Republican Criticism of Clinton

Republican National Committee Chairman Rich Bond spoke in a news conference in East Lansing, Michigan, on the day President Bush and Democratic presidential nominee Gov. Bill Clinton were scheduled to square off in a debate organized by the Center for Presidential Debates. President Bush declined to participate due to disagreement over the format of the debate. Mr. Bond said the Clinton campaign refused to negotiate over the format of the debate, and said concerning future debates, the “ball was in their court.” He stated that third parties do not negotiate debates, and called for Gov. Clinton to deal directly with the Republican campaign. Mr. Bond also showed a video entitled, The Great Debate: Clinton vs. Clinton, which emphasized the inconsistencies in Clinton’s statements on political issues. close