"They certainly did. They tried to make her look like a "nut case" and they succeeded to some extent"
- Ben Bradlee
About this Quote
This quote by Ben Bradlee is describing the media's portrayal of previous White House intern Monica Lewinsky during the scandal involving her and President Bill Clinton. Bradlee is implying that the media attempted to reject Lewinsky and make her look like a "nut case" in order to protect the President. It appears that the media succeeded in this endeavor to some extent, as Lewinsky was widely represented as an unstable individual who was not to be taken seriously. This quote highlights the power of the media to form public opinion and the potential for it to be utilized to control the truth. It likewise serves as a tip of the significance of being critical of the media and its portrayal of specific individuals and events.
About the Author