Bill Clinton in Herding Cats, by Trent Lott

On Principles & Values: 1996: Legislative alliance with GOP Senate Leader Trent Lott

What Morris proposed was a highly unusual alliance between the president of the US and the majority leader of the opposing party, with himself serving as clandestine intermediary. It may have been unique in the history of American politics.

Morris's plan was stunning in its audacity. He wanted me to forge a working relationship with Bill Clinton to enact a series of landmark bills. As Morris pointed out, both the Republican Senate Conference and Clinton would benefit from a series of legislative coups. Morris embraced my suggestions for major welfare reform, a balanced budget act, that would include Medicare cuts, and immigration reform.