Francesca Craig, chairwoman of Democrats Abroad, stated in her letter (South China Morning Post, June 23) that a screening of Primary Colors organised by Republicans Abroad (RA) was partisan and embarrassing, and that RA should respect the office of the presidency. This inaccurately describes the event and RA's position.
The event was not partisan. Attendance was not limited to Republicans. Some of the 300 people who attended are members of Democrats Abroad. Also, RA will not retain any of the ticket revenue and voter registration information was available to every US citizen present, whether Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated with either party.
Screening Primary Colors was not meant to embarrass anyone (though the profane language in the movie itself may have embarrassed some). The movie is fiction, not a documentary. Even if, as Ms Craig's letter suggests, there is a connection between Mr Clinton and the character played by John Travolta in the movie, it should be noted that Mr Clinton is reported to have enjoyed the movie, and that he and Mr Travolta are friends.
Republicans and Democrats, disagree from time to time with President Clinton's policies or actions. However, this does not indicate a lack of respect for the office of the presidency. Indeed, when a president is expected to perform to a certain standard it is often precisely because of the high respect Americans have for that office.
RA joins in welcoming President Clinton to Hong Kong.