Untimely Family Ties

Bill Clinton was one day into a new offensive -- accusing George Bush of planning to gut programs for the elderly, veterans and students -- when a fresh disclosure about his draft status forced him to play defense again. The Los Angeles Times said that in 1968 his uncle Raymond Clinton managed to delay the new college graduate's Army induction.

Now deceased, Raymond was a Hot Springs, Arkansas, businessman and a Republican with political connections. His lawyer, Henry Britt, also a Republican, served as a principal source for the Times piece. According to Britt and a surviving member of the local draft board, Raymond lobbied board members on his nephew's behalf. He also secured a place in a Navy reserve unit, though Bill never applied for the opening. The story appears to explain why Clinton remained a civilian for 10 months, though classified 1-A. The following year he obtained a formal deferment by agreeing to join an ROTC program in which he never enrolled. Clinton ultimately avoided service by drawing a high number when the lottery system went into effect.

While candid about his opposition to the Vietnam War, Clinton has also insisted he never received special treatment. So when the story broke Monday, he appeared momentarily rattled. Initially, he said "everyone involved" in the account is now dead, which is inaccurate. Then he alternately denied the import of the piece and maintained that he had already explained his behavior fully. Until Friday, his aides claimed Clinton was and is unaware of his uncle's activities -- whatever they might have been. But then came a report in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette quoting a retired naval reserve officer, Trice Ellis Jr., as saying he himself had told Clinton of Raymond's efforts in March of this year. The candidate conceded that the report was true.

The latest challenge to Clinton's credibility not only diverted attention from his aggressive campaign message but also gave the opposition a new opportunity to attack. "He is going to have to come clean," huffed Dan Quayle, mauled himself in 1988 because he had found sanctuary in the National Guard.