Clinton's victory

It is really amazing that just one day after the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, 1996, CNN viewers could already witness the announcement of Bill Clinton's victory at noon (Western Indonesia Time) on Nov. 6, 1996. The course of events ran so fast, just like a dream.

After Bob Dole and Jack Kemp appeared and reported to their audience that each of them had phoned and extended congratulations to his counterpart, Bill Clinton and Al Gore respectively, CNN then brought to the screen the spectacular victory show of Clinton and Gore speaking before a large crowd of supporters in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The reelection of Bill Clinton to the presidency was said to be the first of its kind since Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the seventh since Thomas Jefferson. Thus, Bill Clinton made double history with his victory in the 1996 presidential election.

It is true that it will be rough going for Clinton's next administration to execute its agenda, as Congress is again dominated by the Republicans. Nevertheless, it seems that the American people shun being fooled by partisan bickerings over bottom-line issues affecting the nation's welfare.

The real issues facing the nation in its march toward the 21st century demand bipartisan solutions.

Some quotes from Clinton's speech are impressive. Born in a poor family without a father, Clinton said: "It is unimaginable to become president of the greatest nation in human history."

Appealing seemingly to the Republicans, and Congress in particular, Clinton reminded: "When we are divided, we will lose. When we are united, we will win. Talk is no longer enough, we must act. I am ready to act."

On the other hand, Bob Dole showed himself as a hero, when in his speech, he referred to Clinton: "He's my opponent, not my enemy. I pledge him my support."

SAM SUHAEDI

Jakarta