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Rendell Admits He Invited Violent Thugs to Rally Heated Deposition of DNC Chairman Provides Key Evidence in JW Suit Background: On October 2, 1998, Don and Teri Adams, brother and sister, were severely beaten by Teamsters under the direction of the late Pennsylvania Teamsters boss John Morris. The Adams’ were peacefully protesting a fundraising visit by President Clinton to their native Philadelphia in the midst of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The beating, captured on videotape, was broadcast nationwide. Despite the clear evidence, however, Philadelphia’s District attorney refused to press charges against the Teamsters and instead prosecuted the victim of the crime, Don Adams. Judicial Watch came to the Adams’ aid, launching a libel, assault and battery and conspiracy lawsuit naming, among others, then Philadelphia Mayor and later DNC Chairman Ed Rendell as a defendant. Rendall is now running for Governor of Pennsylvania. Judicial Watch Chairman Larry Klayman recently deposed Rendell, who was responsible for organizing the event. A partial transcript of the deposition follows. Klayman: You are aware that the Teamsters Union does have a reputation of engaging in violence from time to time? Rendell: Well, I don’t know the definition of reputation, but I will say, on a national level, I’m aware that they have been accused and on occasion found guilty of acts of violence. And, on a local level, I know that very well. Klayman: And the acts of violence included beatings: Rendell: Yes. Klayman: You were aware that John Morris was the head of Local 115, and that his Local 115 had engaged in acts of violence during the period that you were Assistant District Attorney, Deputy District Attorney and then District Attorney? Rendell: Correct. Rendell (on the Fundraiser): I wanted to, as mayor and as [President Clinton’s] friend, and, you know, as his supporter, I wanted to make sure that he got a rousing welcome, and particularly in light of the fact that there would be demonstrators. Klayman: And you personally called John Morris? Rendell: Yeah. I got I call every single person. As I said, I must have made twenty or so calls, and I probably farmed out another hundred. But John Morris I called John Morris... Klayman: And what specifically did you say to John Morris? Rendell: I said, "The President is coming to town. We want a real good reception for the President. There may be some demonstrators there. And we certainly want to in numbers and in loudness, we want to drown out the demonstrators." Klayman: And then based on your experience, you were aware that the country was very much divided over the impeachment scandal, that that tensions were high? Rendell: I wanted the story to be, you know, “Clinton comes to Philadelphia. Thousands rally in his support.” Unfortunately, the incident marred that coverage. So I was yeah, in retrospect, I wish I hadn’t made that phone call.
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