The Clinton Scandal: A Nation's Indifference

Strategic Insights -

Despite the most damaging accusations against President Bill Clinton in a quarter century, his popularity is surprisingly up, with polls indicating a surge in public support. The scandal surrounding the president's alleged sexual dalliance with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, and accusations of advising her to lie under oath, has left pundits and critics stunned. They wonder why voters are not outraged, despite the gravity of the allegations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton presidency has been marred by a series of scandals and rumors of scandal, including the Vince Foster suicide, Paula Jones, and Whitewater, but voters have consistently returned him to office.
  • The allegations against Clinton, including a sexual dalliance with a White House intern and advising her to lie under oath, have been met with a surprising lack of outrage from the public.
  • Critics and pundits have been left stunned by the public's indifference, with many wondering what or if the people are thinking.
  • The Clinton scandal is not just about the allegations themselves, but about the perception that Washington is a land of unreality, where politicians are more interested in attacking each other than in doing work.
  • The federal government shutdown, ordered by Newt Gingrich over a minor issue, is seen by the author as a symptom of the broader problem of Washington's priorities.
  • The author suggests that the public's indifference to the scandal is a sign that people have come to ignore the cries of "Scandal! Scandal!" from Washington, and are instead focusing on more pressing issues.

Statistics:

  • Six years of the Clinton presidency have seen a series of scandals and rumors of scandal, including the Vince Foster suicide, Paula Jones, and Whitewater.
  • Despite these allegations, voters returned Clinton to office two years ago.
  • Polls indicate a surge in public support for Clinton, with his popularity unexpectedly up.
  • Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern at the center of the scandal, has been described by friends and co-workers as prone to exaggeration and less than a paragon of truth.

Sources:

  • The Miami Herald
  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
  • Monica Lewinsky, personal friends and co-workers
  • Newt Gingrich, U.S. Representative
  • President Bill Clinton, The White House
  • The People, as represented by the polls and public opinion.