[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5624-S5625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CRITICIZING THE PRESIDENT

  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I must observe before I speak briefly 
about what I intend to speak about, the Senator from Iowa does not seem 
so reluctant; he says he reluctantly takes the

[[Page S5625]]

floor, and he certainly has been persistent, and today at least he has 
taken the floor criticizing the President for what he has not done.
  The minority leader just finished reading the statement in the 
Chamber that describes accurately the circumstances of the filing on 
behalf of the President, and it categorically rejects the assertions 
just made by the Senator from Iowa. But it is an even-numbered year. We 
all know what that means. And being President certainly means you are 
subject to criticism. I understand that, as do others who serve in 
public office. I believe the American people understand all of us have 
things about us that are positive, things that are not so positive 
perhaps. None of us are perfect.
  This President, like President Bush and President Reagan, President 
Carter and others before them, I suspect, resides in the White House 
trying to figure out how to do the best job he can to move this country 
forward and serve the best interests of this country.
  It is easy to be critical. I hope all of us would understand that the 
job of the President of the United States is a tough job. It is tough 
for Republicans and tough for Democrats. This is a country with a lot 
of good and a lot of opportunity, and I hope all of us can work 
together to help this President and future Presidents realize that 
opportunity.

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