With a Paper Clip, Lott One-Ups Gore

Prompted by Vice President Al Gore’s claim that he created the Internet, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) took credit for inventing the paper clip. “During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the paper clip,” said Lott, echoing Gore’s pronouncement. “Paper clips bind us together as a nation.” In a CNN interview Tuesday, Gore said: “During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.” The Internet dates to 1969, when Gore was 21. Gore aides say their boss has a rightful claim, having promoted the Internet and government funding for it.