I haven't seen the interview, but it's being reported today that when Dan Rather asked Bill Clinton (in an interview concerning the former president's upcoming book) why he did what he did with Monica Lewinsky, he simply responded, "Because I Could." Of course, he went on to discuss that he viewed the impeachment hearings as a badge of honor, and you can agree or disagree that the impeachment was a massive waste for the country's resources, but to stick to that specific point. He cheated on his wife "Because (he) could." What the hell kind of answer is that?? Why did you steal the money? Because I could. Why'd you lie? Because I could. Why'd you kill? Because I could. Nonsense. I was a Clinton supporter when he was in office and thought the hearings were much ado about nothing, but it's a sad state of affairs that he would so casually disregard any feelings of fidelity to his wife and family because he "could" screw around with an intern.

The big question, though, is why he would say such a thing now? To sell more copies of his book? Probably. To give a big F-You to the people who tried to boot him from office? Likely.

Any thoughts???

My thoughts, Albert? I think you've been fed a quote out of context:

Rather: "The central question, if I may, and I know this is difficult, the central question is why?"

Clinton "I think I did something for the worst possible reason -- just because I could. I think that's the most , just about the most morally indefensible reason that anybody could have for doing anything. When you do something just because you could ... I've thought about it a lot. And there are lots of more sophisticated explanations, more complicated psychological explanations. But none of them are an excuse ... Only a fool does not look to explain his mistakes."

Which seems to address your outrage, which in the context you received the quote would have been understandable.

Now Playing: MPR & PRI's "Marketplace Morning Report"

I think it is so American that people would care so much about a spot of infidelity.

quote:

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Originally posted by Member 27:
I think it is so American that people would care so much about a spot of infidelity.

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American culture is a battle of firmly entrenched Judeochristian morality systems versus, you know, the present world.

Linn,

Thanks for that full transcript. He sounds much more contrite and less reckless about it. But in response to Member 27, hey, smoke 'em if you got 'em. But don't spend one full day a week on taxpayer time going through counseling with your wife "because you could." He in fact had to do that because of the fallout over the blowjob. Yeah, a blowjob is a blowjob, but make sure your wife is on board with it. If not, why bother getting married. I'm not.

quote:

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Originally posted by Vykromond:

quote:

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Originally posted by Member 27:
I think it is so American that people would care so much about a spot of infidelity.

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American culture is a battle of firmly entrenched Judeochristian morality systems versus, you know, the present world.

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American culture is a battle of a vocal minority of dogmatic fundamentalists versus, you know, the present world.

In other words, Member 27 and Vykromond, yes and yes.

Now Playing: "Photo Finish" Chris LeDoux _20 Originals: The Early Years_ (Capitol)

I agree, Albert. Personally, I think the act was reprehensible on Clinton's part personally and professionally, matched only by the investigation and impeachment.

I said then, and I'll say now. That's setting the bar way too low. Of course, the loyal opposition would likely argue that the act betrayed a moral weakness that made Clinton unfit for office. My response, unfortunately, would largely consist of eye-rolling and a snarky response that betrays much about my inability to maintain a civil discourse with the aforementioned dogmatic cretins.

Now Playing: "Fourth of July Rodeos" Chris LeDoux _20 Originals: The Early Years_ (Capitol)

Now I don't believe that it matters which side of the fence you're on in any political debate.
Politics sucks because it seems to turn people into robots spouting "the company line" on everything. Clinton made a complete disgrace of himself and got defensive. I guess if you're going to impeach him for that, then you could probably find reasons to impeach every president, especially now that Big Brother or the Internet or cable TV seems to be literally watching everybody. Earlier presidents didn't have their "dirty underwear washed in public", but it's now a fait accompli.

The other thing I'll mention is that W probably got elected because of the impeachment, although I'll always think that it's just too fishy that everything came down to his bro's state. Now, I don't know that Gore would be any better, but at least he didn't seem to take such glee in killing people, whether at the state- or federal-level. I'm not sure how we can work this, but I STILL believe that if you want to be president, you should be disqualified. Look at all the obscene amounts of money being spent and then consider what our choices are. Can you spell R-E-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N?

Oh well, at least I can almost forget about everything while listening to cool tunes, watching great flicks, and discussing things with new friends until I check out of here.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I never really intended for it to be a partisan kind of political discussion. These forums are actually my break from that kind of thing. I was initially just focusing on the statement.

Which reminded me of the line from Heathers:

Heather Sawyer: "Why are you such a megabitch??"
Heather # 1: "Because I can be!"

Now I don't even know if this is possible, but because I don't want this thread to devolve into political hell, I deem it closed!

(unless, of course, you have something amuuusing to say.....then go ahead)