Ep 3. Mixed Messages

In episode 3 of The Clinton Affair season 1 titled "Mixed Messages," the focus is on the many statements made by key players in the investigation. Journalist Michael Isikoff is interviewed extensively about his role in breaking the news of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. He discusses the challenges of reporting a story that involves such sensitive material and the backlash he and his colleague, Matt Drudge, faced from the Clinton administration and the media.

The episode also focuses on Linda Tripp, a Pentagon employee who was a confidante of Lewinsky's and secretly recorded conversations between them. Tripp is interviewed extensively, and the audience learns about her motivation for recording conversations with Lewinsky. Tripp's role in the investigation is explored in depth, and the episode touches on the ethical questions that have arisen around the use of these recorded conversations as evidence.

Much of the episode is devoted to the various statements made by President Clinton and his supporters during this time. Clinton initially denied having sexual relations with Lewinsky, and the episode examines the nuance of his language and the way he tried to downplay the scandal. The way in which Clinton and his allies tried to spin the story is also explored, and the episode looks at how the public reacted to different messages coming from the administration.

Another key player in the investigation is Paula Jones, who had accused Clinton of sexual harassment in the 90s. The audience learns more about Jones' motivations for coming forward and the political climate at the time she filed her lawsuit. The episode looks at the differences between Jones' case and the Lewinsky scandal and how they were interwoven.

The episode also touches on the role of the media during this time. The intense media scrutiny on the Clintons and the scandal is explored, and the way the media shapes public perception is examined. The episode looks at how the media covered different aspects of the story and how different news outlets had different priorities when it came to reporting on the scandal.

Overall, episode 3 of The Clinton Affair season 1 offers a detailed look at the many different statements made by key players during the investigation. By examining the nuance of language and the way different messages were spun, the episode sheds light on the complex way in which the scandal unfolded. It also provides a glimpse into the way the media shapes public perception and the ethical questions that arise when reporting on such sensitive material.