Clinton insists he has morals to lead

WASHINGTON - Rejecting resignation, President Clinton yesterday argued that he still has the moral authority and popular support necessary to lead the nation.

In his first news conference since independent counsel Kenneth Starr sent to Congress his case for the president's impeachment, Clinton declared that he and the American people want to put the sordid business of his relationship with Monica Lewinsky in the past.

AP PHOTO President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton walk out of the White House for an arrival ceremony for President Vaclev Havel of the Czech Republic on the south grounds of the White House yesterday.

"I'm determined to lead this country and to focus on the issues that are before us," Clinton said.

The president's remarks were part of a determined effort by the White House to change the subject. But developments on Capitol Hill threatened to thwart the attempt, as Congress prepared to release Clinton's videotaped testimony and large portions of the grand jury transcripts, which explain in even more graphic detail than the Starr report the sexual relationship between the president and former White House intern.

AP PHOTO President Clinton and Czech President Vaclev Havel smile yesterday during their joint news conference at the State Department in Washington.

The news conference - like most of his public appearances in recent weeks - was stage-managed to put the president in the best light possible. Rather than holding it in the usual White House venues, the White House chose a large auditorium at the State Department, with employees at the rear applauding both Clinton's references to foreign policy achievements and expressions of "chagrin about what (he) did wrong and determination to put it right."

The event - a joint news conference with Czech President Vaclev Havel - was emblematic of a White House strategy that has emerged in the last few days: By talking about issues, such as economics and foreign policy, where he has the most influence, showing a calm demeanor, and generally refusing to be drawn into a battle with Congress over his punishment, Clinton is trying to reclaim his image as chief executive and shake off the reputation of first cad.

"Last week you saw an enormous display of contrition; this week you're seeing his best effort to return to the public policy arena," said one senior White House official.

Clinton refused to be baited by reporters yesterday about such painful topics as the potentially damaging release of the videotape.

09-17-98