Indeed, I did have a relationship with Miss Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong. It constituted a critical lapse in judgment and a personal failure on my part for which I am solely and completely responsible. But I told the grand jury today and I say to you now that at no time did I ask anyone to lie, to hide or destroy evidence or to take any other unlawful action.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker admits to an inappropriate relationship and personal failure while denying involvement in covering it up.
- In plain terms
- I admit my relationship was wrong and a personal failure, but I did not ask anyone to lie or hide evidence.
- What can you take from it?
- Admitting personal mistakes is distinct from denying illegal obstruction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you admit fault without admitting to a cover-up?
- How do you balance admitting wrong with defending actions?
Another view
The speaker denies one action while admitting to another, which may still damage credibility.
More from Bill Clinton
It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is. If the-if he-if 'is' means is and never has been, that is not-that is one thing. If it means there is none,…
Permalink to quote #16 Whether our ancestors came here on the Mayflower, on slave ships, whether they came to Ellis Island or LAX in Los Angeles, whether they came yesterday or walke…
Permalink to quote #18 No one wants to get this matter behind us more than I do-except maybe all the rest of the American people.
Permalink to quote #15
Related quotes
I own the soft impeachment.
Richard Brinsley SheridanRichard Brinsley Sheridan quote #19 When Bush says that Abu Ghraib was the work of a few, he forgot to mention that he was one of them.
Andrew SullivanAndrew Sullivan quote #21 ...if what I say is responsible, I alone am responsible for the saying of it...
Edward R. MurrowEdward R. Murrow quote #51