Monica Lewinsky Reflects on Clinton Affair, Suggests Resignation Would Have Been the "Right" Course
Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern whose name became synonymous with political scandal during the 1990s, has revisited the tumultuous period in a candid interview, offering fresh insights and reflections on the affair with then-President Bill Clinton. Speaking on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Lewinsky addressed the handling of the situation, suggesting that Clinton’s resignation would have been the most appropriate response to the unfolding controversy.
Lewinsky, now an anti-bullying activist, delved into the media frenzy that surrounded the affair, her portrayal as a "stalker" and "bimbo," and the long-lasting impact on her life. Her words offer a powerful perspective on the power dynamics at play, the intense scrutiny she faced as a young woman thrust into the national spotlight, and the enduring consequences of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.
During the podcast, host Alex Cooper inquired about how Lewinsky felt the situation should have been handled when it became public. Lewinsky responded, "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." She added, "Or to find a way of staying in office that was not lying and not throwing a young person who is just starting out in the world under the bus."
Lewinsky acknowledged the immense pressure and complexities involved in the presidency, saying, "At the same time, I hear myself say that and it’s like ‘Okay, but we’re also talking about the most powerful office in the world.’ I don’t want to be naive either."
The affair, which Clinton initially denied before eventually admitting to, led to his impeachment in 1998. Lewinsky’s perspective provides a nuanced understanding of the events, acknowledging both Clinton’s responsibility and her own role in the situation.
Lewinsky also addressed the media’s portrayal of her during the scandal, describing how she was quickly branded with derogatory labels and a distorted image was crafted that she didn’t recognize. "I think for five seconds, it was sympathetic and maybe after about a week, once the White House got in gear, I was very quickly painted as a stalker, a whore, mentally unstable, a bimbo," she recounted. "I was very quickly painted as both the pursuer in this and also not attractive enough to be pursued." This stark description reveals the intense pressure and judgment she faced as a result of the affair.
The podcast interview also explored the impact of Clinton’s initial denial of the affair, famously stating, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." Lewinsky described this denial as "gaslighting," adding, "I think that was what I experienced on a pretty large scale. It was devastating." She further clarified that she did not believe the White House’s intention was specifically to gaslight her, but rather "to stay in power and to get out of legal jeopardy." She views this self-preservation as the essence of being gaslit.
While Lewinsky acknowledged that Clinton’s behavior was "more reprehensible" than her own, she also accepted responsibility for her actions, stating, "Let’s recognize that while there were so many ways that Bill’s behavior was more reprehensible than mine, I did make mistakes."
The interview comes as Lewinsky launches her new podcast, "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky," which aims to explore themes of shame, resilience, and reclaiming one’s narrative in the face of public scrutiny. This new venture aligns with her ongoing advocacy work against bullying and her efforts to use her experiences to help others navigate similar challenges.
Bill Clinton, who has remained largely silent on the issue in recent years, recently released a memoir titled "Citizens," in which he mentions Lewinsky and compliments her work on bullying. "I live with it all the time," Clinton wrote of the scandal, adding, "I wish her nothing but the best."
The Fox News Digital reached out to a Bill Clinton representative for comment regarding Lewinsky’s remarks on the podcast but has yet to receive a response.
Lewinsky’s willingness to revisit the Clinton affair with such candor and introspection offers a valuable perspective on a period of intense political and personal turmoil. Her reflections on the handling of the situation, the media’s portrayal of her, and the long-lasting impact on her life provide crucial insights into the complexities of power, accountability, and the enduring consequences of public scandal. Her comments are sure to reignite discussions about the Clinton era, prompting a re-evaluation of the events and their lasting legacy on American politics and culture. Lewinsky’s ongoing work as an anti-bullying activist and her new podcast further solidify her commitment to using her experiences to empower others and foster a more compassionate and understanding society.
