Clinton To Testify By Videotape

A federal judge Wednesday ruled President Clinton can testify by videotape at the trial of his former Whitewater partners, but he can’t have the questions in advance.

U.S. District Judge George Howard Jr. denied a request from James and Susan McDougal to compel Clinton to testify in person at their conspiracy and fraud trial. He said ordering Clinton to travel to Little Rock “would be unduly burdensome to the president in the performance of his official duties.”

Rejecting Clinton’s request to see the questions in advance, Howard said the only reason a president might deserve such special treatment would be if national security were involved.

“They concern matters from prior to his presidency, so matters of national security will not be concerned,” Howard said.