Clinton Allegedly Testified Of Forgery Prosecutor Suggests President Said He Didn’t Sign Documents

In his video-taped testimony - expected to be screened today in the trial of his former business partners - President Clinton apparently testified that his signature was forged on at least two Whitewater documents.

In questioning Clinton’s Whitewater partner Jim McDougal on Wednesday, prosecutor Ray Jahn suggested the president testified he didn’t sign two documents involving the failed land development deal - documents that bear the president’s purported John Hancock.

McDougal repeatedly has testified that his own signature was faked on incriminating papers. During a testy exchange, the incredulous prosecutor asked him who he thought was behind the forgeries. “Republicans,” responded McDougal.

Then Jahn asked, “What Republican in 1981 would have the audacity to come down and forge the signature of President Clinton?” He was shouted down by defense objections and no further details of Clinton’s testimony were forthcoming.

Clinton, who is not charged with wrongdoing, was called to testify for the defense in an attempt to undermine the credibility of prosecution star witness David Hale.

Hale’s accusations, which include charges that Clinton was involved in arranging one $300,000 bogus loan, form the bedrock for the prosecution’s bank fraud charges against the McDougal, his ex-wife Susan and Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker.

Clinton’s testimony will pit the credibility of the president of the United States against that of an admitted felon. Hale has pleaded guilty to unrelated fraud charges and sentenced to 28 months in jail.

Meanwhile, an ailing Jim McDougal, owner of the failed Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan and Clinton’s partner in the ill-fated Whitewater land deal, returned to the stand Wednesday for more tough cross examination.

Jahn - in the unique position of knowing what the next defense witness will say - tried to drive a wedge between McDougal and Clinton, who have not spoken in years.

He pelted McDougal with dozens of questions about the ill-fated Clinton-McDougal Whitewater land development deal, which is not part of the indictment. McDougal said Clinton was barely involved in the deal and “completely disinterested.”