Armstrong plots his return

Lance Armstrong fully expects to be forgiven, said Michael Hall in Texas Monthly. After years of adamant denials, the legendary cyclist recently admitted he had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career, including his seven victories at the Tour de France. The disgrace he’s suffering, Armstrong believes, is temporary. “It’s been a bloodbath,” he admits. “[But] ultimately, people forgive and forget and remember the good stuff you did.” His model for redemption is how Bill Clinton won back the public’s affection following his public humiliation during the Monica Lewinsky affair. “He’s a hero of mine. He’s tough, he’s smart, surrounded himself with good people. And 10 years later, he’s president of the world. It can be done.” The first step in Armstrong’s own comeback was his public confession to Oprah Winfrey. “You gotta put that stake in the ground and say, ‘Okay, we’re turning it around.’” Next, he plans to keep a low profile and wait for the public’s anger to subside. “Now is the time to do nothing. Stop the bleeding. Let things settle down, plot a course, write a book.” What will it be about? “That’s what I gotta figure out. I know I’m gonna do it, but I don’t know what I’m gonna say.”

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