Advanced Search
President Roosevelt Back In US After 3 Weeks At Sea
Shaky dull in contrast and imagery President Roosevelt, tanned and ready for fresh new deal battles after a 3-weeks fishing trip at sea, arrives on the USS. Houston at the naval flying station and is greeted by a colorful Marine Guard of Honor.
August 4, 1994 - Part 13
(01:15:07) Nobody here, nor any place in the record before, says Bernie went out and started this process as to one of the issues, the recusal issue. So I think that's important to note. I think we are in a very difficult time today in terms of how you make judgments and what powers those judgments. My colleagues, particularly my colleague from Massachusetts, has spoken to it. We are oftentimes press driven. No one wants to admit it. It is a fact of life. Terror strikes in the hearts of powerful Senators and Congressmen when the press can put a spin on something and have someone down on their knees crying. Not publicly, but it happens, so I think we have to take a look at that. And I wish you good luck. Mr. NUSSBAUM. Thank you. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Nussbaum, thank you very much for the time and thoughts and let us excuse you at this time. I want to now go to the deposition that was taken this evening from Ms. Hanson. We move very quickly to do that so she might have an opportunity to respond to questions, as a result of the viewing of the videotape, and what the words were that were ex 515 changed between she and Mr. Altman back at the time of February 24th when they were here testifying, What has been typed up at this hour, because. everybody has been working nonstop, we have half of the transcript which runs 14 pages, but it covers a direct discussion, in detail, that videotaped moment and it gives very explicitly her view. I suggested we just make it available to the press and distribute it to Members. It's been suggested by two Senators that it be read into the record. I'm prepared to read it into the record if that's the wish of the Committee. I'll just do it. I'm going to read it in as neutral a fashion as I can. It's 14 pages, shouldn't take too long. It's the deposition of Jean Hanson. "Whereupon Jean Hanson was recalled for deposition in the above-entitled matter and, having been previously duly sworn, was examined and testified further as follows:" I will parenthetically say we're going to start with a series of names and then the people who then make those comments. Mr. CODINHA. Let's go right onto the record. Ms. Hanson, thank you very much for returning tonight on such short notice. Mr. Pitt , I want to thank you for making your client available to us. Then the examination begins by Mr. Codinha. Ms. Hanson, my question to you is, focusing your attention on the testimony you have seen, the videotape you have seen, do you recall Mr. Bond's question and Mr. Altman's answer at the hearing? Answer: Yes. Question: Describe what you thought when you heard that question and answer, if anything. Answer: I understood the question and answer to refer to the RTC. Question: All right. And is that what you were thinking when you heard that question and answer? Answer: That's what I particular moment in time. Question: When you heard that answer, did you think that Mr. Altman's answer was complete, or incomplete, if you had determined that at the time? Answer: It was accurate to the best of my knowledge. Question: After that question and answer, if you look at the videotape, and when Ms. Ford is asked the question, when you see Mr. Altman turn and say something to you, and you appear to shake your head, which looks like a negative shake of the head, and Mr. Altman then turns around again, he says something to you and you shake your head, and I can't tell whether you said anything or not. Mr. Altman has taken a position on what you have said. What we would like to know today, and what the Senators want to know: To the best of your memory, what did Mr. Altman say to you, and what did you say to him? Answer: I don't recall Mr, Altman's exact words, but in substance he asked me whether his answer was wrong. And I don't recall what I said to him, but in substance it was that I didn't believe so. I immediately, if you note on the video, turn then to Ellen Kulka, the General Counsel of the RTC who is seated next to me, and asked her in substance whether she thought the answer was wrong; and I recall that she, in substance that she said she didn't think it was wrong. A Again, I understood all these questions to be asked and answered in the context of the RTC. That's how I understood: The questions related to the RTC and that they were answered in that context.
August 4, 1994 - Part 13
(01:20:20) I will say that at some point here I realized that we hadn't prepared Mr. Altman for this particular-these particular questions, and that there was no question and answer on it. And I also recall at some point having a flash of remembering that I had spoken with Mr. Nussbaum in the fall. I didn't recall the specifics of the conversation or the events surrounding it. I also recall not having a disquieted feeling about Mr. Altman's response to the questions, or any feeling that-a feeling that anything was being withheld. And after the hearings were over I, as I have testified, knew that there were issues/questions that needed to be followed up on. I don't recall that this was one of them. Although I will say that the following week when Mr. Podesta called Mr. Altman, and Mr. Altman told me that a question recall. I don't recall specifically what I was thinking at that had been raised about his answers to Senator Bond's questions, and we didn't have a transcript so we located Senator Bond's questions on a videotape and transcribed them, and they were only the two: She now refers to that transcript and she quotes it. "Senator BOND. How was the White House notified of the referral? "Mr. ALTMAN. They were not notified by the RTC, to the best of my knowledge. "Senator BOND. Nobody in your agency, to your knowledge, advised the White House staff that this was going to be a major-this could be a major source of concern? "Mr. ALTMAN. Not to my knowledge." Ms. Hanson continues: When I looked at those two questions, which were the only questions that I had transcribed, out of context, although the answers to the questions were literally correct, I had a concern that in fact the answers were not in the spirit of the questions. And it was that day, later on that day, that I started my preparation of my questions and answers, trying to refresh my recollection about the events that had occurred in the fall because I knew that the record would have to be supplemented to include that information. Question: I began by asking you what you said to Mr. Altman and what he said to you when you shake your head 'no,' So if I understand correctly what you have said, it is that when he turned to YOU, you, by shaking your head, and by his question being in essence 'is my testimony correct,'you were affirming that you believed his testimony was correct? Answer: That's my recollection. Question: OK. Mr. Pitt, her attorney, speaks next. Mr. PITT. In the context that she has now described. I mean, that was one of the reasons why we wanted the record to be complete about the whole series of questions. Ms. HANSON. And that I confirmed that information with Ellen Kulka, as well. I understood, as I stated, the questions to be asked and answered in the context of the RTC. Mr. Codinha resuming: Question: OK That brings to mind a question that Senator Sarbanes raised with another witness. That is--or actually it may have been with you-that when you went to the White House on September 29th, did you believe you were representing the RTC or the Justice Department Ms. STRAUSS. The "Justice Department"? Mr. CODINHA. I'm sorry, the Treasury. I have been looking for scope objections all day. [Laughter.] Question: The Treasury. Answer: I believe that I was acting in my capacity as General Counsel of the Treasury. Question: So when you heard-if I understand correctly what you are saying about what is reflected on page 69-when you heard the question and understood it for RTC, you were separating your role as a Treasury Department employee, and that is why you didn't indicate to Mr, Altman at that point that you had had the meeting? Answer: That's correct. Question: Now another thing that we are concerned about in this testimony is that Mr. Altman says that "a week passed before Mr. Podesta's call which alerted me to the fall meetings, Ms. Hanson, Mr. Chairman, then pre-cleared my letter to Senator Riegle which stated I had no prior knowledge of these meetings. She signed off on it. At not one of those times did she suggest-not one of those times did she suggest--that my recollection was faulty," Is Mr. Altman correct in that? Answer: To the best of my recollection, yes. As I have stated, I didn't recall at the time that the March 2nd letter war, written, or prior to the March-between the time of the hearing and the time that the March 2nd letter was sent, I didn't recall that I had spoken with Mr. Altman about the meetings in the fall. So the letter that was sent on March 2nd was correct to the best of my recollection at the time it was sent. 517 Question: Ms. Hanson, I'm going to ask you this because I know the Senators are going to be very concerned about this distinction that you're making-I'm now going back to what happened at the hearing-the distinction that is being made for how the notification happened, and when Mr. Altman said-let me read exactly what he says. He says, or Senator Bond says
Hoary Marmot
Master 2138, Tape 2 MS Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata) running over rocks.
Arctic Ground Squirrel
Master 2138, Tape 2 MS Arctic Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus parryii) standing erect. The squirrel chirps.
North American Porcupine
Master 2138, Tape 2 CU face of Black North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum). Zoom out to MS of porcupine in rock crevasse. Zoom in to CU of porcupine's face.
Good Humor Ice Cream Truck
Good Humor Ice Cream Truck Good Humor ice cream truck, man selling treat to little girl in suburban neighborhood. Old ice cream man selling frozen concoction to young boy. Ice cream truck driving down suburban street, houses are low-slung modest bungalows in modern 1950s style. Ice cream truck, stops and man gets out. Good Humor man selling ice cream to young woman
Horseshoe Crabs
(Tape 1) 01:53:28 Horseshoe Crabs in water, barnacles on back, laying eggs 01:54:23 Horseshoe Crabs walking down beach 01:55:15 Female Horseshoe Crab with three Male Horseshoe Crabs holding on, fertilize her eggs 01:56:08 Horseshoe Crab walking, C.U. eye 01:58:10 Horseshoe Crab stranded upside down, low tide 01:59:49 Horseshoe Crab shell with acorn barnacles 02:00:44 Group of horseshoe crabs stranded on beach
Sandhill Crane
(Tape 1) Tracks of Sandhill Crane in the snow
August 4, 1994 - Part 13
(01:25:21) Senator BOND. Nobody in your agency to your knowledge advised the White House staff that this was going to be a major-this would be a major source of concern, this notification?" And Mr. Altman says- "Not to my knowledge," If I understand what you said correctly, it's that you were from Treasury when you went over to the White House and therefore Mr. Altman was technically correct because you were a Treasury employee and not an RTC employee? Answer: That's right. I never considered myself to he an RTC employee. So when I thought about the question and understood it to relate to the RTC, I didn't believe that it included me because I always viewed myself as functioning in my capacity as the General Counsel of the Treasury and not in any capacity for the RTC. Question: OK Again, I know this is going to be a question that is going to come up: Do you consider that that distinction was a distinction with a difference in the way this question was asked? I mean, didn't you understand that the Senators wanted to know how the information got to the White House? Answer: As I've stated, when I heard the question asked and answered, I understood it to be asked and answered in the context of the RTC, which I did not believe included me as the General Counsel of the Treasury. However, as I've also said, when I transcribed the two questions the following Tuesday on March 1st, and I looked at them out of context and considered them, I was concerned that, although the answers were technically correct--I continued to think the answers were technically correct-I did not think the answers to the questions answered the spirit of the question, and in fact, I believe that that was what the Senators were looking for, the information as to how the White House was notified. And that's why I thought, clearly, that the record was going to have to be supplemented to make that clear. Question: And when you did that-and I believe you said this was around March 1st? [Pause.] The Podesta call, I think we have narrowed down, happens around March 1st Podesta says it happens March lst, Altman seems to say around March Ist. Answer: That's my recollection. Question: Did you tell Mr. Altman that, that his answer was no longer accurate? Answer: I recall that there was a discussion about it. I don't recall Question: A discussion between whom? Answer; I don't remember who was there. I know that Michael Levy was there. Question: You were there, Answer: I was there. Question: Michael Levy was there. Answer: Mr. Altman was there. I don't remember who else. I know Question: Where was "there"? Answer: In Mr. Altman's office. Question: And who called the meeting together, this group of people together? Answer: I don't recall. Question: As best you can recall, what was the substance of the conversation that took place? Answer: The conversation related to whether-Mr. Podesta's statement that there was concern over Mr. Altman's answers, what-what the response to Mr. Podesta's question was, And there was a discussion as to whether it needed to be supplemented, the record needed to be supplemented. Question: Who was that discussion between? Answer: The participants in the meeting. I know that there was--I recall that there was a view expressed that the answers were correct, technically correct, because it related to the RTC and was answered in that context. As I stated, I was concerned that, although, even if technically correct, that the answers did not answer the spirit of the question, which was why, as I have stated, I started working on my questions and answers to recall-to refresh my recollection on the events that had occurred, because I knew that the record had to be supple- mented with the information. people at the meeting, who took Question: Who took the position? Of the three the position that the answers were "technically correct"? Answer: I believe that there were more than three people at the meeting. I don't recall who else was there. I don't recall. I believe that, if I recall correctly, Mr. Levy took that position, but I can't recall what the prevailing view was. As I've stated, 518 I knew and I had a concern that the answers did not answer the spirit of the question and knew Question: And did you voice that view? Answer; I believe I did. Question: Well can you try a little more? You believe you did. What do you base that on? Do you have a memory of saying something? Answer: I recall that I did. Question: And who did you address that to? The group in general, or Mr. Altman? Answer: The group in general, to my recollection. Question: To the best of your memory, what did you say to the group? Answer: I don't recall. The substance was that the answers, although technically correct, didn't answer the spirit of the question. Question: Did this group discuss the tact that Mr. Podesta of the White House had called and raised a number of concerns with Mr, Altman's testimony? Answer: The only issue that I recall being told was raised by Mr. Podesta was Mr. Altman's answers to Senator Bond's questions. I do not recall hearing that Mr. Podesta raised any other issues with Mr. Altman.
Swimmers Stage Goofy Race
Shaky dull in contrast and imagery In a colorful revival of the city's 'silly season', nautical clowns attired in long nightgowns, reminiscent of the gay nineties, stage an amusing derby in which the contestants swim holding lighted candles on plates. The one to finish first with a lit candle is the winner.
Aircraft Construction Rushed
Shaky dull in contrast and imagery - DOS While the nation speeds up its production of war planes to render it supreme on the continent, officials visit the plant, one of a chain of similar factories, and see modern bombing planes being turned out like autos.
Society Opens Polo Season
Shaky dull in contrast and imagery In a colorful and hard riding battle between Westbury and Greentree at the picturesque Sands Point Cub, society horsemen, including Sonny Whitney, ride it out for six chuckers, with Westbury the champs, 12-10.
August 4, 1994 - Part 13
(01:30:38) Question: Was Mr. Altman an active participant in these discussions? Answer: I don't recall. They took-the discussion took place in his office. Question: Do you recall him saying anything? Did he agree with anybody Senator DODD. The question above that, was Mr. Altman an active participant. The CHAIRMAN. I just read that. Senator DODD. OK I'm sorry. The CHAIRMAN. Let me pick up with the top of 14. Question; Was Mr. Altman an active participant in these discussions? Answer: I don't recall. They took-the discussion took place in his office. Question: Do you recall him saying anything? Did he a agree with anybody? Did he disagree with anybody? Can you recall at all what he said. Answer, I don't recall. Question- Do you recall having a strong feeling as to whether the record should be corrected to reflect what you've told us here tonight? Answer: I recall having a strong feeling that the record was going-was going to require supplementation. As I stated, at that point I did not have a transcript and had not had an opportunity to review the transcript in full. But it was my view that the record was going to have to be supplemented. That's my recollection. Question: And when Mr. Altman said that you pre-cleared his letter and signed off on it, did you consider the letter that he sent--I assume this must be the March 2nd letter-to be the letter that corrected the statements that you just told us about? I will show you the letter. Mr. PITT. It is on page 336 of the printed hearings. Ms. HANSON. I understood this letter to be designed to address a specific issue. That was, to answer Senator Bond's question of who notified the White House- And that was the reference to two conversations that took place between Treasury staff and White House personnel, one of those conversations being my conversation with Mr. Nussbaum. As I stated, on March 3rd there was an article that appeared in The Washington Post that described the two fall meetings. This letter was designed and intended to put the Committee on notice of these two meetings, but not, in my view, to com pletely supplement the record as it related to those two meetings because it didn't have the specific information to respond to Senator Bond's question. That remained to be completed in full in response to a review of the entire record. Mr. Codinha resuming: Question: And then on March 3rd there is another letter. Did you also review and pre- clear that letter? Answer: I reviewed the letter of March 3rd. Question: And was that meant to supplement the record on the Bond question? Answer: [Pause.] On which question? Question: On Senator Bond s question about the contacts and elaborate and ex pand the record as you just discussed was the intention of you and Mr. Altman to do? Ms. STRAUSS. I am confused about what question we are talking about- What question by Senator Bond and the contacts? Mr. CODINHA. The one we played- 519 Ms. STRAUSS. On how the White House was notified of the criminal referrals? Mr. Codinha resuming: Question: Yes. Answer: The March 3rd letter? Question: Yes. Answer- No. Question: And the March 11th letter, did you review and sign off on that one? Answer: No. Question: Did you ever attempt to supplement the record any more than you've described today? Answer- No. As I've stated, I expected there to he a full review of the transcript. I had understood from Mr. Harris on two occasions that there were going to be additional questions that were going to be furnished. I expected that both the record would be reviewed and additional questions received, and the record completed in full quickly. But because of the intervening events, that didn't happen. Question: And the "intervening events" you're describing are the Grand Jury's notification of subpoena? Answer: In particular, yes. And also Secretary Bentsen's commencement of Question: The OGE Answer [continuing): for the OGE investigation. Mr. CODINHA. I have no farther questions. Joe, do you want to inquire? And I take it that's the entire transcript. There's more transcript, but that's what we have transcribed at this time. Senator BOXER. Mr. Chairman, as the person who really asked the staff to do this, I want to say I'm extremely grateful to the staff for both sides, Legal Counsel, the staff, the court reporters because I think it's very important for Mr. 39999Altman and for Ms. Hanson that this be put in the record tonight, and I do appreciate, and I want to say to Mr. DAmato thank you, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for doing this. A human life is at stake here in a lot of ways. Senator DAMATO. I am pleased we put so much into this. I don't think we have to read it all because the Chairman went to extraordinary lengths, but I would hope that he would have the balance entered in because I think it gives a full picture and I don't intend to editorialize. Senator BOXER. I so move we put the balance in the record. The CHAIRMAN. Absolutely. Senator KERRY. I want to ask the Counsel whether the question was asked why the letter didn't mention future information? Senator DODD. I'M sorry, John? Senator KERRY. Did the letter-was the question asked about Codinha, all the questions that were asked were right here? I thought more was to come. Codinha, I can't recall what he says. The CHAIRMAN. We'll have to see that tomorrow morning. We've gone as far as we can go this evening. I think we've had a full day by any measure, and I want to thank the staff particularly for their hard work and for the quick turnaround on this deposition. The Committee stands in recess. We'll resume tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. in this room. (01:37:12) [Whereupon, at 1:40 a.m., the hearing was adjourned, to reconvene at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, August 5, 1994.1 (01:40:07)(tape #10103 ends)
75,000 Shriners Stage Colorful Street Parade
Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery The nobles of the Mystic Shrine take over the Automobile Cty for a huge and colorful parade witnessed by hundreds of thousands along the line of march. The parade is a highlight of the order's three-day national convention.
National Guard Troops Move Into Steel Strike Zone
Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery National guardsmen move into the strike torn city as the governor proclaims martial law during the steel strike. The troops throw up a tent city and dig in for the duration of the strike which appears to be still far from any settlement.
Chinese Troops Move To Block Mongol Invasion
Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery Thousands of soldiers from the Provinces, reinforced with crack ranking division are rushed to the border to stand by for a rumored fresh invasion of China by Mongolian irregulars. Field maneuvers keep the soldiers on their toes.
July 18, 1995 - Part 1
(09:24:57) Opens to wide shot of Senate hearing room where crowds, press, and eventually Senators mill about - no at the beginning of this opening shot (09:35:07) Hearing begins: INVESTIGATION OF WHITEWATER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND RELATED MATTERS VOLUME I TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1995 U.S. SENATE, COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AF FAIRS, SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE WHITEWATER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND RELATED MATTERS, Washington, DC. The Committee met at 9.30 a.m., in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building, Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato (Chairman of the Committee) presiding. OPENING STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN ALFONSE M. D'AMATO The CHAIRMAN. If the Committee will come to order. First, let me say that this has not been an easy process, but it is one that has been made much easier due to the cooperative efforts and manner in which my colleague, the Ranking Member, Senator Sarbanes, has worked with us, and we have worked in a cooperative effort to bring us to this point in terms of laying out the methodology and the scope of the hearings and the manner in which we would proceed. I would hope that we can continue in this manner. I have every confidence that we can discharge our duties in the manner that brings credit to the Senate and represents the best interests of all of our citizens. We have agreed that each side will make opening statements for a half hour, then it will revert to 10 minutes to one side, 10 minutes to the other. We anticipate that each side will take up to an hour and a half before we get to our first witness. Today the Senate Whitewater Committee begins its first round of public hearings. The Senate has authorized the Committee to ascertain the full facts about Whitewater and its many related matters. We intend to conduct fair, impartial and thorough hearings. That's what the American people want, expect and deserve. Three years ago, the American people first learned of Whitewater, the Arkansas real estate development in which Governor Bill Clinton and Mrs. Clinton owned a 50 percent interest with Mr. James McDougal, the owner of the other 50 percent of Whitewater. Mr. McDougal was also the owner of Madison Guaranty, the Arkansas savings and loan that's at the heart of Whitewater, The whole story of Whitewater is very complicated. This matter 2 stretches from the early 1980's when the Clintons and the McDougals embarked on their real estate venture to the financing of the 1990 Clinton gubernatorial campaign and on to Washington in the first 2 years of the Clinton Presidency. In authorizing the Committee's investigation by a 96 to 3 vote, the Senate has made clear that Whitewater is not a partisan issue, The entire Whitewater matter raises very serious questions that the American people want answered. The Independent Whitewater Counsel, Judge Starr, has obtained a number of guilty pleas from a number of close Clinton associates, During last summer's Whitewater hearings, the Banking Committee uncovered many previously unknown facts. We learned that certain top Clinton Administration officials were not candid and forthcoming to Congress about Whitewater. That's troubling. We also discovered that senior Treasury Department and White House officials mishandled confidential law enforcement information relating to Madison and Whitewater. That's even more troubling. With each passing month, more and more questions are being raised about Whitewater. This past Sunday The New York Times asked two central questions concerning Whitewater. First, did the Clintons pay their share of the venture's losses? Second, did Mr. Clinton, as Governor of Arkansas,. help his business partner Mr. McDougal get any favors from State officials? Based on its review of newly released documents,- The New York Times reported that McDougal "shielded the Clinton's to an extent far greater than previously reported from paying their fair share of Whitewater losses." Question: Is The New York Times right? The American people have a right to know. The Senate has authorized the Special Committee to investigate a number of areas in this round of hearings. We will examine whether White House officials interfered with the Park Police investigation in the office of Vincent Foster. The death of the number two lawyer in the Clinton White House on July 20, 1993 shocked and bewildered the nation. This marked the first time since the death of Secretary of Defense James Forrestal in 1949 that such a high-ranking U.S. official took his own life. Later this Committee will examine other areas of Whitewater. For example, we will look at whether Members of the Clinton Administration tried to obstruct criminal referrals involving Madison and Whitewater.
60,000 Women Vow Loyalty To Mussolini
Rolling - Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery - D.O.S Sixty thousand women from all parts of the country mass in the Piazza Venetia to take an Oath of Allegiance to Mussolini. Strangely enough, not one dissenting voice is heard as the hysterical crowd cheers one of ill Duce's rare (?) balcony appearances.
City Goes Goofy As Old And Young Play Patty-Ball
Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery Now it's hi-li-a game as batty as any to undermine the sanity of the country. You've seen the wooden paddles with the captive balls-but if you've never played the game (lucky person) here's how it's done by everybody from 7 to 70. paddleball
Typist Sets New World's Record 141 Words Per Minute
Rolling - Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery Albert Tangora of New York, World's Champion Typist sets a new record for speed writing by tapping out an average of 141 words a minute for an hour, six words better than the old mark. In winning his sixth title, the champ was 99.99927% Accurate.
Hell Drivers - Thrill Orientals By Real Smash-Up
Rolling - Shaky, dull in contrast and imagery Seven spectators are injured as Dick Acton, American stunt driver, loses control of his car and ploughs into the crowd after completing a hair-raising stunt, part of the exhibition by touring 'Hell Drivers', here from the United States.
July 18, 1995 - Part 1
(09:40:26) Moving to matters in Arkansas, we will examine whether James McDougal improperly diverted Madison funds to Whitewater or to Governor Clinton's campaign. We will also examine Judge Hale's charges that Governor Clinton asked him to make an improper loan to Mrs. McDougal to prop up Whitewater. The American people have a right to know the truth about these matters. As we turn to the subject of these hearings, the handling of the papers in Mr, Foster's office, I will briefly outline some of the relevant facts developed by the Committee's highly professional staff These facts fall into two categories: Facts that are known and undisputed, and facts that are subject to sharp and vigorous dispute. Let me begin with some facts that are known and undisputed. Vincent Foster was born in Hope, Arkansas in 1945. He was in the same kindergarten class as President Clinton and former White 3 House Chief of Staff Mack McLarty. Vincent Foster was first in his class at the University of Arkansas Law School. He received the highest score on the Arkansas Bar the year that he took that examination. In 1971 Vincent Foster joined the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock. He became a partner in 1973, just 2 years later, From what we know, Vincent Foster was well liked and well respected. Evidently, he placed high value on his professional reputation. His coworkers have described him as careful and precise. At the Rose Law Firm, Vincent Foster formed friendships and professional relationships that profoundly affected his career and future. His partners included Webster Hubbell and Hillary Rodham Clinton. He was a close personal friend of both the President and Mrs. Clinton. After Bill Clinton was elected President, one of the first things he did was to name Vincent Foster to the critical position of Deputy Counsel to the President. Vincent Foster came to Washington. At the White House, Vincent Foster joined a small group of lawyers who worked for the White House. He had an office in the West Wing, not far from the Oval Off-ice. Let's turn to how Whitewater fits into Vincent Foster's story. Although now is not the time to develop the full Whitewater picture, which will be the subject of future Senate hearings, we now know that Vincent Foster played an important role in advising the Clintons about Whitewater. In March 1992, during the Presidential campaign, stories first appeared in the national press raising serious questions about the Clintons' investment in the Whitewater real estate development. The press reported that the Clintons owned 50 percent of Whitewater but that most of their financial losses were covered for by their partner Jim McDougal, who also ran the Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan. The press raised questions about whether then Governor Clinton gave preferential treatment to McDougal's savings and loan. The Clinton campaign responded to these news stories. Vincent Foster, along with others whose testimony you will hear in the coming days, helped gather Whitewater-related documents. Mr. Foster helped to prepare the campaign's response to press inquiries. Another close friend of the Clintons who responded to the Whitewater reports for the campaign was New York lawyer Susan Thomases. But Vincent Foster's involvement with Whitewater did not end with the campaign; it followed right into the White House. At the end of 1992, the Clintons decided to end their investment in Whitewater. Mr. Foster assisted the Clintons in selling their Whitewater investment to James McDougal. Once Vincent Foster became Deputy White House Counsel, he devoted energy and effort to advising the President and the First Lady about how to deal with Whitewater transactions on their 1992 tax returns and mandatory public financial disclosure statements, Mr. Foster spent a lot of time working on the personal financial matters of the Clintons. More was at stake in Whitewater than simple routine tax preparations. Mr. Foster was confronted with some of the difficult and tangled legal arid factual questions that lay at the heart of Whitewater. As you will learn during these 4 hearings, at the time of his death, there were a large number of documents in Vince Foster's office relating to Whitewater and the Clintons' personal finances.
Chicago Blues- Jazz Bulls Club
Chicago Blues Clubs- Bulls Club. Video original footage, all day shots.