Tom Latham: “I quote: ``Do you solemnly swear in the testimony you are about to give that it will be the truth, the whole truth and…”

“I quote: ``Do you solemnly swear in the testimony you are about to give that it will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?'' Mr. Speaker, that is the oath President Clinton took before his August 17th testimony of this year. The President answered ``I do''. And despite repeated attempts by Deputy Independent Counsel Sol Wisenberg to warn him of the consequences of providing false or misleading testimony, the President went on to make perjurious statements pertaining to his relationship with Monica Lewinsky and his sworn testimony in the Paula Jones civil trial. But why? Why would this President, who by anyone's account is a very intelligent man and a very good lawyer, and thus knowing the consequences of his actions, why would be proceed to commit perjury before the grand jury? I think the answer lies in the testimony of the President's political consultant and confidant Dick Morris. After the story of the President's extramarital relationship and his false testimony in the Jones civil trial broke, he consulted with Morris about what strategy he should employ. It was decided a poll should be taken to gauge what conduct the American people would and would not forgive. According to Morris' testimony, his poll found that the President's adultery could be forgiven by the public.…”