Inside Washington a Hidden Benefit of the Nafta Victory

Apart from the well-known benefits that will accrue to Bill Clinton in the wake of his NAFTA victory, another possible advantage is seen for the * President by some White House aides: a measure of independence from Hillary Rodham Clinton and the left-of-center tug of her office. The First Lady opposed making NAFTA a top priority this fall, senior officials point out, and remained silent on the subject for weeks. But Clinton campaigned hard for the treaty anyway, proving he could overcome long odds -- and his wife's doubts -- and win.