react

When asked about whether the president's political problems had some effect on the timing today, Sen. Orrin Hatch said:
"I'd rather not say one way or the other on that because I think people could reasonably conclude that, except who aren't on the intelligence committee or who aren't concerned about these matters as much as some of us. I can just say this. When it comes to foreign policy, to protect our American citizens and to fight against terrorism in the world, and especially Osama bin Laden when I brought to the attention of this administration in July of 1996 because I was worried they weren't taking enough steps, the president did exactly what he should have done.
He deserves our support and I commend him for it."
Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich and Sen. Jesse Helms were among those who quickly expressed support for the president's action today. But not everyone in congress was ready to rally round the flag:

"I would be surprised, very surprised if the president's action is not supported by the Congress." said Rep. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.)

But in fact, several in Congress openly questioned the president's motives today. Republican Sen. Dan Coats questioned whether the Lewinsky crisis might have have played a role in Mr. Clinton's decision:

"And whether the President is in a position to make a sound judgement call," said Coats.

"I think we fear that we may have a president desperately seeking to hold onto his job in the face of a firestorm of criticism and calls for him to step aside."

In Washington, it's called the 'Wag The Dog' scenario, after the movie in which a president caught in a sex scandal hires spinmeisters who fabricate a war to distract the public's attention.

But Republican Sen. Arlen Specter went ahead and suggested just that, "It's on the front page of the New York Times today that the President was considering doing something presidential to try to focus attention away from his own personal problems."

But most Republicans said that today Mr. Clinton was not the issue.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona said, "The U.S. will not allow innocent people to be slaughtered without response. That's why I believe the public will support the president's action today."