Addressing the media from the Oval Office, President Clinton announced his intention to nominate Deval Patrick to be Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. The President characterized Mr. Patrick as “uniquely qualified” to lead the division and said that “He’s been chosen because he has distinguished himself as a lawyer whose wise counsel, keen negotiating skills, and mastery at litigation are held in the highest esteem.” Media questions focused on these topics: Deval Patrick’s belief that the death penalty is racially discriminatory against blacks; the New Republic’s article on the Clinton health plan; U.S. efforts to promote a peace settlement in Northern Ireland; and health care reform.