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Asma Chaudhary | B.F.A. in AVT + COMM

COMM 361 Online Journalism

Rick Barton

Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty III, former White House Chief of Staff for the Clinton administration, spoke with journalism students at George Mason University about the importance of being open-minded and flexible.

“Clinton had a real ability to connect with people and their hopes, dreams and concerns,” said McLarty.

During his two years serving in the position, McLarty compared the amount of formal correspondence letters exchanged between Clinton and the U.S. Congress. The letters were formal discussions from the president to either amend or protect legislation.

“[George H.W.] Bush 41 exchanged about 4,000 to 5,000 letters while Clinton was constantly exchanging with about 20,000 letters,” said McLarty.

Although McLarty was not present during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, his descriptions about the former president maintain a proper image of a leader focused on his constituents.

“He gave chance and opportunity to move the country in a new direction, especially when things were steep in rhetoric and politics. Clinton had a core economic plan and was domestically focused on issues like trade agreements but it was a narrow victory,” said McLarty.

Currently, McLarty works as a partner for Kissinger McLarty Associates, which provides strategic and investment opportunities for international clients. Additionally, McLarty serves as the CEO for Asbury Automotive Arkansas.

“I was part of the kitchen cabinet and surprised by the overture but nonetheless it is a great privilege to serve,” said McLarty.

McLarty also discussed the importance of technology because news is transmitted around the world instantly. In 1992 when Clinton was running for the presidency, there were no Web sites to aid him for victory in comparison to today.

Besides foreign policy, healthcare, welfare and employment, McLarty discussed environmental issues made aware by former vice president Al Gore.

“They call him the president of Earth and I commend him for becoming an environmental figure and celebrity,” said McLarty.

Dane Styler, an English major, discussed the impact of McLarty’s comments on journalism students seeking answers to important questions.

"What bothered me about him was for a man that used to be a Chief of Staff spent an awful lot of time answering one question partly because he made a tangent that led to a narrative that was neither necessary nor relevant,” said Styler.

Styler also commented on McLarty’s stable position and how it would affect the upcoming elections.

”We were unable to ask all the questions we wanted to ask. He had nothing to say but nice things about everybody and I was personally disappointed because I wanted to ask about the advisory firms and also his automobile company in relation with NAFTA,” said Styler.

When asked which candidate he prefers in the upcoming 2008 presidential election, McLarty describes what qualities a leader must hold.

“Each individual must pass the litmus test to not provide embarrassment, distraction or harm to the campaign,” said McLarty.

At a time when the United States is eager about three main contenders including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani, it is difficult to foreshadow what 2008 will bring.

“I don’t think there is an instructional manual on this one,” said McLarty.

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