Bill Clinton: “Oh, absolutely. He's been a very good Defense Secretary. This is a tough issue. That's why I appointed General Downing…”

“Oh, absolutely. He's been a very good Defense Secretary. This is a tough issue. That's why I appointed General Downing to look at it all, to get the facts, and to evaluate the security situation there and elsewhere where our people might be at risk. And we will do a good job of that. But I think the American people recognize that, on balance, our military people have done a good job and that he's been quite a good and effective Defense Secretary. I have full confidence in him. And I believe that every fairminded person, when they look at his record, will feel the same way. [At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group entered.] Prime Minister's Visit”