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Robert J. Shapiro, a principal economic advisor to President Clinton's 1992 campaign, discussed democratic political strategy and economic policy at an informal gathering in the Quincy House Junior common Room yesterday afternoon.

Shapiro highlighted three issues that he said would help Clinton to discredit Republican opposition. He said the President should fight for deficit reduction, welfare reform, and universal health care. But the President must remain moderate, he emphasized.

President Clinton should also assume leadership of the Democratic party in Congress, Shapiro said.

Shapiro stated that Republican political strategy is bound to backfire. When Clinton failed to pass health care legislation, he said, the Republicans moved to the political right, weakening their chances in future presidential elections.

When asked about Clinton's chance of success in the 1996 presidential campaign, Shapiro said he was optimistic. Incumbents have a natural advantage, he said, because they can pass legislation during the race.