Q: Why did the president reportedly tell Monica Lewinsky that he was concerned about his phone conversations being taped?
TOIV: Well, as you know, other than the president’s testimony in this case, we really haven’t commented on specifics, on other specifics like that and we’re not going to start now.
Q: When the president heard about this, was he concerned by it, was he shocked by it? What was his reaction, Mr. Toiv?
TOIV: To be honest, I haven’t gotten the president’s reaction to the book.
Q: Well, why did he say that to Monica Lewinsky? Why did he warn her?
TOIV: I’ve already not answered that question. (Laughter). I’m sorry.
Q: I know you’ve not answered it, but it’s very valid, really.
TOIV: Well, again, we’re not going to get into commenting on specifics beyond what the president has already testified to.
Q: I don’t understand why you think it’s legitimate for you not to comment on the president of the United States supposedly saying that he thinks a foreign government is taping his conversations. For you just to say, no comment.
TOIV: There have been questions about all sorts of comments that have been made or testified to and we have not gone beyond the president’s testimony in discussing these and we’re not going to do that.
Q: That’s because you’ve said it’s unseemly and it’s about sex. This is about the national security of the United States and the president supposedly saying that a foreign government is taping his conversations. And you’re just going to say sorry, no comment?
TOIV: I am not going to go beyond what he has already testified to.
Q: You’re not denying it. You’re not denying it.
LEAVY: Obviously, we’re not aware of a mole at the White House. But it’s the long-standing practice for people who speak at this podium to refer calls to the appropriate authorities who undertake these types of investigations.
Q: Was there any attempt by the president to intervene in any kind of investigation or search for a mole?
LEAVY: No. There is no basis in that allegation whatsoever.
Q: Well, there is a basis for it. There is a sworn testimony that Lewinsky gave that attributes to the president a comment that a foreign embassy was taping—
LEAVY: And Barry just answered that question.
Q: His answer was that he is not going to comment on it. That’s not much of an answer. With all due respect.
LEAVY: Let me say two things—noted.
TOIV: I wouldn’t go beyond my comments.
LEAVY: Yes, I’m definitely not going to add to Barry’s comments. But let me just say this. We take all the necessary precautions to secure the president’s communications. There is absolutely no basis for the allegation in the book.
Q: Are you getting that from CIA or FBI, or are you getting it out of just an automatic reflex?
LEAVY: You can take that as authoritative.
Q: I understand that you would have his communications secure. However, if he picks up the phone and calls some ordinary citizen at 2:30 A.M. in the morning at their apartment, what’s to say that that person’s phone couldn’t be tapped? Does your security system prevent that?
LEAVY: There is some very serious allegations in this book, and what I am saying is that there is absolutely no basis for the allegation. So I have to leave it at that.
