Drudge Report Publishes Clinton-Lewinsky Affair
January 17th, 1998
January 17th, 1998

How Long Ago?
27 years, 1 month, 26 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Bill Clinton
- Monica Lewinsky
- Kenneth Starr
- Matt Drudge
Links & References
Tags
Drudge Report Publishes Clinton-Lewinsky Affair
Matt Drudge, a political commentator, broke the story regarding the affair between President Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky on his internet-based news site, the Drudge Report. This revelation not only captured the nation's attention but also set off a chain of events leading to major political consequences. The story emphasized illicit relationships in high office and raised questions about accountability in leadership.
Matt Drudge first broke the story online
Clinton faced impeachment due to the scandal
The affair began during Lewinsky's internship
The event dramatically impacted media landscape
What Happened?
In the late 1990s, Matt Drudge, a self-styled journalist and political commentator, utilized the power of the internet to break a significant news story regarding President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, a young intern at the White House. On January 17, 1998, Drudge reported on their alleged affair, which the news media soon seized upon, creating a frenzy of coverage. The story not only touched upon the private lives of public figures but also questioned ethical conduct in the Oval Office. Lewinsky's relationship with Clinton was characterized by intimate encounters occurring during her time in Washington, D.C. as an intern, raising eyebrows about the implications of such a relationship within a power dynamic. As the details emerged, they fueled national debate over the nature of morality and professionalism in politics.The talk of the affair led to a formal investigation known as the Starr investigation, led by independent counsel Kenneth Starr. The inquiry initially began in 1994 as a probe into the Whitewater controversy, but it expanded to include matters surrounding the Lewinsky affair. This ultimately resulted in accusations of perjury and obstruction of justice against Clinton, leading to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in December 1998. Although the Senate later acquitted him, the scandal reshaped public perceptions of Clinton and raised questions about the presidency's integrity.Additionally, the scandal had ramifications that went beyond the political sphere, impacting media consumption habits in America. It exemplified the rise of the internet as a critical source of news and highlighted the changing relationship between politicians and the media. Young people, in particular, began to engage with news in more interactive ways, contrasting greatly with previous generations' consumption patterns, mostly limited to newspapers and television.
Why Does it Matter?
The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal represents a pivotal moment in American political history, not only reshaping perceptions of President Bill Clinton but also exhibiting the growing influence of the internet on news dissemination. The event exemplified how personal conduct could lead to significant political outcomes, illustrating the intersection of personal ethics and public accountability. It also marked a shift in media consumption, with the internet becoming an increasingly essential platform for breaking news.
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