Under Pressure

This is the first I'm hearing of Chelsea Clinton's questioning by a Butler University student about whether her mother's credilibility was affected by her handling of the president's affair with Monica Lewinsky. Perez has the story, as well as Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence's USA Today blog.

Memmott and Lawrence's blog poses its readers a question, asking, "Did Chelsea Clinton handle the 'Lewinsky' question well?" Since, I happened to come across it, I figure I might as well post a response.

In my opinion, Clinton, who responded "I do not think that is any of your business," to the student, Evan Strange, was entirely within rights to do so. She was only about 18 when the investigation and controversy surrounding Lewinksy were at their greatest heights, so I don't know why people wouldn't take this into account and offer up some sensitivity in this situation. I believe her reaction to an extremely difficult matter such as her father's public infidelity when she was merely a teenager was similar to that of what most daughter's would say under such quick pressure to respond. One has to put themselves in her shoes and imagine what she felt when the question was brought up. I mean, I know she has been dealing with this all for a very long time and is used to people prying into the private life of her family, but that doesn't mean she's ever become okay with it. I know that Strange claims to be a Clinton supporter who was only trying to question Chelsea about difficulties her mother might face in light of her handling of that situation, but it was still certainly a ballsy question to pose. I don't believe he was out of line, but I think that he, along with everyone else, should accept the response it drew without critique.

My bottom line here: Chelsea Clinton is not running for president, her mother is. I don't think she is obligated to speak out about personal matters relating to the actions of her parents if she doesn't wish to delve into them willingly.

I appreciated The Washington Post's questioning of "Is it Fair to Ask Chelsea Clinton About Lewinsky?" Check out the comments left under the brief article, they are varied and many quite interesting.

Also, here's the video of the incident, in case you haven't seen it: