Clinton Speaks at Area Fundraiser

BOSTON--President Clinton spoke about issues ranging from America's youth to New England's hearty spirit in a fundraising speech here at Rowes Wharf before an audience of thousands.

"I'm thrilled by this enormous crowd, honored by your enthusiasm and support," the President said.

As the President arrived at the dock by boat, "Cantaloop" played over the loudspeaker. The crowd filled the waterfront, adjacent buildings and docked boats, waving American flags and cheering for the President.

Clinton encouraged Americans to look to the youth solutions to the problems the nation faces.

"If we can go back to Washington and wipe away all the forces that seek to demean, to divide, to downgrade and just focus on the spirit and the hope and the dignity we see in the faces of these young people here, we could solve the problems of this country and do it in short order," Clinton said.

City Year, a public service group, also welcomed the President, praising him for his recent support for national service programs.

"With our public service projects, it is great to see [Clinton's] sincerity and commitment to support us," said Jennifer Devusk, a City Year member.

Clinton praised the legislative efforts made thus far in his presidency.

"If Congress passes our budget this year, for first time since Harry Truman was presidents, the deficit will go down for the three years in a row," he said.

Clinton came to Boston to speak at fundraiser expected to raise close to $1 million. He plans to speak in New Hampshire today.

Other speakers praised Clinton as a president who fights for health care, anti-crime measures, jobs and welfare reform.

Clinton encouraged Americans to focus on the issues, suggesting that the public pay less attention to the Whitewater investigation.

"We are going in the right direction," Clinton said. "And we can keep going in the right direction if we can remember to keep our eye on those things that really matter and we do not get diverted."

This story was reported with AP dispatches.