Sign in Subscribe
Clinton, Bill

Pressure Mounts on Whitewater Investigation as Paula Jones Case is Dismissed

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The dismissal of Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton has raised questions about the viability of the ongoing Whitewater investigation, led by Kenneth Starr. The investigation, which has been ongoing for four years at a cost of $35 million, was sparked by the Jones lawsuit. However, with the lawsuit dismissed, the underlying case that launched the investigation no longer exists. This has led some to question whether pursuing the investigation is still worth the cost and effort.

Margaret Paris, a University of Oregon criminal law professor, stated that crimes such as obstruction of justice do not vanish even if the underlying case is dismissed. However, she also noted that Starr's overall case appears to be weak, and the dismissal of the Jones case has reduced the moral imperative to continue the investigation. Starr has stated that he intends to continue the investigation to determine whether crimes were committed, including suborning perjury, obstruction of justice, and intimidation of witnesses.

The Jones case dismissal has also had a significant impact on public opinion, with nearly two-thirds of Americans supporting the judge's decision to dismiss the lawsuit, according to a poll for CNN and USA Today. Additionally, 67% of respondents said the investigations into sexual allegations against Clinton should stop now.

Key Takeaways:

  • The dismissal of the Paula Jones case has raised questions about the viability of the ongoing Whitewater investigation, led by Kenneth Starr.
  • Margaret Paris, a University of Oregon criminal law professor, stated that crimes such as obstruction of justice do not vanish even if the underlying case is dismissed.
  • Starr has stated that he intends to continue the investigation to determine whether crimes were committed.
  • The Jones case dismissal has reduced the moral imperative to continue the investigation, according to Paris.
  • Nearly two-thirds of Americans supported the judge's decision to dismiss the lawsuit, according to a poll for CNN and USA Today.
  • 67% of respondents said the investigations into sexual allegations against Clinton should stop now.
  • The dismissal of the Jones case has had a significant impact on public opinion, with President Clinton's approval rating at 90% and Democrats rallying around him.
  • Republicans are divided on whether to pursue impeachment proceedings, with some urging caution and others advocating for action.
  • Attorney General Janet Reno is considering an investigation into allegations that Whitewater witness David Hale received money from conservative activists.

Statistics:

  • $35 million: The cost of the Whitewater investigation.
  • 2/3: The percentage of Americans who support the judge's decision to dismiss the Paula Jones case.
  • 67%: The percentage of respondents who said the investigations into sexual allegations against Clinton should stop now.
  • 90%: President Clinton's approval rating, according to a poll for CNN and USA Today.
  • 4 years: The length of time the Whitewater investigation has been ongoing.

Sources:

  • CNN and USA Today poll
  • University of Oregon
  • Kenneth Starr
  • Margaret Paris
  • Attorney General Janet Reno
  • President Clinton
  • Hillary Rodham Clinton
  • White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles
  • GOP consultant Eddie Mahe
  • Rep. George Gekas, R-Pa.
  • Bruce Yannett, former federal prosecutor in the Iran-Contra probe.

Read more