From The Archives: Gov. George W. Bush’s 1998 Jacksonville visit

JACKSONVILLE, Texas ( KETK ) – In 1998, then Texas Gov. George W. Bush made a stop in East Texas amid scandal in the White House. With election season in full swing we travel to 26-years-ago for this From The Archives report.

Bush was in Jacksonville signing autographs, posing for pictures and speaking to residents, former KETK reporter Sarah Dodd said. While touring the Rusk County Courthouse and dedicating a Jacksonville park, Bush spoke about then President Bill Clinton’s conduct.

The scandal involved Clinton and his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. On Aug. 17 1998, Clinton went on national television where he admitted to having a relationship with Lewinsky that “was not appropriate,” after previously denying it.

During his time in Jacksonville, Bush was asked about the president and the speech that Americans had spent all day talking about.

“I’m not going to second guess his performance, all I know is that I’m glad he admitted he did something wrong,” Bush said. “It’s important to say he did something wrong and it’s important for the facts to be on the table so we can move on.”

At the time, Bush had not yet made a public decision about running for presidency but Bush said his immediate goal was centered around Texans.

“I’m focused here on my reelection in Texas. I want to be the first governor ever elected to back- to-back four year terms. I’m working hard. I’ve had a great day here in East Texas with large crowds and I’m going to work hard to get reelected,” Bush said.

Bush would then serve as governor for two more years before resigning for presidency. He was president during 9/11 and went on to serve two presidential terms.

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