Front Page

UK

World

Business

Sci/Tech

Sport

Despatches

World News in Audio


On Air

Cantonese

Talking Point

Feedback

Low Graphics

Help

Site Map

Thursday, January 29, 1998 Published at 19:43 GMT



Talking Point

Is Bill Clinton fit to be President of the USA?
image: [ Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky and Gennifer Flowers - all cloud President Clinton's reputation ]
Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky and Gennifer Flowers - all cloud President Clinton's reputation

The Clinton Presidency has a dark cloud over it - in the shape of Monica Lewinsky, a former junior White House aide - and Washington is buzzing with talk of impeachment.


President Clinton interviewed on National Public Radio ('4"11)
President Clinton has denied that he had an affair with Ms Lewinsky. He has also denied that he had encouraged her to lie on oath about their relationship.

If the allegations are true, and, more importantly can be proved, then this would constitute perjury, a federal crime, as well as obstruction of justice. If proved this could lead to the president's impeachment.

An independent prosecutor, Kenneth Starr, who is already looking into Mr Clinton's financial affairs, has widened his investigations to include the latest allegations.

In 17 hours of secretly taped conversations, Ms Lewinsky is said to speak in detail about an affair with Bill Clinton.

The First Lady, Hilary Rodham Clinton, has spoken out on American television against what she describes as the "firestorm of lies" directed at her and her husband. She said "The great story here is a vast right-wing conspiracy who have been conspiring against my husband since he first ran for office."

A look at the world's press shows that people are fascinated by such goings-on in the White House. British correspondents say that the American public is interested, but doesn't see the alleged affairs as politically threatening.


CBS correspondent says "You don't do the intern" ('3"26)
"United States of Amorality. A devastating indictment of a nation that has abandoned the puritan ideals of its founders," said the Daily Mail in London.

But should a man facing these allegations also fill the role of the world's most powerful man? Should he go? Has America had enough?

Is Bill Clinton fit to be President of the USA?

What you've said so far

As a mother of young impressionable boys I am appalled at the role model of our president...
Paris Arcediano, USA

If the President committed perjury then he deserves what he gets...
Langley McKelvy, USA

It is just a sex scandle. Even if he lied here, it doesn't matter...
Tony Zhang, USA

Your reaction in full






Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage

©

Link to BBC Homepage

  Your reaction in full  
  Live Talking Points

Kosovo: Should the world get involved?

Should UK students pay tuition fees?

Should we build a base on the Moon?

Should sexual equality dethrone tradition?

 
  Previous Talking Points

Should teenagers be given condoms?

Is the countryside under threat - from 'townies' and government?

Can Saddam Hussein be trusted?