NewsMax.com
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001

In a CNN interview, the former independent counsel said:

The last-minute "accommodation" Clinton reached with Starr's successor, Robert Ray, was "a very reasonable and sensible solution" in which the departing president "did acknowledge his responsibility and his shortcoming as a witness in the system.

"We do live under a system of law and we must do our very best to be law-abiding, even when the circumstances are embarrassing or difficult."

Starr called Clinton's deal last week a fitting end to an "unfortunate era."

In his final full day in office, Clinton wriggled out of any possible indictment in the Monica Lewinsky case by acknowledging for the first time that he had made false statements under oath about his relationship with the former White House intern.

And to wipe out the disbarment proceedings against him in his home state of Arkansas, Clinton agreed to let his law license be suspended for five years and to pay a $25,000 fine.

Starr said Clinton could have ended his predicament years ago by admitting his wrongdoing.

"It obviously would have been far better, less expensive, less divisive, if this acknowledgment would have come much earlier – say, in January of 1998," Starr said.

"But better late than never, and that's what I think helps bring, properly and reasonably, closure."

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
Clinton Scandals
Ken Starr
Impeachment

Related Products:
Get NewsMax.com's new book "Bitter Legacy" FREE.