thing. I want to believe the best about Clinton because I think he’s doing a good job. I think Hillary is doing a good job. And I look at his Republican critics and wonder about their integrity. It’s just puzzling to me that it has gone on so long.