1.  In the interview with the Raleigh newspaper, Helms defended his statement that the president was not up to the job as commander in chief.

2.  Kauffman, saying he would appeal, defended his statements as true, and in any event a matter of legally protected opinion.

3.  McMahon on Thursday defended his statements on the tape.

4.  Paige Patterson, who was elected convention president Tuesday without opposition, also defended the statement in his first presidential press conference.

5.  Ahmad Zahid also defended his statement last Saturday on the price increase of essential items in Felda schemes.

6.  Clinton has defended his statement as a simple reiteration of existing policy.

7.  Clinton defended the statement at his news conference in Hong Kong, saying he clarified U.S. policy to both sides.