Miller: don’t prejudge Clinton

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 10:47 a.m.

Gov. Bob Miller Wednesday criticized the media's handling of the sex scandal involving President Clinton and urged the public not to judge the president until all the facts are bared.

"What we've seen to date is a feeding frenzy by the media and the public in general to create an atmosphere by which people can drive a conclusion without knowing all the facts," Miller said.

"With such an effort by the media to have a story of the moment, I don't think they're exercising due diligence or caution to determine what is substantial and what is not."

The scandal heightened this week as special prosecutor Kenneth Starr opened a federal grand jury investigation into allegations the president had an affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky and sought to cover it up.

Miller cited a story generated by the Dallas Morning News this week indicating Starr's staff had talked to a Secret Service agent who was prepared to testify he saw Clinton and Lewinsky in a compromising position.

The paper withdrew the story after learning it wasn't true, but it was picked up by other news organizations across the country.

"There were sensational headlines accusing him of something not factual, and the retraction was buried," Miller said.

Miller, a close Clinton friend once considered for the Mexico ambassador's post, said he has "no reason to disbelieve" the president's denial of an affair with Lewinsky.

The governor said he agreed with first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton that everyone should "take a deep breath" and wait for the full story to surface.

Miller added he believes the president still is firmly in charge.

"He's leading the country, and he exemplified that very strongly in his State of the Union address," Miller said.