Some days ago, one of you have asked me about elaborating on the newest Clinton affair a bit more, what I thought of an impeachment, etc.
In the meantime I have listend to the story a bit more closely, and I have come to the following conclusion: What Clinton does in his spare time is none of anybody's business. However, as the first man in the country, ideally representing also American values internationally, it's a VERY BAD idea to have an extramartial lover. There is no question about this. Morally he is off IMO, and for a President this is most unpresidential conduct, completely indiputably so. The question of character is an issue.
But this in itself may not deter him from making good decisions with regard to steering the country. And on this side of the equations he has done in the past and still is doing a good job, or at least has good people who do a good job for him: Albright, Rubin, Christopher was one, the black trade minister was one (Ron Brown?), Janet Reno is good, I think also.
The real question centers whether he tried to influence Lewinsky to testify in a certain way and thereby - possibly - lie. If this was indeed the case, it would be completely appropriate IMO that an impeachment process gets going, the result then being that Clinton's got to walk. There is no question about this.
But so far the relationship is not yet proven, nor is whether Bill tried to influence Lewinsky in what she should say in court (at least acc. to my latest info). Until then Bill is still my man, but if these accusations prove true, he must go. No other solution.
Thomas |
