President refuses to quack // Aims to show reporters he's no lame duck

WASHINGTON President Clinton on Tuesday rejected the idea he isan ineffectual lame duck, declined to promise a tax cut in 1998 andsaid Saddam Hussein can act "maddeningly stupid."

At a news conference, the president countered criticism fromformer advisers that his administration is adrift and he is avoidingrisks.

Crime and unemployment are at their lowest levels in 24 yearsand inflation is low, he said. "We had a very good year," Clintonsaid, and he promised that 1998 "will be a year of vigorous action onvital issues."He said he will turn in the coming year to long-range problems:global climate change, lifelong education and preserving SocialSecurity and …