Democratic Socialists of America 409 Butternut St NW Washington, DC 20012-1925

A number of progressive groups have rated the performance of the Clinton Aministration as less than satisfactory. Their report card flunks Clinton on "global economy for succumbing to narrow corporate interests by pursuing free trade and on "campaign finance," where he failed to deliver on past promises.

The President earns his highest mark, a "B-," in the area of "equality~ for using the bully pulpit of the presidency to focus attention on the vital issue of race. He receives "C's" and "D's" in five additional issue areas.

The 11-page "Report Card on the Clinton Administration" is edited by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), with contributions from the Coalition on Human Needs, Demilitarization for Democracy, 50 Years is Enough Network, Gray Panthers, International Labor Rights Fund, National Coalition for Economic Conversion and Disarmament, and Neighbor to Neighbor.

By and large, these groups were enthusiastic about Clinton's 1992 victory, but feel that he has abandoned many of the principles outlined in his campaign manifesto Putting People First.

According to co-editor Karen Dolan of IPS, "In 1997, the Clinton Administration put people a distant second to corporations, the military, and the mythical magic of the marketplace."

DSA's Christine Riddiough adds that "this careful look at Clinton's recent record suggests that the label 'Republican Lite' would be a kind description of the Administration's policies."

The Report Card is even more critical of the Republican Leadership, which receives "F's" in all eight areas. By contrast, it rewards the Congressional Progressive Caucus with a "A-."