As the sun finally starts to rise on the political landscape, tough decisions have to be made by tough campaign managers. One faced by Al Gore's people is how far the candidate can disassociate himself from Bill Clinton.
Mr. Gore's handlers are concerned that some of Mr. Clinton's behavior will be attributed to Mr. Gore.That is why there is now a Gore Damage Control & Spin Team charged with spreading the word that the Gores and the Clintons never ate in the same McDonald's.
At a recent rehearsal for a press conference, the Gore support staff worked over the vice president.
One young man said, "The first question the press will ask you is, 'Have you ever met Bill Clinton?' "
Gore said, "What's my answer to that?"
"Reply that you may have met him at a Democratic fund-raiser when Clinton wanted to have his picture taken with you, but you meet so many people, it's hard to remember."
"OK, next they are going to ask you where you stand with Monica Lewinsky."
"Where do I stand?"
"Say you've read a few stories about her in the newspapers."
A spin doctor said, "Now you will be asked a follow-up question. 'Do you believe in adultery?' "
"Of course not."
"Mr. Vice President, what does the name Hillary Clinton mean to you?"
"I believe she is a New Yorker who would like to be the state's next senator."
"Did you know that she is related to Bill Clinton?"
"No, I didn't know that. I've been in New Hampshire."
"Mr. Vice President, George W. Bush is going to charge that on one occasion you had breakfast with President Clinton and a half-dozen Buddhist priests. We believe you should admit to dining with the priests but deny you ever had scrambled eggs with Bill Clinton."
Los Angeles Times Syndicate