-Caveat Lector-
Clinton tipped for top role at Oxford
BY PETER OBORNE AND TOBY MOORE
London Daily Express
OUTGOING President Bill Clinton is favourite to become the next
Chancellor of Oxford University. There is huge support within the
university for his appointment which would be a major
international coup.
The move would receive enthusiastic endorsement from Tony Blair
while Mr Clinton himself, who leaves the White House next month,
has fond memories of his Oxford student days in the sixties and
would welcome the global prestige.
Supporters of Mr Clinton's case say he has impeccable academic
credentials and stature to do the job. They add he would "do
wonders" for university fund-raising.
But before Clinton can don the ceremonial robes and hat of the
Chancellor he first has to win the backing of the Convocation,
the body which includes graduates who hold Masters of Arts
degrees as well as academics.
Initially he will need 50 votes from these members and then stand
in a full election in which he will have to beat off the
traditionally stiff competition.
His appointment is backed by several Oxford college heads. One
said last night: "It's vital that Oxford maintains its worldwide
profile, and nothing could beat having President Clinton as
Chancellor. He's never forgotten his time here as a Rhodes
scholar and the link-up would make great sense."
Another master of a well-known college said: "Oxford needs a
figurehead of world stature. President Clinton is already thought
to be interested in spending a year here as a visiting professor.
"Taking on the extra responsibilities as Chancellor in future
would make sense all round." But some Oxford graduates have mixed
feelings about the appointment. Olympic Gold medal winner Matthew
Pinsent, a fellow at St Catherine's College, was amazed the
President was being considered.
He said: "I doubt he will have enough academic weight to carry
any election. While he has built his name as a politician, I fear
that his reputation will prevent him from securing the post."
But Emily Mortimer, actress and daughter of Rumpole of the Bailey
creator John, said: "President Clinton would be a fantastic
choice. He has just run the United States and so being in charge
of Oxford University would be well within his capabilities. He is
a very charming, intelligent and dynamic man and would be a great
asset."
A spokesman for Mr Clinton told the Sunday Express: "Obviously,
he has strong links to the university and were such a position
offered to him, I'm sure he would give it every consideration."
It marks the clearest indication yet that an Oxford role is one
he would find acceptable, a platform with international prestige.
The spokesman went on: "Obviously he is a young, vibrant, global
figure and he will remain very active in international affairs."
Hank Sheinkopf, a senior Democratic Party analyst and friend of
the President, said he was not surprised by the move.
But the timing would be crucial. "As long as a job like that
didn't interfere with his ability to make money, then he'd
probably go for it. My betting is he'll wind up being part of a
strategic consulting company. Now if the Oxford position wouldn't
interfere with that, why not?" The Chancellorship of Oxford
university is a lifetime post, traditionally held by statesmen
rather than academics. The current Chancellor, Lord Jenkins, is
an enthusiastic supporter of the Clinton idea.
It is very much a ceremonial and ambassadorial role, representing
the university's interests in the wider world.
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