Chelsea Clinton dismisses Lewinsky question
(CNN) - Chelsea Clinton has fielded a lot of questions as she campaigns for her mother's presidential bid, but on Tuesday the former first daughter faced a particularly awkward query for the first time.
Campaigning at Butler University in Indianapolis, an audience member asked the 28 year-old whether the Monica Lewinsky scandal had damaged her mother's reputation.
"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 responded, appearing a bit surprised by the question. The crowd immediately cheered loudly at the response.
It was supposed to be the last question of the event, but Chelsea Clinton decided to take one more, saying, "I don't think that should be the last question."
Though she has faced the glare of public life since she was a girl, Chelsea Clinton has contended with renewed press coverage after taking on a more prominent role in her mother's campaign earlier this year.
The Monica Lewinsky scandal made a brief return to the news last week, when newly-released White House schedules indicated Hillary Clinton was likely in the White House during at least 6 reported instances of encounters between her husband and the former White House intern.
- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
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GOOD FOR HER !!
This young woman was sent out on the campaign trail on behalf of her mother and was not prepared to be asked this question?
I cannot believe that Clinton campaign would allow that to happen.
the Clintons politics is about as far from my own as poss. but why drag Chelsea into Monicagate?
Good for Her. This kind of garbage should not be part of the campaign. Nor is it appropiate to ask of our Children. I hope that my children when asked about their parents lives, will not only say the same thing, but also give the person a sound thrashing. Idiots like this one are the ones pushing for Obama. God help our Country.
I LIKE this Clinton.
So sad things have dropped to this level when children are asked to defend the actions of their parents! Come on!!!! Same on her parents for placing her in this most embarrasing moment! Too bad she couldn't just walk out on her parents! I think that would be my choice.
Chelsea is a 28 year old woman. Can we please stop treating her like she is 12. Answer the question if you are going to be speaking on behalf of a prediential nominee.
So sad things have dropped to this level when children are asked to defend the actions of their parents! Come on!!!! Same on her parents for placing her in this most embarrasing moment! Too bad she couldn't just walk out on her parents! I think that would be my choice.
Well, wouldn't you????
Hillary is putting her in this position!!!!!!!!!!!
Would you do that to your lovely daughter, folks???
The questions are honest questions and cannot be hid under the
carpet.
OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008 or NO ONE
Chelsea is a 28 year old woman. Can we please stop treating her like she is 12. Answer the question if you are going to be speaking on behalf of a prediential nominee.
Mom's gotta be proud. She non-answers questions just like her. A real chip off the old block.
Move on please. More non-news items on CNN today.
Awesome comment Chelsea!
Mrs Clinton gets this: Mr Clinton would not have been my Husband by now.
Learning fast from mama ain't you Chelsea?
"...First person actually that's ever asked me that question..."
Hmmm... Perhaps, then, it is actually a well-thought question worth answering. I would consider Mrs. Clinton's reputation relevant in the context of a political race.
It's "none of your business" ?????? She does realize that her Mommy is running for president? Why would such a "strong" and "intelligent" women look the other way for so many years while her husband repeatedly cheated on her??? Maybe not so strong or intelligent? Maybe just another self loathing woman who believes that she deserves it for not caring about what makes her man happy? Why else would she not condemn her good buddy Spitzer when he got caught up in the "culture of degradation" of women hooker scandal. Oh, that's right, he paid for his girls while hubby Bill used his power to get freebies. Dangerous and damaged goods!!!
Good for you Chelsea!!
While a personal subject, it was not a personal question. Any political analyst can answer the question:
No, it has not hurt Hillary; it has helped her by framing her as a victim of society and a victim of powerful men, and a loyal wife who put her family first.
I do not believe that any of these are perceptions are true, but politics is about perception, and Chelsea would have looked better saying "No. I'll take one more question."
Excuse me but the incident took place in the Oval Office. It, sadly is a part of American history.
It was a fair question, as far as damaging Hillary's reputation in the public's eye. Someone who knew her husband cheated on her, but chose to stay with him because she need his help to run for the presidency.
If Chelsea is not ready to answer questions she should retire to her comfort zone period.
I think this is a clear example of how the Democratic primary contest has taken a turn for the worst.
Granted there is not much of a perceived difference between the policy positions of the two candidates particularly since Obama has been quite evasive on his true feelings and how he plans to turn his promises into a reality. But the desperate personal attacks his campaign are making are dragging the Democratic Party down the gutter.
Poor girl why do haters always have to make every bodies lives so hard? If the Obama people would have never mentioned this this poor girl would not have had to answer this! So then if Obama does something wrong lets ask his daughters what they think ? how mean spirited you people are ! all i can say is i will pray for you and i hope you can stop being a hater!
Well she was very nice about the way she handled it, I'm so incredibly proud of Chelsea and the way she always always handles herself. Unreal somebody would say this to her. When you contrast Chelsea's behaviour and that of many others her age, you really see the contrast and the way she shines!!!!!!!!! Cudos to Bill and Hillary for the excellent job they have done raising this incredible young woman!
GOOD FOR HER .THAT HAD TO BE AN OBAMA SUPPORTER................WHAT ABOUT $27,500 OBAMA GAVE TO HIS CHURCH......THE BIGGEST HE GAVE TO ANYONE.............WHO GIVES THIS KIND OF MONEY TO A CHURCH?....I WOULD HAVE GIVEN THAT KIND OF MONEY TO THE POOR ,NOT A CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!
Good for you Chelsea, good for you. You have got your mom's character and strength.