The White House today continued to portray an administration focused on policy issues and a president only tangentially concerned with the prospect of his own impeachment, even as some Democratic strategists inside and beyond the White House gates suggest Clinton should become more involved.
White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart indicated the President's schedule today had precluded him from viewing any of the Judiciary Committee proceedings, and he argued it would be "tragic" if the impeachment debate distracted Clinton and his aides from the work they were "sent here to do."
During a White House appearance with Central American leaders, the President declined to comment on impeachment. And Clinton has continued to avoid buttonholing members. Lockhart denied reports that Clinton has spoken on the phone with undecided moderates, adding that he had no knowledge of any conversations so far between Clinton and moderates about impeachment. But Lockhart would not rule out that some personal lobbying by Clinton could occur.
The prospect of a further statement of regret by Clinton remains under discussion at the White House, but Lockhart indicated a decision on the matter has not been made.
One White House official noted that if a new apology is offered, Clinton may wait until relatively soon before the House floor vote in order to narrow the window for criticism should some find Clinton's contrition inadequate. The White House believes pressure on GOP moderates from Republican leaders may not be as effective as the vote nears, according to one White House source.
Lockhart also said White House Chief of Staff John Podesta met with House Speaker-designate Bob Livingston, R-La., Thursday to request that a censure motion be allowed on the floor next week. But Lockhart declined to reveal Livingston's response.
Meanwhile, some Democrats are exploring a variety of ways to persuade Livingston to allow a censure vote on the floor.
According to a House source, at least one member has talked to former Sen. J. Bennett Johnston, D-La., now president of a Washington lobbying firm, about whether he would be willing to serve as a White House intermediary with Livingston on behalf of a censure proposal. Johnston responded affirmatively, according to the source, who said the member has since talked to the White House about Johnston's offer to help out. Johnston could not be reached for comment today.
A White House aide declined to comment on this option, but indicated there were a number of back channel efforts under way. Johnston has maintained good relations with the new speaker and hosted a fundraiser for Livingston's PAC, BOBSPAC, at Johnston's office last summer. Johnston's firm also represents a few Louisiana companies-including Avondale Industries Inc., where Livingston and his mother once worked-with very close ties to Livingston.
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