They have not talked since a 15-minute phone call Thursday. Sunday, there were indications that both sides were willing to compromise. But there was less movement on the characterization of the deal as an apology. Bennett declined to comment. But Bruce Lindsey, Clinton's close confidant, said any deal would not be an admission of guilt by Clinton.
People make a determination that the costs of settling are less than the costs of going forward.
Jones has charged that Clinton, when governor of Arkansas, requested oral sex from her in a Little Rock hotel room in 1991. She said her career as a state employee suffered because she spurned him. Clinton has denied the allegations, and U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright dismissed Jones' lawsuit on April 1. Jones' appeal of that dismissal is before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which could uphold Wright's decision or reverse it and order a trial. The appeals court is set to hear arguments Oct. 20.