Dole Campaign Press Release - What Bill Clinton Had to Say About the Man Al Gore Attacked Tonight

"You have served your country in so many ways, and you should be proud of your 35 years in Congress. On behalf of a grateful America, as you retire from the Senate, I thank you for your service.

-- Bill Clinton, May 15, 1996

Tom Brokaw: "What do you admire most about Bob Dole, the man you're likely going to be running against next fall?"

Bill Clinton: "I -- well, I've -- there are more than one thing I admire about him, but I think the thing I admire most about him is I believe he really loves our country.

"He was hurt very badly in World War II. He could have been embittered. He could have walked away. He could have lived a very different, secluded life. He threw himself into politics and public life. And on several occasions, when I had to do unpopular things -- even when he disagreed with me, he didn't try to stop me. ...

"And I believe he really loves America. And I think that's the first and most important thing for anybody who wants to get into public life. And I -- and I admire it. I think it's genuine and I admire it." (MSNBC, Internight, 7/15/96)