Clinton: Just because I could

2004-06-17 16:35

Washington - Former US president Bill Clinton said he had the affair that almost cost him the White House "just because I could," and deemed it a "terrible moral error."

Clinton, whose memoir My Life is to be released June 22, told CBS television he had his affair with Monica Lewinsky "for the worst possible reason: just because I could. I think that's just about the most morally indefensible reason that anybody could have for doing anything."

The former president also said the affair put him "in the doghouse" with his wife Hillary, who weighed divorce. They underwent a year of counselling for a full day a week, Clinton said.

Clinton said he was proud to have fought the impeachment battle, which he saw as a "badge of honour."

"I don't see it as a stain because it was illegitimate," Clinton said, describing the probe as an "abuse of power."

"I didn't quit. I never thought of resigning and I stood up to it and beat it back," Clinton said.

He said he sees US economic growth as his presidency's greatest achievement.

"I kept score, how many people's lives were better off," Clinton said. "I think the fact that we were able to have 22 million jobs and record home ownership and low interest rates ... people actually had the ability to do more things than ever before."

Clinton also said that when "that Kosovar war ended and I knew (Slobodan) Milosevic's days were numbered was a great day. I had a lot of great days," he added.

- AFP