"When I think of the person that I thought was Bill Clinton, I think he had genuine remorse. When I think of the person that I now see is 100 percent politician, I think he's sorry he got caught"
About this Quote
In this quote, Monica Lewinsky reviews her evolving understanding of Bill Clinton following the extremely publicized scandal in which they were both included. At first, she appeared to have perceived Clinton as a person who exhibited genuine regret for his actions. This recommends that, throughout the immediate aftermath of the scandal, she might have seen him as somebody who personally regretted the hurt caused to all parties included. This perception lines up with the notion of Clinton being human and efficient in making mistakes like anyone else, possibly evoking a sense of empathy and understanding for his circumstance.
Nevertheless, Lewinsky's point of view modifications gradually, as she later on views him as "100 percent politician". This phrase recommends that she came to believe Clinton's actions and expressions of regret were more tactically encouraged, aimed at preserving his political profession and public image instead of reflecting real individual repentance. The term "100 percent politician" indicates a level of cynicism about his intentions, representing him as someone who is mostly concerned with preserving power and influence, possibly at the expense of individual stability.
Moreover, Lewinsky contrasts her preliminary impression of authentic remorse with a more hesitant view that Clinton's primary regret was "getting captured". This shows that she feels his remorse was not about the moral implications or the damage brought on by his actions, however rather about the scandal's effect on his profession and reputation. This shift in understanding reflects a disillusionment with Clinton's character, suggesting that what when appeared like a human mistake now looks like a calculated action tailored to manage a public relations crisis.
Overall, Lewinsky's quote encapsulates a journey from preliminary compassion to a more vital reassessment of character, raising questions about authenticity, personal versus political identity, and the intricacies involved in public figures stabilizing personal indiscretions with their public personalities.