Changes

=== Impeachment ===

=== Impeachment ===

On August 17, 1998, after relentless media attention, leaks, and news of White House intern [[Monica Lewinsky]]'s upcoming testimony regarding her extramarital affair with the President, Clinton made history by becoming the first U.S. president to testify in front of a grand jury in an investigation of his own possibly criminal conduct. In an address to the nation, he admitted to having misled the public and a Federal Court over keys elements of testimony. [[Kenneth Starr]], a special prosecutor appointed to investigate the case, was instructed to pursue the matter.  

Shortly after taking office in 1993, Clinton had been sued by a woman alleging sexual harassment during his tenure as Governor of Arkansas. Clinton had studiously avoided being called to testify in the civil case during his first term by gaining postponements. Upon re-election, a federal judge ordered the accuser could finally have her right to her day in court and the case should proceed.

[[File:ClintonTIME9801.jpg|thumb|290px]]

 

In the second term Clinton was impeached for perjury when he lied under oath to a federal judge during the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit.  He was tried in the Senate for two counts: "perjury" and "obstruction of justice".<ref>The House turned down two other counts: "abuse of power" as well as another count of "perjury" in connection with the Paula Jones case.</ref> Although a majority of 55 Senators voted to convict, 45 voting against gained his acquittal, a two thirds majority necessary to remove him from office.  

In testimony under oath, Clinton committed perjury. A special prosecutor, looking into a host of allegations regarding the Clinton's affairs dating back to Arkansas, was instructed to pursue the matter.

 

Clinton made history by becoming the first U.S. president to testify in front of a grand jury in an investigation of his own possibly [[criminal]] conduct. In an address to the nation, he admitted to having misled the public and a Federal Court over keys elements of testimony.  

[[File:ClintonTIME9801.jpg|thumb|190px]]

Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House for perjury.  He was tried in the Senate for two counts: "perjury" and "obstruction of justice".<ref>The House turned down two other counts: "abuse of power" as well as another count of "perjury" in connection with the Paula Jones case.</ref> Although a majority of 55 Senators voted to convict, 45 voting against gained his acquittal, a two thirds majority necessary to remove him from office.  

David Gergen, former White House Communications Director for both Presidents Reagan and Clinton, summarized the hurt of the President's misconduct:

David Gergen, former White House Communications Director for both Presidents Reagan and Clinton, summarized the hurt of the President's misconduct: