one way to respond to impeachment acquittal

Transcript of President Clinton's Rose Garden Statement after acquittal by the Senate on two counts of impeachment, February 12, 1999, Courtesy of C-Span

President Clinton enters the Rose Garden.

The President: Now that the Senate has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility bringing this process to a conclusion, I want to say again to the American people how profoundly sorry I am for what I said and did to trigger these events and the great burden they have imposed on the Congress and on the American people.

I also am humbled and very grateful for the support and the prayers I have received from millions of Americans over this past year.

Now I ask all Americans, and I hope all Americans here in Washington and throughout our land, will rededicate ourselves to the work of serving our nation and building our future together. This can be and this must be a time of reconciliation and renewal for America. Thank you very much.

As the President leaves the podium, a reporter calls out: In your heart, sir, can you forgive and forget?

The President returns to the podium: I believe any person who asks for forgiveness has to be prepared to give it.

The President exits.