Health care is a headache. So are welfare and Whitewater, the deficit and Dole. Nukes and Newt. But President Clinton faces a far greater challenge, this time on doctor's orders: Be quiet.
Once again, his yack-ability has run Clinton hoarse, and the Voice of America is reduced to a whisper. Spokeswoman Dee Dee Myers says the White House doctor ordered Clinton "not to speak too much-- which is a challenge."
Croaky-voiced after a 63-minute State of the Union address, Clinton canceled his public events for Wednesday and Thursday, including a fence-mending telephone call the the aforementioned nemesis, Senate Republican leader Bob Dole. He even called off his routine jog Thursday.
"As of this point he has no schedule today,' Myers said. "Depending on how his voice is, he may squeeze in a few meetings."
Clinton, who has a history of throat problems, hopes to resume a full schedule Friday. "He did see the doctor briefly this morning, who just said it was simply a question of overuse," Myers said Wednesday.
Clinton, whose first glimpse at the national spotlight was marred by a dreadfully long-winded speech at the 1988 Democratic Convention, has been told by doctors before to ease up. He went hoarse several times during the 1992 presidential campaign, including a stretch during the New Hampshire primary when his wife gave his speeches.
The former Arkansas governor has a history of hoarseness.
Doctors warned him in 1992 to take better care of his voice or risk permanent damage. He babied his throat-- using a special mixture of tea, honey and lemons-- and, despite aides' fears, was able to accept his party's nomination and the presidency a few months later.
If he learned anything from his past troubles, Clinton set the lessons aside Tuesday. He rehearsed his State of the Union address repeatedly, gave one of the longest speeches in his career, made a few telephone calls afterward and hosted a late-night get-together with staff.