Chelsea Clinton Has Quick Response For Lewinsky Question

INDIANAPOLIS — Chelsea Clinton had a quick retort Tuesday when asked whether her mother's credibility had been hurt during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

"Wow, you're the first person actually that's ever asked me that question in the, I don't know maybe, 70 college campuses I've now been to, and I do not think that is any of your business," Clinton said during a campaign visit for her mother, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

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CBS

On Tuesday, the student journalist defended his decision to ask the question during in appearance on Dan Abrams' Verdict on MSNBC. He told Abrams that the question wasn't meant "to pry into their private life" but was more about demonstrating how Clinton had overcome a difficult experience. Abrams and the panel, which included HuffPost's own Rachel Sklar, talked about the difficulties reporters encounter in trying to question Chelsea Clinton.

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Comments

[LeftLeaner]

The Press is NEVER concerned with informing the public with important information, but focusing on tabloidesque and provocative subjects.

Respectable journalists have all but vanished.

When turning on the so-called NEWS these days I don't know if I'm watching Access Hollywood or Access Washington.

It's a disgrace.

[NABNYC]

I thought this response showed the arrogance of power, privilege and wealth which have been given to this young woman, the Hedge Fund Girl. Remember, this extremely privileged young woman could have done anything she wanted with her life, maybe even do something good, yet she went straight to Wall Street to work for a Hedge Fund. Show me the money.

The response was rude and inappropriate. In this capacity Chelsea is a professional salesperson, out selling a product (Mom) to the public/consumers. She certainly should have anticipated, and I assume did anticipate this line of questioning. She could have and should have handled it in a more professional manner: "I don't intend to discuss that subject." That would have done it. Instead, she lashed out, slapped down the questioner, then nodded her head just like mom does, as if saying "I'm so clever, that was exactly the right thing to say."

The question was legitimate. She could have deferred it to her mother, she could have politely said "I don't intend to discuss that," and moved on. Instead, her arrogance and privilege reared its ugly head. Wrong answer Chelsea. It's not her place to tell the voters what is or is not their business about a candidate for the white house.

[flatus]

Chelsea gave the correct answer, the one Bill should have used.

[thromulese]

If it was ok to ask the question, then it was ok for her to say NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

If more politicians answered stupid questions this bluntly, and truthfully, maybe, just maybe the questions would become more thoughtful and the answers more informative.

Mr. Clinton would have saved himself a major headache if he had answered the briefs or boxers question the same way.

Way to go Chelsea.

[deminohio]

I swear to god. There is nothing worse than people who play the game to win and then gripe about the hard fouls. It is none of your business is not an answer and it won't be an answer in the fall. It is a political reality that she will have to field these types of questions, HRC, not her daughter. The irony is that Bill Jefferson himself was out there making the case for 'all this other stuff invading our politics'. Those of you who think that she will get away with a 'shame on you' moment in the general reguarding Monica are delusional. Reverend Wright may or may not prove debillitating to Obama in November, we are already seeing some come to the reverend's defense, but we know for sure that Monica will hurt the Clinton's.

[KathyBie]

Excellent points and well-said!

[transendentilist]

BS. This is nothing but sleaze mongering. It's high time America's MSM get their heads out of the gutter. This had absolutely nothing to do with Hillary's credibility. Hillary and Chelsea were not a part of the scandal, and this guy was trying to infer that they were, by asking such a rude question. I would fire the jerk who asked that question, if he worked for me. I'd tell him, I don't hire yellow journalists.

[Bob Egan]

I remember that girl that asked the question! She is always seen sitting in the front pew reading the pornography in the old testament!

[dantanna]

if this girl cannot handle questions even at the personal level, what the heck is she doing out campaigning like a politician? sorry to disappoint you but if you want to be in the public arena; be prepared to answer all kind of questions especially on personal issues which speaks of the character of the individual. she is not 8 or 9 anymore so grow up and be a woman with character.

[mengwise36]

And that answer was "It is none of your business". Why is that NOT a brilliant answer?

[thedave25]

the question was "did it hurt HRC's credibility" NOT something personal - so it's a legitimate questions and NOT a brilliant answer.

If the questions was "what did your mother think of Monica" or somthing like that, then it WOULD BE no one's business - but it wasn't and it was a silly answer...

[DesertLight]

It would have been had her mother NOT being a presidential candidate running on the issues of experience and transparency. I suggest a new nickname. It seems as though the "wise" part is just a pipe dream.!

[gregapress]

Because the question was based on a SCANDAL that lead to the IMPEACHMENT of her FATHER, the 41st President of the United States, and dealt directly with how her MOTHER, a candidate to be the 43rd President of the United States, responded to and reacted to that situation.

Sorry, but this IS our business and the reply Chelsea provided is a total cop out.

[Nikelaus]

It's not a brilliant answer because it was a reasonable question. Not, "How did you feel during the Lewinsky scandal," in which case NOYB would have been a brilliant answer. The question was essentially, "You're stumping for your mother and apparently have anything to contribute to this campaign. Regarding your mother's credibility, do you think the Lewinsky scandal hurt it?" An appropriate answer might have been, "I'm not qualified to talk about my mom's credibility or anything else. I'm just a kid with famous parents. I have nothing to contribute to this conversation save that I love my mommy and daddy."

[savertime]

The question was about her mother's credibility. Whether that credibility was weakened or damaged in the Lewinky affair is not a "None of your business" question.
She missed an opportunity to say "not at all, maybe even enhanced her credibility,"
Clintons and Clinton supporter can not expect to dismiss questions they don't want to answer. Why be indignant about something that the whole world knows about?
Personal! Personal! You must be kidding. What is more personal than ones spiritual relationship?? The hypocrisy in Chelsea's answer is what has some people outraged.
The total hypocrisy of HRCs campaign is a total turn off.

[WomanInOrangeSweater]

She did answer the question. And with character, I might add.
I wish all the candidates would respond the same way when asked stupid, meanspirited, sensationalist question that have nothing to do with the current issues at hand.

[lysistrata]

Bush never answered the questions about his character and he was running for president. Chelsea is not and she did answer, just not what you people would have liked to hear or see, she did not squirm or cry or maybe scream. That would have been fun to watch.

[LondonTownNY]

Chelsea has learned well how to dodge and weave from her politically corrupt and dishonest parents. The issue of Hillary's "CREDIBILITY" on the Monica Lewinsky Scandal, White Water, Racist Campaign Tactics, Lying to the American public about her experience in the Whitehouse, at the Children's Defense Fund, The Rose Law Firm or Walmart Board are all fair questions. Sadly, Chelsea instead of offering a coherent answer took the low road and attacked the questioner which makes her look tough. Webster Hubbell's daughter should know better.

To date, Hillary has LIED about her Whitehouse experience, her knowledge of Bill's sexually predatory behavior, her role in covering it up and most recently her trip to Tesula where she avoided sniper fire. Americans have been under a hail of BULLSHIT since the Clintons arrived on the national scene. If Obama had done even 1/4 of what the Clintons have in this campaign season alone, his political obituary would have long ago been written.

[Bob Egan]

After watching "Bush's War" for the last two nights, the Repugnants should realize that they have won the liars club award by a very wide margin! Clinton's lies about a B J (A private matter!) are really insignificant when compared with those told by this administration to the American people and even worse, Congress! Just because the 'failure in chief' wants to launch an illegal war and murder hundred's of thousands of Iraqi's for his oil buddies! You don't hear much about that 'COMPASSIONATE CONSERVATIVE' any more!

[picodegallo54]

for crying out loud, hasn't this dead horse been beaten enough by desperate repbulicans? and why are we still obsessed over this? the kid obviously felt the question was out of line, and she handled it appropriately. meanwhile, McCain and his shadow Lieberman are making like they've already won the election; visiting foreign countries and talking who knows what with their leaders. i'm an Obama supporter, and i think it's time we get down to business before we blow our chance to turn this mess around. quit sniping at each other and act like adults!

[siciliabel]

I think the question was out of line. I'm not sure how someone else's actions should reflect on our own credibility. Wait a minute--when did I last have that thought? Oh yeah, Barack Obama being held over the fire over remarks made by his pastor.

I also think it's interesting that the very question we all find so offensive is exactly the sort of campaign device Hillary Clinton is using this week. It's sure a lot more fun to sling mud than it is to wear it.

[IndyStacey]

Inappropriate question. Excellent answer from Chelsea.

Asking her mother would be rude, but perhaps relevant. Asking Chelsea was just looking for drama.

signed,
Obama supporter

[Wanjiru]

..this was a very valid question...whose business is it then, Chelsea?...the act was carried out in public office (LITERALLY) and Bill lied under oath about it...HRC attributed it to a right-wing conspiracy (or maybe she misspoke then as she has done several times during her present campaign)....whose business is it then, Chelsea?


.

[tkk]

Your answer demonstrates that you know absolutely nothing about the subject. Hillary was in no way complicit in the affairs (that's really quite sick) and she never "attributed it to a right-wing conspiracy. She attributed the Republicans' hunting of Bill to that, but not his actions in regard to Monica Lewinsky.

You people support Obama because you don't know anything.

[ErikW65]

BS. Hillary's "vast right-wing conspiracy" comment followed Bill's finger wagging lie by less than 24 hours.

[Mekarri]

Most American deserve george bush. All they seem interested in is someone sex life. It was NEVER any of our busniness. And Bill Clinton should have said that from the first. That is why we all are made to suffer through bush and channey. Because stupid Americans always worring about the wrong things. These are the same people that voted forr a drunk president. Someone you wanted to have a beer with. Nevermind that he is a moron. The economy is in the toilet, people are dying in iraq but still stupid people are focusing on who is doing who. Personally, I don't care if you are doing the dog. If I am not your wife , I don't see how this is my problem. george w bush has been faithful as far as we know and look at the shape our country is in. Look at all the people that have died needlessly but I guess that doesn't matter because as long as sex isn't a part of it why even pretend to care. Everyone is quick to say how proud they are of our soldiers yet we have abandon them to the whims of a drunk president and his criminal friends. If you need someone to blame for the mess we are in try looking in a mirror.

[pinkyboo]

Mekarri,

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mekarri]

Wanjiru, it wasn't valid question. It was a bullshi* question. If you want to ask a valid question Wanjiru why don't you asked bush why did he and channey betray our country and sent our people off to die in a war that only came about because of their greed. Ask this since you are such a interest party, why is our economy in the toilet? And the finnal question why bush and channey are not in jail for treason. Thoes are the questions Wanjiru you should be concern with but I guess all that matters to you is you hatred for everything Clinton. People like you are why we are stuck with this idiot in the white house. You make me sick.

[rimofheaven]

Chelsea, has a good heart, untainted by politiic so far. However, there was nothing personal about the question. The question was actually very relevant to her mother's campaign. People/voters do consider these things, as I'm sure Bill and Hillary do. If the young man had asked her how her how the Lewinsky scandal effected her family, then it would have been personal. Chelsea's response showed a small hint of immaturity. It made me sad for her. She should not be involved at this level. If her parents loved her as much as they loved their careers, they would make sure she was never in danger of being hit by any political weaponry. Despite the mistakes all parents make, most of us still hold our children in a sacred place.

[transendentilist]

Nothing personal??? Are you high?? If this sleaze merchant wanted to know about Hillary, he should have posed the question to Hillary. Dragging Chelsea into this slimefest is pure sleaze and has no bering what-so-ever on the presidency. None!

That reporter could use a lesson in manners. I would be glad to teach him some.

[BDunne]

Why is she off-limits? She’s made herself apart of the campaign. I think it’s a legitimate question. In bad taste, maybe. But it is a valid question about her parent’s legitimacy.

[wmholt]

"Chelsea Clinton had a quick retort Tuesday when asked whether her mother's credibility had been hurt during the Monica Lewinsky scandal."

I am no fan of Hillary Clinton - far from it. But how does Hillary's credibility get hurt because her husband is behaving like a teen-ager enduring a (continuous) testosterone storm?

I probably am just missing something, but I don't even like to have the thought even momentarily enter my mind that *my* parents had sex with each other, while married. I can't imagine the "yeccchhhh!" factor in being asked to opine on my father's sexual affairs with a stranger. Eeeeeewwww!

By the way, how come 50 and 60 year-old politicians have all the sex drive of teenage boys, while others of us in the same age group are so tired from work that we fall asleep during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

[bailey2006]

"But how does Hillary's credibility get hurt because her husband is behaving like a teen-ager enduring a (continuous) testosterone storm?"

Well, in light of Hillary's comment that she would have left her church if the pastor had made remarks like Rev. Wright, it behooves the question of why did she stay with Bill after his fling.

Thus her credibility has been compromised.

[pinkyboo]

So anyone who decides to stay with a spouse that has cheated on them (very personal decision) has no credibility? It must be nice to be sooooooooo perfect!!!! Michele Obama is married to someone who did drugs!! Oh my god - he's not perfect she should dump him!!

[transendentilist]

Power has long been known to be an aphrodesiac.