Clinton Says He'd Accept Censure Apologizes to Country for His Conduct in Monica Lewinsky Affair By RON FOURNIER The Associated Press WASHINGTON (Dec. 11) - Nearing a dramatic showdown over the fate of his presidency, President Clinton apologized to the country today for his conduct in the Monica Lewinsky affair and said he would accept a congressional censure or rebuke. ''I am ready to accept that,'' he said in a dramatic Rose Garden statement as a bitterly divided House Judiciary Committee debated four articles of impeachment. Minutes later, the panel approved the first article. Clinton has repeatedly expressed remorse for his actions, and Democrats in Congress have been pushing for a stern censure as an alternative to impeachment. Today's remarks marked the first time he has expressed willingness to be censured. ''I understand that accountability demands consequences and I am prepared to accept them,'' the president said. He said he was ''profoundly sorry.'' ''Painful though the condemnation of the Congress would be, it would pale in comparison to the consequences of the pain I have caused my family,'' Clinton said. ''There is no greater agony.'' ''The public consequences of my actions are in the hands of the American people and their representatives in the Congress. Should they determine that my errors of word and deed require their rebuke and censure, I am ready to accept that,'' he said. The other articles of impeachment were expected to be voted on today and Saturday, setting the stage for a historic vote in the full House next week. Clinton hoped to appease fence-straddling House members who are demanding more contrition. In the hours before his remarks, he and his aides debated whether he should issue a public statement before leaving on a sensitive Middle East trip Saturday. Some advisers, including Democratic leaders in Congress, recommended he wait because any statement would be overshadowed by the committee's action. Others argued that wavering lawmakers, particularly moderate Republicans, needed to hear a fresh appeal from Clinton as they pondered his fate over the weekend. Clinton has not ruled out a more dramatic statement next week as the House vote draws closer. Some Republican and Democratic lawmakers want Clinton to admit to lying or committing perjury. Clinton stopped well short of that today. Critics also want Clinton to accept a stiff fine. He did not address that topic. His remarks today were Clinton's first on the subject since the Judiciary Committee began debate on impeachment. AP-NY-12-11-98 1641EST Copyright 1998 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.