EP 152: The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal

This week on Hashtag History, we will be discussing Monica Lewinsky and the event that thrust her into the national spotlight in 1998 when it was revealed that she and the President of the United States, Bill Clinton, had engaged in a sexual affair while she was serving as a White House intern (and later, employee). This all came to light because Lewinsky had revealed this affair to a colleague of hers, Linda Tripp, who – depending on who you ask – either was a person with an extremely strong moral compass…or someone with a strong vendetta against Clinton and the Administration (or, maybe, a little bit of both). This case goes so much deeper than a sexual affair—this was the catalyst in a long string of investigations conducted against Bill Clinton, including an investigation into sexual harassment allegations brought forth by a woman named Paula Jones.

Clinton denied the affair with Lewinksy, saying in a televised statement, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinksy.” Ever the attorney, he would later belabor the meaning of the word “is,” clarifying that his statement about whether or not he had had sexual relations with Lewinksy would largely depend on “what the meaning of the word is is.”

Sure, Clinton would be impeached in part because of this affair. But by and large, Lewinsky was the one that experienced more public judgement and personal consequences in the aftermath of the scandal. Lewinsky was made the butt of jokes on late night television, tabloids, and media coverage. She struggled for years and years to find employment again and to regain any sense of privacy and normalcy. Clinton’s part of the affair was seen as a man fulfilling his needs; Lewinksy’s part in the affair was seen as calculated and nefarious. She has only been seen in a more favorable light in, arguably, the last decade following the #MeToo movement which led many to reevaluate the relationship and its nuances—the power imbalances, age differences, and the contrast in the public shaming that the two involved parties experienced.

Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode.

Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com. You can also check out our website for super cute merch!

You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website!

You can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, a shoutout on social media, and stickers!

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

- Rachel and Leah

Editor: Alex Perez

Copyright: The Hashtag History Podcast