By Trish Moore, Star-Bulletin
Vice President Al Gore, with his wife, Tipper,
at his side, offered his support for President Clinton
at a news conference at Lihue Airport yesterday.

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Gore praises Clinton
during isle vacation

By Trish Moore
Kauai correspondent

LIHUE - Vice President Al Gore has repeated his strong support of President Bill Clinton and said it's time to "put this matter behind us once and for all and move forward with the business of the country."

Gore, vacationing on Kauai with his wife, Tipper, and two of their four children, held a news conference yesterday at Lihue Airport to address Clinton's admitting to an improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

Gore said he believed Clinton showed courage in acknowledging his mistakes and accepting full responsibility for his actions.

"I am proud of him because he is a great president, and I am honored to have him as a friend," Gore said.

Gore said Clinton led the nation's economic recovery, addressed long-neglected social problems and promoted a strong U.S. presence throughout the world.

"Now it is time to take what he said to the nation last night to heart and move on to the people's business."

Gore, who spent his honeymoon and 25th anniversary on Kauai, said he had planned the Hawaii vacation six months ago.

He called the island "a wonderful piece of heaven."

The family is reportedly staying at a vacation rental in Hanalei.