President's extracurricular activities just that

By Jennifer Richler

A: To keep his ankles warm.

My brother told me this joke, and it gave us both a good laugh. As is the case when any kind of sex scandal arises in this fine country, the jokesters of America could not resist coming up with their share of vulgar quips. (Believe me, that was one of the more tasteful ones I've heard.)

Apparently, many people are seeing humor in the event coined "Zippergate," or even more cleverly, "Fornigate." But here at Yale, I get the impression that many people are not laughing. From the editorials I've read, it seems that some students are horrified at the alleged escapades of the President, and are genuinely disappointed in him. As I read their tales of disillusionment, I could not help but wonder: what is all the fuss about?

I don't believe Clinton's claims that nothing happened with Monica Lewinsky. His response, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," sounds about as convincing as "I didn't inhale." It is very likely, as the evidence from both this and previous cases suggests, that the President has been having some after-hours meetings in the Oval Office. But does that mean that he cannot do a good job as President? The majority of Americans feel he can; after his State of the Union address, Clinton's approval rating rose sharply to 73 percent, his highest rating ever, suggesting that most people in the country feel that he is a strong, capable leader.

I can't help feeling that another reason people are making such a big deal out of this case is because it is sex-related. I don't have to tell you that people are excited by sex. Combine sex with celebrity and people are even more intrigued. Replace "celebrity" with "President" and people can hardly contain themselves. I wonder if people would be so interested if this scandal were not sex-related. Take Whitewater, for example: of course, the case was in the news, but I can't remember hearing such a horrified response from my peers. Ironically, I think that case had far worse implications for Clinton's capabilities as a leader.

I can already hear the retorts: what about the obstruction of justice charge? He told her to lie in her deposition! First of all, it is still unclear whether this is the case. But once again, let's assume for a moment that it is true. Surely, no one believes that Presidents never lie; that would be like believing that there is a Tooth Fairy (sorry to offend those of you who still believe).

They probably lie not only about private matters, as Clinton has, but about national affairs, matters that affect us directly. It is these kinds of lies that concern me, not the white lies of a man who has gotten himself in a bit of a mess. As far as I see it, all leaders can (and probably do) lie, cheat and/or steal, as demonstrated by one Richard M. Nixon; if and when Clinton does this with a national issue, that's when I'll be concerned.

I don't want to seem like a total cynic; like everyone else, I would be happy to have a President that was a little...cleaner. Nor do I wish to suggest that the public should be prevented from knowing about the private life of its leader, as was the case in the days of JFK. I'm simply being realistic; chances are, any leader of this country has had or will have his share of scandal." As a public figure, his private life naturally becomes public, and if he chooses to live a colorful life, he does so at his own risk.

The question is how the public should respond to these allegations of presidential naughtiness. People should ask themselves: if this is true, does it affect Clinton's capability as a President? In this case, I, and the majority of Americans, think the answer is "no." It even seems those in positions of power are also coming to this realization, and rumors of Clinton's impeachment are quickly fading.

To those Yale students who wrote Clinton-bashing editorials and to all who feel that this scandal is not a laughing matter, I would be glad to forward to you my list of Clinton jokes. I'd be surprised if you didn't chuckle.

Jennifer Richler is a freshman in Berkeley.

Sites related to this article
NOTE: SITE WILL APPEAR IN A NEW BROWSER WINDOW

• Clinton lets down Democrats again
• Chips, salsa, and some Bill Clinton

Respond to this article in Speak Your Mind.

Back to Opinion...