■ Politicians mostly circumspect concerning O. J. Simpson’s acquittal. Only Pat Buchanan condemned verdict. President Bill Clinton issued a statement: “Our system of justice requires respect for the decision. At this moment, our thoughts and prayers should be with the families of the victims of this terrible crime.” Bob Dole’s statement told Americans: “It is very important at this time that we use all our energies to find ways to understand each other and bring us together.” Phil Gramm deemed it inappropriate “for a member of the Senate to be commenting on jury trials.” Colin Powell said that the trial showed that the judicial system works and called on the country “to move on.” Also for moving on: Lamar Alexander, Jack Kemp. Gov. Pete Wilson said he “would urge the removal of cameras from our courtrooms.” Jesse Jackson urged Simpson to lead the fight against domestic violence. . . . Even editorialists declined to judge the jury. New York Times faulted the police, prosecution, and Judge Lance Ito for “bungling,” and the defense for making “a prejudicial appeal,” but took no position on the verdict. Not going out on a limb: the Washington Post, which noted that the acquittal “stunned and disappointed” some people but “satisfied” others. . . . Coverage of O.J. and racial division by the media fueled more talk about Powell. Charles Krauthammer argues that though a President Powell would prevent major reform of the welfare state, he would improve race relations.
■ White House is in an upbeat mood, buoyed by rising poll ratings and convinced that Republicans will field weak candidate next year. Clinton’s strategy, which advisor Dick Morris calls “triangulation,” seeks to position him as a centrist, between congressional Republicans and Democrats. Ann Devroy (Washington Post) writes, “Clinton’s message that he is for the popular things Republicans favor—like a balanced budget—but against the unpopular things they propose—like cutting Medicare—is beginning to take.” . . . Not all Democrats enthusiastic about the new strategy. Asked on Meet the Press to choose between Dole and Clinton, Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D., N.Y.) responded, “I would rather have as President someone not running for the Presidency.” Moynihan has clashed with White House recently over welfare and his proposal to save billions by reducing estimates of inflation. . . . Vice President Al Gore calls Republicans “extremists,” Clinton accuses them of raising taxes (actually Medicare deductibles, college-loan fees, etc.) on the needy. Attacks led Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole to call off budget talks for now—though Dole jokes that Gore’s “extremist” talk “may help me in some of the early primaries.” . . . More tough budget talk from both sides: Clinton declares, “I would gladly, gladly terminate my tenure here if the price of continuing it was just shelving everything I believe in about this country.” Gramm says, “He can hold us in session until the Second Coming and there is no possibility that I am ever going to spend one nickel above the level … in our budget.”
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