    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 16, 1997]
    [Page 318]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters
    March 16, 1997

    Recovery From Knee Surgery

        Q. How are you feeling, sir?
        Q. Good morning, Mr. President. How are you feeling, sir?
        The President. I feel fine today. I was a little sore yesterday, you
    know, the first day after the operation when the pain started to wear
    off--I mean, the painkiller, you know, the anesthesia. But I feel fine
    today, and I've done 2 days of therapy, learned to use my crutches.
        Hillary wanted me to come home before she left for Africa. She and
    Chelsea wanted me well settled, so that's what I'm doing.
        Q. Is that going to be difficult for you to use crutches for the
    next few months?
        The President. I just want to do it well. It will be an interesting
    experience. I just want to be careful and not make any mistakes and do
    it well. But I think I'll be perfectly mobile and perfectly fine.
        I also want to say that the medical team I had at the Bethesda Naval
    Medical Center did a magnificent job. They really were wonderful, and I
    feel very fortunate. And the American people should know that that
    military medical center is a very good place, not just for the President
    but for everybody who is treated there.

    President's Planned Travel

        Q. Did they have to twist your arm to get you to delay the trip to
    Helsinki for a day?
        The First Lady. No twisting of arms--or any other limb. [Laughter]
        The President. No, because I can go back to Copenhagen and do that
    probably when we do the NATO meeting.

    Recovery From Knee Surgery

        Q. Sir, does it hurt every time you move?
        The President. No.
        Q. It doesn't?
        The President. No. You just have to learn to use a few different
    muscles. But it's quite interesting. I mean, it will be a learning
    experience. It's like going back to school and learning some new things.
        Q. Do you think this will get you any sympathy votes in Congress for
    any of your bills? [Laughter]
        The President. I don't know, but if it does, I'll take them any way
    I can get them. [Laughter] I'd be very grateful if it did.
        Q. Glad to have him home, Mrs. Clinton?
        The First Lady. Yes, I'm very glad to have him home.
        The President. Goodbye.

    Note: The exchange began at 11:46 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, following the President's return from the National Naval Medical
    Center in Bethesda, MD, where he underwent knee surgery on March 14. A
    tape was not available for verification of the content of this exchange.