Clinton To Accept Regulation Of Tobacco As Drug

Clinton's announcement depends on whether OMB's (Office of Management and Budget) review is completed by Friday. It's not at all clear it will be, a senior official said.

Officials familiar with the President's thinking said he decided in principle that cigarettes and other tobacco products should be regulated as drugs in proposing the FDA rule-making more than a year ago.

Senator Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat long involved in national health issues, said Clinton's expected move would be very very bold and significant.

(Tobacco) is a gateway drug. The gateway drug in all substance abuses is basically smoking, Kennedy said in an interview with CNN television at the White House after attending a ceremony at which Clinton signed a health care reform bill.