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Lewinsky, Monica

Impeachment Hearings Loom as Clinton Scandal Shifts from Comedy to Consequences

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The US House of Representatives is poised to move forward with impeachment hearings against President Bill Clinton, following the submission of a report from independent counsel Kenneth Starr that contains "substantial and credible information that may constitute grounds for impeachment." The shift in tone from the realm of comedy shows to the sobering prospect of impeachment proceedings has lawmakers warning against partisanship and personal attacks, as the president faces increasing scrutiny for his personal behavior and potential obstruction of justice. The battle between Starr and the White House has been contentious, with the special prosecutor facing criticism for questionable tactics, but also a reputation for integrity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The report from Kenneth Starr contains 36 boxes of materials that have been delivered to Congress, which amount to the prosecution's brief against President Clinton.
  • The House Judiciary Committee is a particularly partisan panel, making it challenging for lawmakers to remain impartial in the upcoming proceedings.
  • The Lewinsky scandal and personal failings of President Clinton have been compared to the Watergate scandal, but the exact similarities and consequences remain to be seen.
  • Senator Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat, has condemned the president's personal behavior and urged caution in assessing the Starr report.
  • Impeachment and potential resignation will depend on the level of support from Democrats, as the president understands that he needs a significant number of Democrats to call for his head.
  • The impeachment process has only been used once before in US history, when President Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868, and only one president has resigned, Richard Nixon.

Statistics:

  • 36 boxes of materials delivered by Kenneth Starr to the House Judiciary Committee
  • 7 months: the duration of the scandal that has dogged President Clinton
  • 200 years: the length of US history with only one instance of impeachment
  • 1868: the year President Andrew Johnson was impeached
  • 1974: the year President Richard Nixon resigned

Sources:

  • "Henry Hyde strikes right chord in House impeachment debate" by Akron Beacon Journal, September 11, 1998
  • Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

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