THE VICE PRESIDENT.

WASHINGTON

July 5, 1997

Dear Rusty,

I take pen in hand (actually, word processor!!) to ask that you fully comply with the congressional subpoena that's either in your hand or on its way.

As you know, the Thompson hearings into alleged fundraising improprieties during the 1996 campaign begin this week, and I just want to make it clear that not only did we do nothing wrong, but it's hard to remember exactly who said what to whom about how much and where to send it.

Just tell the truth, Rusty, as you remember it (hey, memory can be tricky!!) and as you're pretty sure it probably happened.

To make the whole process easier, I've enclosed a laminated card listing all of the things that we here at the White House admit happened or have remembered happening up to 3 July 1997.

Throughout the week, we will be issuing continuous updates. We will do our best not to remember anything after you've testified not to remembering it (this is complicated, I know, but Lanny and Jack are pretty confident it'll work) but to be on the safe side, if you remember something you think you probably shouldn't have, or, worse, you remember something that you think it might be awkward for us to remember, it would be a lot better for all concerned if you could see your way clear to a) not really remembering it; b) letting us know a few hours beforehand that you do remember something that we haven't yet remembered; or c) waiting until the Pathfinder Mars probe sends back some really cool pictures.

Rusty, your loyalty means so much.

Tipper (for Al)

Dear Bruce,

I take pen in hand (actually, word processor!!) to ask that you fully comply with the congressional subpoena that's either in your hand or on its way.

It seems like yesterday that we were all working together for the common good--protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and the environment, safeguarding Social Security, well, you know the drill.

Anyway, I know you're going to be on the hot seat this week or next, at those bitterly partisan hearings, and I just want you to know that I've always been a fan, Bruce--I mean it, you've been a terrific counselor. Many's the time I've said to Bill and Hillary, "You know, that Bruce Lindsey is one terrific lawyer," and I meant every word.

But as we enter these next weeks, it's important we keep our eye on the big ball. And it's awfully hard to concentrate on the next presidential campaign with these distractions all over the place.

As terrific a lawyer as you are, Bruce--and I'm on the record as thinking you are one fantabulous lawyer--what you may have seen and heard here, or, worse, what you may think you remember seeing and hearing around here, or, even worse, what you may have erroneously seen and heard and jotted down on an index card or two, well, that isn't privileged information in the legal sense.

In fact, it's distinctly unprivileged.

You see the problem?

But Bruce, you've been a loyal soldier. I remember during the dark days after Vince Foster's suicide, how resourceful you were and steadfast. You have our undying thanks for that.

And, say, apropos of nothing at all, that Vince Foster guy--I mean, say what you like about the man, but he had some kind of courage, don't you think? I mean, rather than besmirch an entire Administration and derail an entire agenda with a lot of hooey and nonsense and I-did-this and They-did-that, well, let's be honest, he kept his mouth shut and got the job done, didn't he? He's a true hero, don't you think? And we could certainly use mare heroes around here, don't you think?

Your pal, Tipper (for Al)

Dear Karen,

I take pen in hand (actually, word processor!!) to ask that you fully comply with the congressional subpoena that's either in your hand or on its way.

You know, sometimes during all the craziness around here, we don't take the time to say "thanks" to the people that have served us well and loyally for so many years.

So, Karen, thanks--thanks for your hard work, for your dedication, for all those late nights--heck, thanks for doing the things that have now gotten us all into hot water with the Thompson committee. And, of course, along with our thanks comes a "Thank You" check for $73,000. Please wait at least 4 months to cash it.

We wish it could be more--but, as you know, there are so very many people to thank.

All the best, Tipper (for Al)

PS: Terrific idea about the laminated cards! I think they turned out well, don't you? And we've left the bottom half blank, so you can make additions and deletions easily with a grease pencil!