BBC News Online: World: Americas

Clinton dreams of third term

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Mr Clinton says: "I probably would have run again."

He is asked if he thinks he would have won a third term in office.

"I do," he says, "but it's hard to say because it's entirely academic".

Echoing Ronald Reagan's idea that "two times isn't necessarily enough time", Mr Clinton suggests the constitution could be changed.

He says it could be modified to just limit presidents to two consecutive terms - this would allow him to run for the presidency in 2004.

In the Rolling Stone interview, the outgoing president also talks about drugs, his impeachment and plans for the future.

Exonerate

The president, who famously admitted to smoking marijuana, but "not inhaling", tells the magazine that he backs a re-think of drug sentencing policies.

The possession of small amounts of marijuana has "been decriminalised and should be".

Speaking about his impeachment, President Clinton tells the magazine he believes history will exonerate him.

"One of the things I had to learn... was that at some point, presidents are not permitted to have personal feelings," he said.

Post-White House

The president adds: "When you manifest your anger in public, it should be on behalf of the American people and the values that they believe in."

What plans does Mr Clinton have for after 20 January?

He says he will probably work on projects fighting racial and religious discrimination at home and around the world.