President Clinton holds final press conference of her first term:Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwZg_lqpMAMedia Member 1: With the issue of gun control being very divisive and polarizing , how can you ensure that you can get such legislation passed without endangering the program that you ran on in the campaign
Clinton: Well, we just have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time and that's exactly what we will do. So yes we will work hard to ensure that we can pass legislation that reforms our gun laws, while also focusing on making the investments we need in healthcare, higher education , childcare, green energy and a lot more to improve the long term health of our economy.
In fact I also would like to add that I do not accept the framing that the efforts to reform our gun laws is divisive and polarizing as poll after poll shows an overwhelming majority of Democrats, Independents and even Republicans want us to do that. Now we might not agree on the solutions but thats why its the job of congress to make the compromises needed with each other to mend the disagreements and address an issue the public wants solved. That is exactly what is happening as a group of both democrats and republicans in the house and senate are working behind the scenes to craft such legislation and I am confident in the passage of such legislation.
Media Member 2: With the increases in protests in Syria over the past couple weeks, are you worried about the potential risk of the situation spiraling out of control and if so what would be your administrations action
Clinton: We are closely monitoring the situation in Syria and what we have stated is that we will defend the right of the protestors to protest and the best way to avoid the situation from spiraling out of control is by defending that right. We have many tools we can use such as stricter sanctions and we have made it clear that we will use them if the Syrian Government tries to violate their people's right.
Media Member 2: Many though think the situation could spiral into civil war, do you think that is possible
Clinton: Well I do not think it's wise for us to publicly state what we think or not think is possible and rather its better to use our resources to prevent such a situation from happening to begin with. While yes behind the scenes we have every contingency prepared, I do not think it would be wise for us to state what they are at the current moment.
Media Member 3: Is there any lessons you have learnt from the first that you will take to your 2nd term
Clinton: 100% as the fact is no person can be fully prepared for a job like this. You pretty much learn something new every day from the various departments and agencies you are in charge off , to the nitty gritty of policy, how to work with congress and a lot more. While this might not be a one big lesson , the fact is its the various little things that also matter and in my opinion make you more effective at the job.