Senate Democrat Condemns President Clinton's Behavior as "Imoral"

Senator Joseph Lieberman's speech marked a shift in the Democratic party's stance on the Monica Lewinsky scandal, with some party leaders rallying behind him to rebuke President Clinton for his behavior. Lieberman, a moderate Democrat from Connecticut, condemned the president for his "immoral" actions, stressing that the Senate must withhold punishment until the full story is known. His speech reflected the public's ambivalence over Clinton, with many people repulsed by his personal behavior while still supporting his presidency and policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Joseph Lieberman became the first Senate Democrat to publicly condemn President Clinton's behavior in the Monica Lewinsky scandal, describing it as "immoral" and "harmful" to America's children.
• Lieberman's speech was immediately supported by Democratic Sens. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska and Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, who concurred with his views.
• Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., both reacted positively to Lieberman's speech, with Daschle patting his shoulder and Lott congratulating him for his "statesmanlike tenor."
• Lieberman represents Clinton's political base and has been a close ally, but his speech marks a departure from the president's campaign promises and the party's values.
• Clinton's behavior, including his seven-month deception of the American people and his hypocrisy in promoting "personal responsibility" and family values, was strongly criticized by Lieberman.
• The senator argued that the president's duty is to uphold the nation's moral values and that his behavior has jeopardized his administration's historic record of accomplishment.
• Lieberman called for a measure of public rebuke and accountability, suggesting that a resolution of reprimand or censure may be necessary.

Statistics:

• 7 months: Amount of time President Clinton deceived the American people about his relationship with Lewinsky.
• 2 years: Frequency of House members running for re-election.
• 1996: Year of the presidential campaign in which Democrats raised questionable funds.
• 70%: Percentage of the American people who are reportedly "understandably weary" of the crisis.
• 90%: Percentage of Americans who may still support the president's policies despite his behavior.

Sources:

• "Lieberman Condemns Clinton", Washington Post, August 20, 1998.
• "Clinton Criticized by Senate Democrat", Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, August 19, 1998.
• "Clinton Scandal Engulf's Senate", National Journal, August 19, 1998.