■ President Clinton, in Moscow, on the Russian economy: “Given the facts before you, I have to tell you that I do not believe there are any painless solutions. And indeed, an attempt to avoid difficult solutions may only prolong and worsen the present challenges.” . . . Pew Research Center poll: 42 per cent of Americans say “Liar” is first word that comes to mind when Clinton is mentioned. Second most popular choice: “Dishonest,” named by 18 per cent. . . . According to Reuters, unnamed White House official says of notably cool First Couple: “Looking at them makes you think twice about cheating.” . . . Outside Virginia elementary school where Clinton delivers education speech, woman holds sign: “I wish I could teach my child to respect you.” . . . Rentals skyrocket (to top five) for movie Wag the Dog. . . . Russian street vendors sell matrioshka nesting dolls featuring image of Clinton with Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, and other presidential paramours inside. . . . Al Gore, asked by New ϒork Times whether Clinton personally lied to him: “I’ve never talked about my private conversations with the President, and I’m not going to start now.”
■ Democrat Garry Mauro, running for governor of Texas, on Clinton, to San Antonio Express-News: “I support my friends when they’re up and when they’re down.” In Texas Poll, Mauro is down 47 points versus Gov. George W. Bush (R.). . . . Sen. Fred Thompson (R., Tenn.) hires new chief of staff, Powell Moore, who has worked on every GOP presidential campaign since 1972. . . . Federal Election Commission sues Steve Forbes for $94,900, contending his column in Forbes magazine constituted an illegal campaign contribution during the 1996 presidential race. Forbes says FEC is trying to “control basic political expression.” . . . Republicans compile short list for host city of 2000 national convention: Indianapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio. Democrats: Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Minneapolis.
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