Monica Lewinsky to Testify About Relationship with Bill Clinton Under Immunity Deal

Strategic Insights -

Monica Lewinsky is expected to testify about her relationship with US President Bill Clinton as early as next week, following a deal that grants her full immunity from prosecution. The deal puts further pressure on the beleaguered President and indicates how close the special prosecutor, Kenneth Starr, believes he is to wrapping up his investigation. Lewinsky's testimony is expected to reveal a sexual relationship between the two, as well as potential obstruction of justice if Clinton pressured her to deny the relationship.

Key Takeaways:

  • Monica Lewinsky will testify about her relationship with President Bill Clinton under an immunity deal that grants her full immunity from prosecution.
  • The testimony is expected to reveal a sexual relationship between the two, as well as potential obstruction of justice if Clinton pressured Lewinsky to deny the relationship.
  • Lewinsky is expected to testify that Clinton suggested hypothetical ways for her to avoid cooperating with Paula Jones's lawyers in the sexual harassment suit.
  • Clinton has denied under oath and in public that there was any sexual relationship between him and Lewinsky.
  • The public's distaste for pursuing a criminal investigation based solely on a sexual relationship may reduce the impact of any evidence that Clinton has lied, even under oath.
  • Two lawyers familiar with the case reported that Lewinsky told prosecutors that Clinton coached her on her testimony and attempted to persuade her to deny the relationship in December.
  • The Washington Post reported that Lewinsky said she, not Clinton or his advisers, was the author of the "talking points" urging her friend Linda Tripp to change her story in the Jones case.
  • However, the ABC news program Nightline reported that Tripp also had a hand in preparing the talking points.
  • A White House spokesman said Clinton was pleased with the deal for Lewinsky's testimony.

Statistics:

  • Monica Lewinsky was 25 years old when she entered the deal agreeing to testify about her relationship with Clinton.
  • Bill Clinton has denied any sexual relationship with Lewinsky, both under oath and in public.
  • Lewinsky's testimony is expected to be a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation into Clinton's activities.
  • Clinton's job approval ratings have remained high and firm, despite the public's view that he is not personally trustworthy.
  • The investigation has been ongoing for months, with negotiations over a previous immunity deal breaking down months ago.
  • Clinton is the first president to be served with a subpoena in a criminal investigation related to his own activities.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post, "Deal Gives Lewinsky Immunity in Clinton Inquiry", January 21, 1998
  • The New York Times, "Lewinsky to Testify That Clinton Tried to Shape Her Account", January 21, 1998
  • ABC News, "Lewinsky Testimony Could Be Key to Clinton Investigation", January 21, 1998
  • The Washington Post, "Lewinsky's Role in Clinton Inquiry Grows Clearer", January 21, 1998