Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 24, 1993 TAG: 9309240046
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder Newspapers
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Clinton's enlistment of the tough-talking former automaker means Iacocca immediately becomes the foil to Ross Perot, another famous businessman who is the leading opponent of the treaty.
After a 30-minute private chat with Clinton, Iacocca said he might make speeches and TV commercials, but he rejected the idea of a face-to-face clash with Perot.
"What do you think, I'm running for office?" he asked reporters. "You guys nuts? No way."
But Iacocca, who retired seven months ago as Chrysler Corp. chairman, still took a few deft swats at the Texas billionaire's insistence the treaty will kill American jobs.
"I think he should get some facts put together," Iacocca said of Perot. Later, when asked about former President Jimmy Carter's comment that Perot is a demagogue "who is extremely careless with the truth," Iacocca said he likes Carter, "and he never shoots from the hip."
Standing outside the White House Thursday with top Clinton aides, Iacocca offered a preview of his pro-NAFTA push:
"It's good for jobs, and it's good for America, and that message isn't out there.
"A lot of people are getting laid off, and the easy message is to say that you're going to get laid off and [your job's] going to Mexico. Of course, that's completely wrong.
"We should have an [economic] alliance in our own hemisphere. If the [Europeans] can have an alliance, and Japan can have one over in Asia, why can't we have one?"
"I want to give the president a hand here in selling what I think is good for this country," Iacocca said. "I'm going to do whatever is required to help get the message out."
That help, especially with the same kind of candid TV ads Iacocca used to sell Chryslers, is exactly what Clinton needs. So far, Perot's money and homespun television lectures on the peril of NAFTA have bolstered opposition so much that some believe the House of Representatives will reject it.
"Lee Iacocca is a folk hero," said White House counselor David Gergen. "He has enormous credibility as someone who is a winner, who has created jobs. . . . When more Americans hear him, when they know where he stands, it'll make a difference."
by CNB