By Eric E. Clingan
Arizona Daily Wildcat
January 27, 1998

State of the Union

Arizona Daily Wildcat Eric E. Clingan

One recalls Pearl Harbor as perhaps the last time this country and its leader were caught so completely by surprise and this nation's image, reputation and pride were at stake on the world stage.

The setting was surreal. President Clinton and Yasser Arafat were flanked by Secretary of State Madeline Albright and Vice President Gore. All were anxious, in a room full of reporters, to discuss the progress of peace talks in the Middle East. Yet, the main question on the mind of those in the media may as well have been, "Did Monica Lewinsky swallow?" Born was a new connotation to the phrase "world affairs."

Beyond the boundaries of America, in fact, across the globe itself, the world's media outlets displaced their own national news in order to provide front page coverage of this story, complete with titillating headlines like "naughty-gate," and "All the President's women."

In Israel, the mass market publication Yediot Ahronot said, "Middle East peace talks hang not on Madeline Albright, but on Monica Lewinsky." Even Asian countries in the midst of an economic meltdown dedicated front page status to the allegations that President Clinton conducted an illicit sexual relationship with his intern.

Here is a summary of the story so far: President Clinton is accused of having an 18-month sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. Ms. Lewinsky confided in her friend Linda Tripp the details of the affair.

Unbeknownst to Ms. Lewinsky, Tripp was recording their meetings. Leaks about the alleged affair were then seized upon by lawyers for Paula Jones, who is suing President Clinton for sexual harassment. During his deposition in that suit, the President, possibly taken by surprise, produced a camouflaged denial of any "improper relationship" (his words) with Ms. Lewinsky. Just what constitutes, in his mind, an "improper relationship," Clinton didn't say. (However, all elected officials, state or federal, should consider the consequences that President Clinton is now confronted with before preying on their awe-inspired interns.)

Today, we are faced with the distinct possibility that the President committed the serious felony of perjury. The weight of such an act can not be understated, as our entire legal system rests firmly on the idea that a sworn statement is supposed to be beyond attack, unquestionable. Every day the calls for impeachment grow louder.

However, the deeper significance of this sordid tale of sex and possible presidential cover-up, is that other countries are watching closely - very closely. The image of this great land is being tarnished in their eyes.

The President is the people's representative abroad. His actions convey not only the will of the American people, but their morals, ideals and values. With these latest allegations, it is clear that this country may soon regret its decision in 1992 and 1996 to turn away from and ignore questions regarding Clinton's character in favor of "the economy, stupid."

Included on one of Ms. Tripp's tapes are comments by Ms. Lewinsky describing a "certain kind of sex" she shared with the President. How long before world leaders began referring to the Oval Office as "the Oral Office"? In fact, Clinton's State of the Union Address tonight will more likely to be scrutinized by the world for indications on the state of his marital union than for any new policy initiatives, foreign or domestic.

Without question, Clinton's credibility among his countrymen and his peers on the world's stage has sunk lower than the USS Arizona. He now admits to an extra-marital affair with Gennifer Flowers, something he lied about, straight-faced, in a nauseating effort to gain the presidency in 1992. Who will trust this man? What country will ever again feel as secure in the light of American "guarantees" of protection and assistance during crises on par with the invasion of Kuwait or Bosnia, or Middle East peace negotiations?

The White House itself does not exist in a vacuum. The occupant of that residence is responsible not only to this country, but to the people of the world who look to America for global direction and peace. Trust is implicit in such a relationship.

For the sake of this nation's image, what is needed, and soon, is for President Clinton to affirm in no uncertain terms that "I did not ever, on any occasion, engage in or receive sex from Monica Lewinsky." How difficult can it be.

Eric E. Clingan is a senior majoring in politcal science. His column normally appears on Wednesdays.