I understood that this was an issue that we needed to address, particularly in the context of the Independent Counsel subpoenas, ... My immediate focus was on the immediate compliance with the independent counsel's subpoenas.

Any suggestion by the Office of Independent Counsel or its public relations advisor that the president should do otherwise is reckless and irresponsible.

Counsel for both the DNC and Clinton/Gore used those (FEC) guidelines to approve every ad to ensure strict compliance with the law, ... We are hopeful that once the Department has reviewed this matter fully, it will conclude that these ads were proper.

[Ruff said Clinton has every right to have confidential communications with Lindsey, the deputy White House counsel.] That's not shielding, ... That's a principle of law that all lawyers understand.

The Office of Independent Counsel cannot and will not discuss any aspect of sealed court proceedings including potential mischaracterizations of these proceedings.

We don't want anyone to think we went around anyone. We told you we went to legal counsel. Our issue is change is needed and needed quickly. We were looking for the best, most secure way and not to let it drag out for three to four years. There's a crisis out there and we need to move forward. Let's not keep debating the minutia.