PRESS RELEASE
October 2, 1996

TRANSCRIPT OF PRESIDENT CLINTON’S
FREE AIR TIME REMARKS ON THE FOX NETWORK

QUESTION: What do you feel is the most critical problem facing our nation today?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: America’s greatest challenge is giving our people the tools they need to build strong families and successful lives. That means a growing economy. A world-class education system. Safe streets. A clean environment.

It also means helping parents to succeed both at home and at work. That’s why we passed the Family Leave law, over my opponent’s filibuster. Families have used it 12 million times now to be with a sick family member or new baby, and we’re working to expand it modestly to cover regular parent-teacher conferences and doctor visits.

We’re fighting to fully fund Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and saying no to tobacco ads that target our children.

We’re demanding more responsibility from our young people -- taking driver’s licenses from those who drink and drive, encouraging curfews and the enforcement of truancy laws.

Giving parents the tools to raise strong families is critical to building a bridge to a 21st century where our values are strong, and our families more secure.

###