Mack Larthy

Former Chief of Staff

Mack McLarthy, former white House Chief of Staff for U.S president Bill Clinton and a life-long friend of the president spoke to students at George Mason University about economic, heath care and technological policies of President Clinton via a video conference arranged by C-SPAN.

McLarthy said that Clinton was an effective Governor, “Clinton was straight and confident, not only moving the economy to deficit but actually moving to surplus.”

Talking about Election Day, Nov 1992, McCarthy said that Clinton was elected as people wanted a change, Clinton said to American nation, “we want our future back and I will give it to you, it was a remarkable coalition, Clinton had a real ability to connect with people and their hopes, dreams and concerns,” said McLarthy.

McLarthy said that it was obvious that 60% of the country voted for a change. “He was very careful, he set up a very thin transition group, he had a vision and plan, I would say more depth-proof and flawless.”

McLarthy said that it was a great privilege to accept the offer of Chief Executive. “Clinton wanted someone he can trust particularly in earlier days of his presidency, he wanted a confident reality check, someone who had management skills.”

McLarty currently is the president of Kissinger McLarty Associates, his Washington-based consulting company as well as Chief Executive Officer of Asbury Automotive Arkansas.

He said debates are always important, Governor Clinton in his debate with Former President Bush, people saw his ability and commitment without any question.

Focusing on his economic policies he said, “Clinton had a core economic plan and was domestically focused on issues like trade agreements but it was a narrow victory.”

McLarthy said that technological boom during Clinton’s presidency has made our private sector most dynamic and creative in the world.
 
Mclarthy said that Clinton “put people first, he had a very comprehensive healthcare plan,” ordinary workers were provided fundamental medical facilities. 

When asked by a student about which president he liked of all the presidents that he has advised. He said, “I did have opportunity to interface with three president, they all have strength and weaknesses.”

MacLarthy said that Clinton is the best communicator of all three; Bush is superb and has diplomatic background. President Carter is most opinionated.