Bill Clinton: “Well, first of all, the Constitution--let me give you a general answer--the Constitution requires the President to seek…”

“Well, first of all, the Constitution--let me give you a general answer--the Constitution requires the President to seek not only the consent but the advice of the United States Senate, and I did that. And when people made suggestions to me, I discussed it with the folks who work around here. And the more advice you seek, the more leaks you have in here. [Laughter] And I might say that at least--far more than half of those that I've read concerning this appointment have been downright wrong, absolutely wrong, factually wrong. But nonetheless, if you seek advice, you will have leaks. I decided that I would pay the price of the leaks, even the wrong ones, to follow the duty of the Constitution. I think that when you do consult broadly and you think about it and you're personally involved in it, as I've tried to be, you tend to make the right decision. I think everybody around here today thinks I made the right decision. I think that's all that really counts.”