In an effort to ease negative forces around the world, Clinton expanded NATO because he saw a need for global collaboration. He said he saw the potential of such countries as China and India becoming greater superpowers than that of the United States and wanted to keep close ties with the growing countries by reconciling with India and bringing China into the world trade association.
“The reason we should be in these groups and cooperate is that we need to create a world we’d want to live in when we’re no longer the biggest dog on the street,” he said.
After naming more successes from his presidency, including allowing 10 million more college students to receive aid through the Pell grant, among others, and tightening clear air standards, Clinton reviewed his mistakes and failures during his presidency.
Among his mistakes Clinton recalled sending soldiers to Rwanda to end the slaughtering and sending soldiers into Waco.
“It was a mistake and I was responsible,” he said referring to the Waco incident where he said he trusted his gut instincts for the ultimate decision.
Clinton said his administration deserved an “‘A’ for effort” in their efforts in healthcare, as great strides were made in the research of diabetes, breast, prostate and cervical cancers, but ultimately failed in passing legislation for universal healthcare.
Clinton then addressed one of the biggest issues during his second term ? his impeachment and how a president should be judged based upon his actions and decisions.
Clinton referred to his impeachment as “an egregious abuse to the Constitution and the laws” and that the major issue was not misconduct, but that he lied to the grand jury and obstructed justice.
“If you want to hold it against me and back up the impeachment, how many other presidents do you have to downgrade?” asked Clinton to a response of thunderous applause.
Clinton concluded that the way in which he “keeps score” in judging his effectiveness as a leader, is when a man approaches him and tells him how welfare reform allowed him to get a job and move into the middle class and how a trade bill in Ghana allowed a women to get a job in a shirt factory.
“I’ll go to my grave keeping score that way,” he said.
In addition to the three-day conference, which concludes Saturday evening, Rabinowitz honored Clinton with a University degree.
President Clinton makes his first appearance at the University during the Presidential Luncheon
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