Monica Lewinsky Reflects on Clinton Scandal: Why She Believes He Should Have Resigned.

Monica Lewinsky has once again opened up about her past, revealing that she believes former President Bill Clinton should have resigned following their infamous affair. In a candid conversation on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Lewinsky, now 51, shared her perspective on how Clinton should have handled the scandal that led to his impeachment in 1998.

“I think the right way to handle a situation like that would’ve been to probably say it was nobody’s business and to resign,” Lewinsky told podcast host Alex Cooper in the newly released episode.

A Different Path Amidst Scandal

As a former White House intern between 1995 and 1997, Lewinsky found herself at the center of a political firestorm when details of her relationship with Clinton emerged. She now believes that honesty and accountability could have changed the course of history.

“Or to find a way to stay in office that was not lying and not throwing a young person who is just starting out in the world under the bus,” she added, highlighting the significant impact the scandal had on her personal and professional life.

Reflecting on the Weight of the Presidency

Lewinsky admitted that she had never been asked this particular question before, prompting deep reflection.

“At the same time, I hear myself say that and it’s like, ‘OK, but we’re also talking about the most powerful office in the world,’” she acknowledged. “I don’t want to be naive either.”

Her comments mark a rare moment where she has directly stated her belief that Clinton should have stepped down.

The Impeachment and Aftermath

The scandal erupted when independent counsel Ken Starr uncovered Clinton’s affair with Lewinsky while investigating an unrelated sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Paula Jones. Starr’s report revealed that Clinton had engaged in a sexual relationship with Lewinsky in the Oval Office and subsequently lied under oath before a federal grand jury.

These revelations led to Clinton’s impeachment on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. However, the Senate acquitted him in February 1999, allowing him to complete his second term.

Clinton later admitted his wrongdoing but defended his decision to remain in office. In a 2018 interview with CBS News, he stated, “Well, I knew it wouldn’t succeed. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. But it was a fight that I was glad to undertake after the elections, when the people had solidly told, by two-thirds or more, the Republicans to stop it. They knew there was nothing impeachable. And so, we fought it to the end. And I’m glad.”

A Hard-Fought Journey to Self-Acceptance

After the scandal, Lewinsky faced intense public scrutiny, struggling to rebuild her life and career. She later found her voice as an anti-bullying advocate and public speaker, emphasizing the long-term consequences of public shaming.

“I did something for the worst possible reason—just because I could,” Clinton admitted in 2004. “I think that’s just about the most morally indefensible reason anybody could have for doing something.”

For Lewinsky, the fallout was life-altering. “I lost my future,” she said, reflecting on the deep personal cost of the scandal. Despite everything, she takes pride in having held onto her “true self.”

Over the years, some individuals involved in the scandal have reached out to apologize for their actions—or inaction—at the time.

“I’ve had a handful of people who were involved at the time that I’ve run into in different ways who acknowledged that they could have made different choices,” she revealed. “None of the people who were above-the-fold names involved in the investigation. I’m grateful that I’m at a place where I don’t need it anymore.”

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