Clinton Should Reveal Truth About Lewinsky Affair to Quell Speculation

President Clinton should disclose his relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky to put an end to the speculation surrounding their interactions, according to former Chief of Staff Leon Panetta. Panetta, who served under President Clinton from 1993 to 1997, believes that revealing the truth about their relationship would help to resolve the matter quickly and allow the president to focus on governing.

Key Takeaways:

• Leon Panetta, former Chief of Staff, believes that President Clinton should reveal the truth about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky to end speculation.
• Panetta thinks that if Clinton changes his testimony about the relationship, the matter could be resolved quickly, allowing him to focus on governing.
• Panetta takes President Clinton at his word that there was no sexual affair with Lewinsky, but believes that the president still needs to explain the nature of their relationship.
• Clinton previously testified in depositions that he had no relationship with Lewinsky, but Panetta thinks that this testimony may not be accurate.
• Panetta thinks that Clinton should share his testimony with the American people, either through a public statement or a appearance before a federal grand jury.
• Panetta does not believe that there is an impeachable offense involved in the Lewinsky affair.

Statistics:

• 1995-1996: The years during which Leon Panetta served as Chief of Staff under President Clinton.
• 1: The one relationship that Clinton previously testified about with Monica Lewinsky.
• 17: The date on which Clinton is scheduled to appear before a federal grand jury.

Sources:

• "President Clinton Should Tell the Truth About Lewinsky Affair, Panetta Says." The Monterey County Herald (Monterey, Calif.), August 10, 1998.
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