Clinton Launches Library With Nod to Scandal

With a golden shovel full of dirt, Bill Clinton broke ground Wednesday on a presidential library that promises to document both his triumphs and scandals.

“The impeachment? Absolutely,” Clinton said. “What I did wrong is a matter of record, but what I want is the whole record out.”

Clinton was impeached by the House in December 1998 on two articles of perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with his affair with White House intern Monica S. Lewinsky. But in February 1999, the Senate voted to acquit him.

“I think they were right and I believe the fact that we stood up to this right-wing movement will be something that will redound to my credit in history,” Clinton said. “I don’t think it will be a black mark.”

The library is scheduled to open in 2004. Until then, a temporary exhibit opening today at the Cox Building downtown will show off some artifacts given to Clinton during his eight years in office. Among the items is a glass-encased gold-and-silver horse presented by the Amir of Bahrain.

There are two references to Clinton’s impeachment trial. On one wall, next to a photograph of the House of Representatives approving an article of impeachment, is a New York Times headline: “Clinton Acquitted Decisively: No Majority For Either Charge.”

At times, the achievements of the Clinton presidency were overshadowed by conflicts and controversies: Whitewater, FBI files, travel office firings, Lewinsky, Paula Corbin Jones and last-minute pardons.

“I was guided by simple political philosophy . . . everybody deserves a chance,” Clinton said before a crowd of about 2,000.

Though his impeachment will always be part of his legacy, supporters say the library will offer an overall perspective of the Clinton administration.

“Our job is not to rewrite history,” Clinton Foundation President Skip Rutherford has said. “Our job is to preserve it.”

About 100 million documents, 75,000 gifts and artifacts and more than 2 million photographs are being stored in preparation for the building of the 27-acre Clinton Presidential Park on the south bank of the Arkansas River.

The $200-million project includes a library, museum, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and a policy center that will focus on economic empowerment and racial and religious reconciliation.