Monica Lewinsky, now 25 years after the Clinton scandal, believes the former president should have resigned when impeached, citing the immense personal cost she paid while he remained protected by his position of power.
Key Takeaways
- Monica Lewinsky states Bill Clinton should have resigned when impeached for lying about their affair, suggesting he could have handled the situation without destroying her reputation.
- While acknowledging the relationship was consensual, Lewinsky emphasizes the extreme power imbalance, calling Clinton’s public denial “gaslighting on a grand scale.”
- The scandal created “collateral damage” for women of her generation who witnessed her public humiliation and criticism based on her sexuality.
- Despite Clinton’s acquittal by the Senate, Lewinsky points out that he faced few consequences while her life was devastated by media sensationalism.
- After years of reflection, Lewinsky has found some peace and expresses gratitude for positive changes in her life over the past decade.
Lewinsky Calls for Presidential Accountability
Monica Lewinsky has broken her silence regarding what she believes former President Bill Clinton should have done following their affair that rocked the nation in the late 1990s. In a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Lewinsky stated that Clinton should have resigned from office after Congress voted to impeach him for lying about their relationship. Her comments have reignited discussions about power dynamics between the world’s most powerful leader and a young White House intern, as well as the responsibility of elected officials to take accountability for their actions.
Lewinsky did not mince words when discussing what she believes would have been the appropriate course of action for Clinton. “I think that the right way to handle a situation like that would have been to probably say it was nobody’s business and to resign. Or to find a way of staying in office that was not lying and not throwing a young person who was just starting out in the world under the bus,” she said. This stance represents years of reflection on a scandal that irreversibly altered the trajectory of her life while Clinton’s career and legacy remained largely intact.
Power Imbalance and Public Deception
While Lewinsky has consistently acknowledged that the relationship was consensual, she emphasized the significant power disparity that existed between them. “And at the same time, I’m hearing myself say that, and it’s like, OK we’re also talking about the most powerful office in the world. I don’t want to be naive either,” she remarked during the podcast interview. This recognition of the complex power dynamics at play demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the situation that extends beyond simple consent to consider the responsibilities that come with holding the highest office in the land.
“I think there was so much collateral damage for women of my generation to watch a young woman to be pilloried on a world stage – to be torn apart for my sexuality, for my mistakes, for my everything.” – Monica Lewinsky
Clinton initially denied having “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky” in a now-infamous televised statement. Lewinsky characterized this denial as “gaslighting on a grand scale.” The former president later admitted to the relationship after DNA evidence contradicted his earlier statements. Despite the impeachment proceedings, Clinton was ultimately acquitted by the Senate and completed his second term in office, while Lewinsky became the subject of intense public scrutiny, ridicule, and shame.
Generational Impact and Personal Growth
Beyond the personal implications, Lewinsky expressed concern about the broader social impact of how the scandal was handled. She highlighted the “collateral damage” inflicted on women of her generation who witnessed her public humiliation. The intense media coverage and public discourse surrounding the scandal often focused on Lewinsky’s sexuality and personal choices rather than the actions of the president, reinforcing troubling narratives about women, power, and accountability that continue to resonate today.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Lewinsky expressed gratitude for the positive changes in her life over the past decade. After years of being defined by the scandal, she has reclaimed her narrative through anti-bullying advocacy, public speaking, and producing projects like the documentary series “The Clinton Affair.” Her willingness to speak candidly about her experiences reflects a journey of personal growth and resilience in the face of extraordinary circumstances that few Americans have ever experienced.
The discussion around Lewinsky’s recent comments highlights ongoing questions about accountability in positions of power, media treatment of women involved in political scandals, and the lasting impact of public humiliation in the digital age. While Clinton has largely moved beyond the scandal in public perception, Lewinsky’s perspective offers an important counterpoint about who bears the consequences when powerful figures engage in inappropriate conduct.
Sources:
- ‘Bill Clinton Should’ve Resigned”: Monica Lewinsky On Affair With Former US President
- Monica Lewinsky: Clinton Should Have ‘Resigned’ From Office After Our Affair
