That same month, with Panetta’s help, Clinton prepared for a showdown with his domestic enemies in the House. As budget negotiations approached, the president thought he could persuade Newt Gingrich to see things his way. Panetta wasn’t so sure. “The president always feels that he can convince anybody, anywhere, anytime, what the right thing is to do,” he says. “And he felt he could convince Newt Gingrich.”
