Clinton's Settlement with Paula Jones: A Mixed Blessing with Far-Reaching Implications

Strategic Insights -

President Bill Clinton's $850,000 settlement with Paula Jones has been hailed by some as a victory, but it has also reinforced his troubles and created new challenges for his presidency. The settlement has energized the impeachment process, as Jones' lawyers argue that the case was strong enough to warrant an apology from Clinton, which he refused to give. Clinton's attorney, Robert Bennett, insisted that his client still denies the allegations and maintains that the settlement will allow the president to move on from the scandal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The settlement agreement between Clinton and Jones includes a payment of $850,000, which Jones may receive, minus a percentage owed to her lawyers.
  • Clinton gains an advantage in the upcoming impeachment hearings, as the settlement removes one of the charges against him.
  • The Supreme Court's May 27, 1997, ruling, which disagreed with Clinton's argument that sitting presidents should not be subject to civil suits, will likely be cited as a precedent in future cases.
  • Independent counsel Kenneth Starr's investigation into Clinton's perjury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and abuse of power is likely to continue, despite the settlement.
  • Clinton's relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which was revealed during the Jones case, has been cited by his critics as evidence of his dishonesty and willingness to use the presidency for personal gain.
  • Analysts such as Paul Weyrich and Larry Klayman argue that the settlement helps Clinton in the impeachment process, while others, like Susan Low Bloch and Jonathan Turley, see it as a negative development for both the president and the country.

Statistics:

  • $850,000: The amount of the settlement payment from Clinton to Jones, minus a percentage owed to her lawyers.
  • 1994: The year Jones filed her lawsuit against Clinton while he was governor of Arkansas.
  • May 6, 1997: The date on which Clinton's lawyers filed a brief with the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that the case against him should be dismissed.
  • April 1: The date on which U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright dismissed the case, a ruling that was later overturned on appeal.
  • 1994: The year Clinton first sought a dismissal of the Jones lawsuit, arguing that sitting presidents should not be subject to civil suits.

Sources:

  • The Dallas Morning News, "Clinton reaches deal with Paula Jones; $850,000 will be paid in settlement," no date (c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News
  • The Dallas Morning News, "Impeachment delay possible with settlement of Paula Jones case," no date (c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News
  • Washington Post, "Clinton, Jones reach $850,000 settlement," no date (c) 1998, The Washington Post
  • New York Times, "Clinton and Jones Reach $850,000 Settlement," no date (c) 1998, The New York Times
  • Free Congress Foundation, statement by Paul M. Weyrich, no date
  • Judicial Watch, statement by Larry Klayman, no date
  • Georgetown University Law Center, statement by Susan Low Bloch, no date
  • George Washington University Law School, statement by Jonathan Turley, no date
  • The Dallas Morning News, "Clinton and Jones agree to $850,000 settlement," no date