The Clintons and the politics of scandal

The deposition of former President Bill Clinton this week was both unprecedented and strikingly reminiscent. It was the first time a former president had been deposed by the House, let alone under subpoena. Yet it is hardly the first deposition for Clinton. Twenty-eight years ago, I testified in Clinton’s impeachment hearing after he had lied under oath about his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

Given his earlier previous perjury over an affair with a young woman, few would rely on Clinton’s denials of relations with multiple young women shown in pictures associated with Epstein. But given the paucity of direct evidence, there is ample room for plausible deniability. And plausible deniability is the realm wherein the Clintons have long dwelt — between the outright conclusive and the merely scandalous.

The embarrassing photos of Clinton in a hot tub or receiving massages from young women come as a shock to no one. For anyone familiar with his past, Clinton was in his element. The level of Clinton’s interaction with Epstein is also extensive. Clinton flew on Epstein’s notorious private plane, dubbed the “Lolita Express, at least 26 times and had Epstein visit the White House at least 16 times. Although Clinton has denied visiting Epstein’s island, various witnesses have claimed they saw him there.

Epstein emails also discuss his contributions to the Clinton Global Initiative and his work to assist the Clintons.

That presents a greater challenge than debating what the meaning of “is is.”

The greatest danger was not that Clinton would be charged with sexual crimes connected to these underage girls. Prosecutors clearly did not find sufficient evidence for such charges. However, Clinton has previously shown the danger of being “too clever by half.” He and Hillary have spent their lives evading accountability,........

© The Hill