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Clinton Bids U.S. Farewell
WASHINGTON (News Agencies) - Two days before leaving office, Bill Clinton thanked fellow Americans Thursday for a presidency likely to be remembered as much for the sex-and-lies flap that nearly cost him the White House as for historic prosperity.
"I am profoundly grateful to you for twice giving me the honor to serve," he said in his last official televised address from the Oval Office, calling his time at the nation's helm "an era of great American renewal."
"In the years ahead, I will never hold a position higher or a covenant more sacred than that of president ... But there is no title I will wear more proudly than that of citizen," he stressed.
Clinton wished President-elect George W. Bush well and emphasized that the incoming administration must not pare down Washington's global role, declaring "in our times, America cannot and must not disentangle itself from the world."
He did not mention the Monica Lewinsky affair that led the House of Representatives in 1998 to make him the first elected president ever impeached and resulted in his Senate acquittal in early 1999.
But he touted his tenure's unprecedented economic growth, with 22 million new jobs, the lowest unemployment in 30 years and record home ownership, as well as health care and education initiatives and the sharp drop in crime.
"I'm very grateful to be able to turn over the reins of leadership to a new president, with America in such a strong position to meet the challenges of the future," he emphasized.
The outgoing leader, whose last speech to the nation will be his weekly radio address on Saturday, shed no light on his future plans but passed his family's good wishes - as well as some unsolicited advice - to Bush.
"Hillary, Chelsea and I join all Americans in wishing our very best to the next president, George W. Bush, to his family and his administration in meeting these challenges and in leading freedom's march in this new century," he said.
Clinton outlined "three thoughts about our future" that at times sounded like veiled criticisms of policies outlined by Bush - whose father, ex-president George Bush, the Democrat defeated in 1992.
First, he urged fiscal responsibility - a slap at Bush's massive $1.6 trillion tax cut plan - in order to pay down the national debt, and cope with the strain of retiring baby boomers on the federal pension plan.
Second, he warned the United States must keep its global leadership role, saying: "America's security and prosperity require us to continue to lead in the world."
Bush's comments on foreign policy, during a campaign in which the topic was largely absent, were notable for suggesting he would pare down the U.S. military role in world affairs.
Third, Clinton made a case for continued inclusiveness and tolerance of all groups regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or immigrant status.
With his term winding down, Clinton has made numerous trips to places loaded with meaning for his presidency, including strongholds that helped him become the first Democrat since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win two consecutive terms.
He was expected to speak at an airport farewell ceremony after Bush's Saturday swearing-in, and address a welcome rally at New York City's John F. Kennedy airport.
The outgoing president, widely regarded as the most skilled politician of his generation, enjoys high job approval ratings, though far fewer Americans express such support for him personally, possibly the result of the Lewinsky scandal that tarnished his tenure and led to his impeachment.
An ABC News/Washington Post poll released Wednesday found 65% of Americans approved of Clinton's job performance, the highest of any U.S. post-war president. Republican Ronald Reagan was second with 64%.
But 67% said he is neither honest nor trustworthy, 67% said he lacks high moral and ethical standards and just 44% view him favorably "as a person."
The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5%.
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