<<Perhaps people are not actually "passing judgment" on Clinton's affair, but many seem obsessed with the details of the affair. >>
This is absolutely what is happening. The affair has turned into a national soap opera with great ratings. No one wants to tune out, because they might miss something juicy.
Unfortunately, if the issue becomes complicated (what actually constitutes perjury, for example) people tune out. They know what sex is and they know what lying is - Clinton had one and did the other, regardless of what he says. Just about every adult has had the one and done the other, so they understand the concepts. The same cannot be said for the issues involved in Whitewater or the other gates.
That's why I favor the hearings. Get the facts out in the open, educate the people over time, and let everyone come to a conclusion. Stop all the posturing and discuss the real issues.
IMHO, it's the Democrats pushing the sex issue, because the "it's all about sex" defense has been effective. As soon as you ask people about lying or obstruction, they say Clinton should leave (if found guilty). If it's all about sex, they say he should stay.
If both sides would agree to calmly discuss only the facts (like that will ever happen <g>), the news coverage would follow suit, and we could get on with this. As long as the partisanship on both sides remains, this is the best we'll get. |
