Members of the University community expressed relief Tuesday in response to President Bill Clinton’s Monday night address in which he admitted to an “inappropriate” relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
With constant news coverage regarding Clinton’s so-called private life, University students and staff members agreed with the sentiments of political analysts and other Americans polled this week.
“I’m tired of hearing about it,” said University sophomore Christine Volp, who was watching the CNN coverage of the speech in Coffman Union.
While she is glad Clinton gave his speech, Volp also said it was the only thing the president could do to maintain his public image.
“His private life does affect what he does as president,” said Volp.
According to a New York Times/CBS News Poll taken immediately after the speech Monday, most Americans agree with Volp. The poll indicated a strong desire by the public to move on and get past the Lewinsky scandal.
Sixty-three percent of the poll’s 396 adult respondents said the Lewinsky matter should be dropped now that the president has testified and spoken directly to the American public. Eighteen percent said Clinton should resign and 12 percent said Congress should begin impeachment proceedings. The poll’s margin of error is 5 percent.
“It will certainly effect how his administration is remembered,” said Lisa Disch, an associate professor of political science and a Democrat. Disch voted for Clinton in 1992 and Green Party candidate Ralph Nader in 1996.
“While (Clinton) hasn’t been forthright up to this moment, he was almost brutally critical of himself,” said Disch. “It was refreshing.”
Political analysts expect Clinton to make a recovery similar to that of Richard Nixon in 1952. A U.S. senator at the time, Nixon had been accused of embezzling money from his vice-presidential campaign funds and was at risk of being removed from the Republican ballot.
He saved his political career by making a well-received televised speech in which he apologized to the public and criticized his political enemies, much like Clinton did Monday night.
However, some people said Clinton should never have had to make Monday’s speech.
“(Clinton) is addressing something that essentially isn’t anyone’s business,” said Bob Rendahl, a Facilities Management worker. “I think the special (prosecutor Kenneth Starr) is out of control.”
Another University employee, Chuck Tomlinson, forgives Clinton and said the scandal’s been going on too long. “I’m glad he came clean, for better or for worse.”