Labor Likes Clinton's Message In Chicago

CHICAGO (AllPolitics, June 21) -- President Bill Clinton touted his administration's economic policies to a receptive audience of union workers, saying he exceeded his 1992 campaign promise to decrease the federal deficit and create eight million new jobs in four years.

"What did we do? We cut the deficit by more than half and the economy has not produced eight million new jobs, it has produced 9.7 million new jobs," Clinton said.

Recalling comments of then-Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and House Budget Committee Chairman John Kasich (R-Ohio) that the administration's strategy wouldn't work, Clinton told the union workers, "We were right and they were wrong."

Labor unions have given strong financial backing to the Clinton/Gore re-election campaign, and the AFL-CIO has already endoresed the Democratic ticket.

"I understand the other side is criticizing us because we have the support of labor unions," Clinton said. "Well, I plead guilty to that." Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees applauded and chanted, "Four More Years."

Clinton headed to Houston for a Democratic National Committee fund-raiser and will campaign in Cleveland on Saturday.

Labor Likes Clinton's Message In Chicago

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