PAT LOPEZ CBS NEWS/AP

TIME: What do you think about the prosecution's case against you?

MCVEIGH: Although we can't discuss the specific evidence, people have to realize that 90 percent of the case that people think they have, has all been through non-verifiable leaks. And I think you would be surprised how much those leaks are bogus.

TIME: When people look at the Oklahoma bombing situation, most people in Oklahoma say that based on what I've read, I think that Tim had some involvement. You say you're innocent. If you could talk to the people in Oklahoma City, what would you tell them in your defense?

MCVEIGH: I think we know exactly what we're going to tell them, but we're going to save it for court. Judge (Richard) Matsch doesn't want this tried in the press, and I agree with that. I think the government demonized me and they tried this in the press. I don't believe in trying this in the press. However, I do believe in off-setting the demonization characteristics they put out or the demonization profiles they put out of me. I believe that it is a natural response and a just response. I would like to save the facts for a court of law because that's why it's there.

TIME: Can you tell us this then, if you weren't in Oklahoma City the morning of the bombing, where were you?

MCVEIGH: I can't tell you. We're saving that for trial.

TIME: Have you ever built a bomb?

MCVEIGH: I've never had my hand on one. I used to watch other people do it. I won't go into that. There were 16 ounce plastic Pepsi bottles. And, I think it was in third grade chemistry class, I learned that if you mix baking soda and vinegar and it creates, I think, carbon dioxide gas. Well, that's all they were basically doing. They'd put this stuff in a Pepsi bottle, screw the cap on real tight, and it would burst.

TIME: People believe The Turner Diaries was an inspiration for the Oklahoma City bombing. You had this book, right?

MCVEIGH: I bought the book out of the publication that advertised it as a pro-gun-rights book. That's why I bought it; that's why I read it. And that's why I had other people read it. In fact, I just recently read an interview with another Army buddy who said the same thing, that Tim gave me that book and told me to ignore the parts that looked too extreme.

TIME: Are you satisfied with Judge Matsch based on what you've read about him?

MCVEIGH: And what I've seen of him. I'm impressed with the man. I like him. My view is that he is objective. He criticizes the prosecution as much as the defense. He's not pulling favorites. I even like his sense of humor.

TIME: Why do you want to take the stand at your upcoming trial?

MCVEIGH: So that the jurors know me and not what they've read.

TIME: What do you ask of the jury that will be selected in Denver to judge you?

MCVEIGH: I know it's human nature to not ignore what you've heard in the press, but I would ask them to be objective and open-minded.

TIME: Are you happy that the trial will be held in Denver?

MCVEIGH: I'm happy with the change of venue. I'd read the Daily Oklahoman and you could see the impassioned responses to the elements of this case. An example was when the residents of the state would say, we want to see justice, we want to see the death penalty. Well, how do you know there is going to be justice? This is a court of law. They are already assuming what the verdict is going to be. It comes out not only in their direct statements but by inference. So I think there is more of a neutral atmosphere.

TIME: What do you think about Janet Reno and President Clinton calling for the death penalty for the suspects in the bombing before the investigation had been completed?

MCVEIGH: I thought it was awfully hypocritical, especially after, in some ways, the government was responsible for doing harm to its citizens. And there was no question whether to punish these people, let alone to the extreme. I thought she was playing both sides of the coin.

TIME: Do you think you will be acquitted?

MCVEIGH: I think that would be legal analysis of the case they had versus the case we will present in court.

TIME: You face the death penalty if convicted. How do you feel with that prospect confronting you?

MCVEIGH: I think because I was sent off to war, I think that helped me prepare for facing that prospect with or possibility with an objective view. Okay, let's step back and not overreact. What do we do about it? And that helped.