Monica Lewinsky believes Bill Clinton should have resigned as president after their affair, citing his choice to lie instead of taking responsibility for his actions and the devastating impact it had on her life.
Key Insights
- Monica Lewinsky states Clinton should have resigned when Congress voted to impeach him for lying about their affair, describing his denial as “gaslighting on a grand scale.”
- While acknowledging the relationship was consensual, Lewinsky emphasizes the extreme power imbalance between a young intern and “the most powerful office in the world.”
- Lewinsky highlights the “collateral damage” to women of her generation who witnessed her being “pilloried on a world stage” and “torn apart” for her sexuality and mistakes.
- Despite initially facing public humiliation and career derailment, Lewinsky expresses gratitude for positive changes in her life over the past decade.
Lewinsky Breaks Silence on Clinton’s Responsibility
Monica Lewinsky has reignited discussion about the Clinton-era scandal by asserting that former President Bill Clinton should have resigned when faced with impeachment proceedings. Speaking candidly on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Lewinsky detailed how Clinton’s decision to remain in office despite lying about their relationship resulted in severe consequences for her reputation and career trajectory. The former White House intern, now 50, suggested Clinton had better options available than the path he chose, which effectively sacrificed her future to preserve his presidency.
Lewinsky proposed alternative approaches Clinton could have taken, stating: “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. Or to find a way of staying in office that was not lying and not throwing a young person who was just starting out in the world under the bus.” This statement reflects her belief that Clinton abdicated his moral responsibility as the more powerful figure in their relationship, choosing instead to protect his political career at her expense.
Power Imbalance and Public Perception
The scandal, which erupted in 1998, showcased a stark power imbalance that continues to resonate in today’s discussions about workplace relationships and accountability. Lewinsky acknowledged the complexity of the situation, recognizing Clinton’s position as holder of “the most powerful office in the world.” While she maintains their relationship was consensual, she emphasized Clinton’s responsibility to avoid placing her in such a compromising position given their vast difference in authority, age, and experience.
“I think there was so much collateral damage for women of my generation to watch a young woman to be pilloried on a world stage – to be torn apart for my sexuality, for my mistakes, for my everything.” – Monica Lewinsky
Clinton’s initial forceful denial of the relationship, famously declaring “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” created a media frenzy that placed Lewinsky at the center of national ridicule. She characterized this denial as “gaslighting on a grand scale,” highlighting how the president’s words effectively encouraged public doubt about her credibility and character. While Clinton ultimately admitted to the inappropriate relationship, the damage to Lewinsky’s reputation had already been done.
Long-Term Impact and Personal Growth
The aftermath of the scandal had profound and lasting effects on Lewinsky’s life trajectory. She became an international punchline, faced relentless media scrutiny, and struggled to establish a normal career path. The incident occurred before social media, yet Lewinsky experienced what would now be recognized as one of history’s first instances of viral public shaming. Conservative commentators note that while Clinton emerged relatively unscathed – later rehabilitating his image through philanthropic work – Lewinsky bore the brunt of public condemnation for years.
“And at the same time, I’m hearing myself say that, and it’s like, OK we’re also talking about the most powerful office in the world. I don’t want to be naive either.” – Monica Lewinsky
Despite these challenges, Lewinsky has rebuilt her life and emerged as an anti-bullying advocate and public speaker. In her recent comments, she expressed gratitude for positive changes in her life over the past decade, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Her willingness to revisit this painful chapter provides important historical context as Americans continue to grapple with questions about accountability, power dynamics, and the personal costs of political scandals. Lewinsky’s perspective offers a sobering reminder of how quickly public figures can discard vulnerable individuals when their own interests are threatened.
Sources:
- ‘Bill Clinton Should’ve Resigned”: Monica Lewinsky On Affair With Former US President
- Monica Lewinsky: Clinton Should Have ‘Resigned’ From Office After Our Affair
