Monica Lewinsky Reflects on the Clinton Scandal and Its Lasting Impact

The Scandal That Shaped a Presidency

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern at the center of the scandal that led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, has shared her thoughts on how the situation could have been handled differently. In a recent interview with Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper, Lewinsky expressed her belief that Clinton should have resigned from office after the truth about their affair came to light. “I think that the right way to handle a situation like that would’ve been to probably say it was nobody’s business and to resign,” she said. Lewinsky, who was just 22 years old at the time of the affair, also suggested that Clinton could have found a way to remain in office without lying or “throwing a young person who is just starting out in the world under the bus.” Her remarks, which were shared publicly for the first time, offer a unique perspective on one of the most infamous political scandals in U.S. history.

The scandal unfolded in the late 1990s, after independent counsel Kenneth Starr’s investigation into Clinton’s relationship with Lewinsky revealed that the president had lied under oath about the affair. This led to Clinton’s impeachment by the House of Representatives in December 1998. However, he was acquitted by the Senate in February 1999 and completed his second term as president. Despite the turmoil, Clinton has maintained that he never considered resigning. “I knew it wouldn’t succeed,” he told CBS News in 2018. “It wasn’t a pleasant experience. But it was a fight that I was glad to undertake after the elections, when the people had solidly told, by two-thirds or more, the Republicans to stop it. They knew there was nothing impeachable. And so, we fought it to the end. And I’m glad.” Clinton later admitted that he engaged in the affair “for the worst possible reason – just because I could,” describing it as “morally indefensible.”

The Fallout for Monica Lewinsky

The scandal had a profound impact on Monica Lewinsky’s life. She became a household name almost overnight, but the attention was far from welcoming. Lewinsky has spoken candidly about the personal and professional toll the scandal took on her, saying she lost her future as a result of the events. “I was just a young person starting my career, and this derailed everything,” she reflected. Despite the challenges, Lewinsky has expressed pride in staying true to herself and not letting the scandal define her. In recent years, she has become an advocate for social justice and mental health awareness, using her platform to speak out against bullying and workplace discrimination.

Lewinsky also shared that she has received apologies from some people who were involved in the scandal or its aftermath. However, she noted that these apologies did not come from the high-profile figures directly involved in the investigation or the media frenzy that surrounded her. “I’ve had a handful of people who were involved at the time that I’ve run into in different ways who acknowledge that they have made different choices,” she said. “None of the people who were above the fold names involved in the investigation. I’m grateful that I’m at a place where I don’t need it anymore.”

Reflections on Power and Responsibility

The scandal also raises important questions about power dynamics and accountability. Lewinsky, who was just starting her career when she became involved with Clinton, described the experience as a stark reminder of the imbalance of power between a young intern and the President of the United States. She acknowledged that her own feelings about the situation have evolved over time. “At the same time I hear myself say that [Clinton should have resigned] and it’s like ‘Ok but we’re also talking about the most powerful office in the world,” she said. “I don’t want to be naive either.”

Clinton’s decision to remain in office despite the scandal has sparked debate about the consequences of his actions. While he was ultimately acquitted and completed his term, the scandal left a lasting mark on his legacy. For Lewinsky, the experience has been a defining chapter in her life, one that she has worked hard to move beyond while still using it to inform her advocacy work. Her reflections on the scandal serve as a reminder of the human cost of political crises and the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of public scrutiny.

The Legacy of the Scandal

The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal continues to have cultural and political reverberations today. It marked a turning point in the way the media covers political figures and the personal lives of public officials. The scandal also highlighted the challenges women face in speaking out about their experiences, particularly in cases involving powerful men. Lewinsky’s story has taken on new significance in the era of the #MeToo movement, as society grapples with issues of consent, power, and accountability.

In the years since the scandal, Lewinsky has emerged as a vocal advocate for social justice and mental health awareness. Her journey from a young intern caught up in a political firestorm to a confident, self-assured advocate is a testament to her resilience and determination. While the scandal will always be a part of her story, Lewinsky has shown that it does not define her. Her reflections on the events of the late 1990s offer a powerful reminder of the complexities of human experience and the enduring importance of empathy and understanding.