Beyond Presidential Desires
San Francisco Chronicle
8/2/98 Editorial
Sex is a sideshow in Ken Starr's investigation of Clinton & Co.; he's searching for a pattern of misconduct and coverup.
THE "semen-stained dress" is only the beginning. Of course, the nearly irresistible plot line of the Whitewater investigation is whether President Clinton had sex with Monica Lewinsky. Her cocktail dress allegedly stained with presidential bodily fluid makes a wonderful stage prop. Gossipy speculation about trysts and gifts and phone calls fuels the chattering classes.
It also gives rise to a false notion: That the heart of the investigation - establishing the sexual relationship of two consenting adults - is nobody's damned business, especially not Kenneth Starr's.
In fact, what transpired physically between the commander-in-chief and the White House intern is peripheral to what Starr is really after: Evidence that Clinton and others engaged in a widespread pattern of abuse of government power, intimidation, coverup and even conspiracy.
Nearly forgotten are big chunks of Starr's probe - Travelgate, Filegate, the missing Rose law firm files - that have nothing to do with sex, lies or voicemail.
Webster Hubbell is still an intriguing figure in the drama. He knows secrets, and his administration buddies arranged do-little jobs for him that earned him tens of thousands of dollars as he was on his way to federal prison.
Another misleading notion is that Starr's probe is focused almost entirely on the president. Others under deep scrutiny include: Bruce Lindsey, deputy White House counsel; Harold Ickes, former White House deputy chief of staff; First Lady Hillary Clinton, and presidential buddy Vernon Jordan.
None of this is meant to prejudge the quality or the extent of evidence Starr has unearthed. The potential crimes under investigation by the special prosecutor are hard to prove. Details are elusive, nuances ambiguous, memories faulty.
Still, beware of any portrayal of Starr as either a stumbling dufus or a right-wing voyeur. He's a former federal judge with a staff of tough, experienced prosecutors. They know the rules of evidence and what it takes to prove a case in court.
Don't be fooled by the sexcapade. It's only a footnote in a wide-ranging and thorough criminal inquiry.
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