Ep 6. The Will of the People

As the sixth and final episode of The Clinton Affair season 1, "The Will of the People" covers the aftermath of President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial and subsequent acquittal in the Senate. The episode also delves into the public's reaction to the scandal and the impact it had on American politics.

At the beginning of the episode, the focus is on the Senate trial, during which Clinton was impeached on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. The episode features footage from the trial, including key moments like Clinton's videotaped deposition and his defense team's argument that his actions did not rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors.

After Clinton is acquitted by the Senate, the episode shifts its attention to the public's response to the scandal. It explores how Clinton's approval ratings remained high throughout the impeachment process, perhaps due to a sense that the charges against him were politically motivated. It also highlights how the scandal impacted the Democratic Party and the 2000 presidential election, with some Democrats arguing that Clinton's personal flaws cost them the election.

As the episode draws to a close, it widens its scope to consider the long-term effects of the Clinton scandal. It notes how the public's attitudes towards sex, marriage, and privacy have changed in the wake of the scandal, as well as its impact on media coverage of politics. The episode also touches on the legacy of Monica Lewinsky, who has become an outspoken advocate against cyberbullying and the abuse of power.

Overall, "The Will of the People" offers a comprehensive look at the impact of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, both on the individuals involved and on American politics more broadly. It illuminates the complex interplay between personal conduct, partisan politics, and public opinion, providing valuable insight into one of the most significant political scandals of the modern era.