March 26th, 2008
08:50 AM ET
11 years ago

Chelsea Clinton dismisses Lewinsky question

CNN

Watch Chelsea Clinton field a question about Monica Lewinsky.

(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


Filed under: Chelsea Clinton • Hillary Clinton
soundoff (307 Responses)
  1. zina

    That IS a fair question to ask Hillary AND Bill, but not their daughter. Sad thing is, the Clinton camp is going to play the victim card now.

    March 25, 2008 06:04 pm at 6:04 pm |
  2. joe

    THE CLINTONS SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR DAUGHTER

    IT SAYS ALOT ABOUT THEM TOO AS PARENTS

    GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    March 25, 2008 06:04 pm at 6:04 pm |
  3. Stephen

    I must say Chelsea Clinton handled that very well. BRAVO

    Hillary'08

    March 25, 2008 06:04 pm at 6:04 pm |
  4. edward anagho

    the clintons are preparing their daughter for the next president in america

    March 25, 2008 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  5. Hillary Lies!

    Hah, looks like she got into a bit of a sticky situation there. lol. Welcome to politics!

    March 25, 2008 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  6. Carlos

    Hill of pride North Carolina – 2008 Presidential Polls- Hillary Needs 70% here Can NC do it, yes it can .

    A vote up green Hill is a better then a vote down Obama talk Wright days.

    March 25, 2008 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  7. Diana

    Congratulations Chelsea! You handled the situation as a mature, dignified, adult. You're a wonderful example for your generation and you're parents are correct in being very proud of you!!

    March 25, 2008 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  8. Grif

    Only a desperate 'Roach' Would have aske you that question..

    So put it behind you.... Chelsea... You will come across

    Many a 'Slimy Rock,' where they hide....

    March 25, 2008 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  9. jason

    what is all this crap about Obama being unelectable? To anyone who says that: Just because you wouldn't vote for him doesn't mean everyone else is as dependent on gossip as you are.

    Also, why do i keep hearing this nonsense about obama sitting through hate speech for 20 years? If you saw the clips, you sat through just as much hate speech as he did – yes, voulantarily, of your own free will, at your own discretion, by virtue of your own choice, et cetera.

    The difference is, you decided to HATE Obama (who didn't say it) because of it – wheras Obama simply decided to disagree with the person saying it (and hate no one).

    the whole freedom of speech thing works both ways. You shouldn't hate any person for what they (or someone else, in this case) SAY. They are free to critisize america in any way they see fit, and you are free to disagree with it. You are not free to condemn the PERSON for their WORDS.

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  10. Donna from NY

    The Dream Team-

    McCain/ Hillary 08

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  11. matt

    I think the question was perectly legit. Your Mother's credibility is everyones business.

    More importantly, you cant have your cake and eat it too little lady. so as long as your campaigning, its on the table

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  12. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA

    Good for Chelsea.

    BTW, there IS an ALTERNATIVE to Obama AND McCain if Hillary is not nominated

    That's right.....Ralph Nadar!

    A black separatist is not what we need in the White House right now. And as far as the sniper story goes, it is no worse than Michelle Obama saying Barack, as a black man, could be shot buying gas.

    Exaggeration seems to be in both camps, so don't be hypocrites.

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  13. Clinton is a fraud

    The truth is Clinton's reputation is long damaged. I pity you Chelsea, you cannot pick and choose your parents but you can at least DENOUNCE your papa's actions.

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  14. Paul

    Great job Chelsea with your answer.
    Your mother will make a great President
    She is proud to be an American and loves our nation.

    Hillary- President of the United States of America

    Btwy, I m also young and educated and support Hillary all the way!!!

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  15. Darth Vadik, CA

    WHY ARE PEOPLE ASKING CHELSEA ABOUT MONICA?

    BILL DID IT, HILLARY FORGAVE HIM, THAS THE END OF IT, PERIOD.

    GOD I'M DISGUSTED SOMETIMES.

    March 25, 2008 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  16. Bjoel

    Why would Bill's affair hurt Hillary's credibility? She wasn't the one doing the cheating. Besides, it's quite the fashion now to cheat and be involved in sex scandals. Just look at both former and current NY governors. And let's not leave the Michigan mayor behind. Notice it's mostly men doing the cheating. That's why a woman will run the country soon.........

    March 25, 2008 06:07 pm at 6:07 pm |
  17. Anonymous

    Actually Chelsea, I think this issue IS everyones business. I would love to see a woman president, but I will wait to vote for one with some backbone. A woman who isn't going to compromise her integrity to further her political career.

    March 25, 2008 06:07 pm at 6:07 pm |
  18. Basanti

    Hillary and Bill did a great job of brining up this wonderfully balanced young woman. They have had their share of marital discourse and its only in America that these issue take forefront than the actual issues. Such fluff-obsessed culture- in part explains why barack got such free ride for so long. People just dont think about real issues, but go gaga over fluffy speeches. Pathetic!!

    GO HILLARY!

    March 25, 2008 06:07 pm at 6:07 pm |
  19. First, Give Me $29.99

    All I can say is, get used to it Chelsea. With all the lies your parents tell, you will be fielding questions forever.

    But what am I saying, this is Hillary's daughter. She'll write a book, answer the question, and charge us $29.99 to learn the answer.

    No thanks Chelsea, I know the answer.

    Obama 08

    March 25, 2008 06:07 pm at 6:07 pm |
  20. Bruno

    Wow. A hit below the belt to this young lady who is trying to help her Mom. The person who asked such a question is bad, miserable and unhappy person. I hope you can sleep tonight. With preachers such as Wright giving sermons as he did, no wonder America is like what it is – full of hatred and vindictiveness. With 20 years of Obama's wife listening to Wright's preaching, no wonder she is not proud to be an American – you ever thought of where Obama's wife got her feelings for America from?

    March 25, 2008 06:08 pm at 6:08 pm |
  21. Michele

    Awww....she loves her mama!!

    March 25, 2008 06:08 pm at 6:08 pm |
  22. Evie RC

    Chelsea it is our business. You dad lacks integrity. I understand you love him, I understand you love you mother but how much do you love yourself? Tell the truth. The american people expect you to do what is decent and address the issues. You and your parents are public fiquires and we the public must have answers to questions such as these.

    March 25, 2008 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  23. Will

    The President of the US has an extra marital affair in the WH and now his coattailing wife is trying to get back in there and it's none of our business as to whether that hurts or helps her reputation?

    I hope every college she goes to she gets asked the same question.

    Someone should also ask her why her mother is still in the race when it's clear to every rational being she's lost.

    March 25, 2008 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  24. gary

    It shows the mortality of people in our country ,bringing up garbage like that to Chelsea. How would others like garbage brought up to them about their parents.Shows how childlish and cruel people can be.People like that should all follow Obama right to the dead end.

    March 25, 2008 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  25. dw

    What a way to talk to your voters and supporsters.Is this just a taste of what the people can expect if the Clintons get the White house again. It was and is America's business since her father was the President and commander in chief of this country at the time.

    March 25, 2008 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
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