Details unclear
The only concession Clinton apparently had to make to Starr was to testify perhaps a month earlier than his lawyers had wanted: in August rather than in September. Clinton will be testifying at a time when he had planned to be vacationing at Martha's Vineyard, Mass. He was to begin a two-week stay there on Aug. 15.
Starr may not have been required by the deal to limit the topics he will discuss; that was not clear yesterday. Still, a single day's questioning could act as a limitation. Starr has been gathering evidence for six months, and the range of issues he has to explore with Clinton is wide.
By contrast, Linda R. Tripp, one of Starr's prime witnesses, has testified eight times before the grand jury. Clinton's confidant Vernon Jordan and the president's personal secretary, Betty Currie, each have returned several times to the grand jury room.
White House aides said Clinton will spend more time on the Lewinsky matter between now and his questioning date, preparing for his testimony.
Pub Date: 7/30/98
