Chelsea asked about Monica

Posted: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:19 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Clinton

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
Campaigning in Indianapolis for her mother, Chelsea Clinton had a quick retort when asked a question she had never had before. When a male student asked her if her mother's credibility had been hurt during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, Clinton quickly responded.

"Wow, you're the first person actually that's ever asked me that question, in the, maybe 70 college campuses that I've been to," Clinton bitterly said at Butler University. "And I don't think that's any of your business."

VIDEO: Chelsea Clinton had a speedy retort when asked about the Monica Lewinsky scandal during a visit to Butler University in Indianapolis.

The students gathered to see Clinton quickly erupted into applause. Clinton took one more question, on global warming, and then wrapped up the event.

*** UPDATE *** AP reports, "The college student who got a stinging brushback from Chelsea Clinton when he asked about the Monica Lewinsky scandal said Wednesday he's a Clinton supporter who was trying to get her to show 'what makes Hillary so strong.'

"Evan Strange, a Butler University student who works on the school's newspaper, The Butler Collegian, said he had asked Chelsea Clinton her opinion "on the criticism of her mother that how she handled the Lewinsky scandal might be a sign of weakness and she might not be a strong enough candidate to be president."

"I'm a supporter of Hillary. I love Hillary," Strange said Wednesday on CBS' "The Early Show." "He said he asked the question because his friends 'always bring up that scandal. It's not something I asked to cause trouble but to show those people what makes Hillary so strong.' He said that by brushing him off, Chelsea Clinton missed an opportunity to show her mother's strength.

" 'I was very surprised' at the rebuke, Strange said. 'I can see where she'd get a little defensive because of the question and hearing Lewinsky over and over again, but I would like to hear her say something about Hillary rather than dismissing the question.'"

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Comments

Wow. I wish Bill and Hillary Clinton had as much class as their daughter.

AG (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:29 PM)

Bravo to you Chelsea Clinton.

I'm glad to see she put that worm in his place.

She sure shut him up.

Bravo (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:37 PM)

Hmm. It really is our business given that Hillary is a public person and the event in question took place on public property.

George, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:40 PM)

A little touchy, aren't we ?

If you can't stand the heat,
Get out of the kitchen
Harry Truman

Gee, Chelsea..... Who's that woman with your dad ?
Why's she kissing him ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:41 PM)

What's the problem? Was her credibility hurt or not? How is that a personal or inappropriate question? Of course our president's credibility is our business. You can't pretend it didn't happen. Leave not answering questions you don't like to your mother, she's the expert.

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:44 PM)

Shame, shame on that student.

Delores Rose-Kennedy, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:44 PM)

To change the subject from her Bosnia "embelishment (or lie)", Mrs. Clinton brings up Rev. Wright issue. (What he said was wrong...no doubt.) Mr. Obama's reason to not leave his church is a private matter and none of our business...just like how much the Clinton family was hurt by Mr. Clinton's affair with Ms. Lewinsky is none of our business.

So, let's move on to talk about issues for goodness sakes.

Larry, Union KY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:44 PM)

Shame, shame on that student.

Delores Rose-Kennedy, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:44 PM)

Good for Chelsea! What a ridiculous question to ask a daughter about her mother, tacky!
Hillary has done enough all on her own to hurt her credibility, Bill's affairs really are not her dirt.

OBAMA 08'

Obama supporter (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:45 PM)

What a worm. If she's going to be out in public campaigning she should be able to take it. The same goes for the media. If the media is not allowed to ask any questions, then she should not be given any - ZERO exposure. Why is she being shown on TV or given any time of the day.

consuelo seattle, washington (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:46 PM)

I think its a shame that this child has to make public apologies for her parents...what sort of example is being set here?

Aaron

Aaron Knight, South Bend, IN (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:46 PM)

and why wouldn't she be asked about monica? are we forgetting she's a 28-year old woman, very smart, oxford educated and a mind of her own i'm sure, campaigning for her mother. the question is legit. monica is as part of the clinton legacy as all of the good things and bad things his administration has done. hillary surrogates would not let go of the rev. wright's rantings, why do we have to spare chelsea of the same thing. she chose to be in the line of fire. we did not force her. her parents should know what she would be facing in these campaigns. if she can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!

only the truth (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:48 PM)

Good for Chelsea! The internal dialogue that occurred within the Clinton family regarding this incident is nobody's business. I find it appalling that people so often blame Hillary for what happened with this or for staying with her husband. They are MARRIED! Marriage vows mean something....oh wait, they only mean something to half of the married people in the U.S. (i.e., see the divorce rate).

Nobody has any right to speculate whether Hillary's decision to keep her family together or divorce Bill was the right decision, because nobody really knows the intricacies of their relationship. Anyone who suggests otherwise should take a step back and think about how they would react if their husbands cheated on them.

Jill F., Tulsa, OK (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:48 PM)

hahahha...

i don't care who you are... that there was funny.

it's not the guys business if Hillary's credibility was damaged by her husband and the sex scandal?

ya know (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:49 PM)

If Chelsea were a private not public person, no decent person would have asked her that question.

But Chelsea is a public person, campaigning for Bill and Hillary Clinton. If I were her,I would have a lot of issues with a unrepentant philandering father and a mother who "stood by her man" instead of divorcing him, like any self-respecting woman I know would have done.

If Chelsea doesn't want to address those issues but wants her family to be role-models for the country by getting back into the White House, she needs to think this again.

Jed (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:49 PM)

GOOD FOR HER....

BOB, WASHINGTON, PA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:49 PM)

Jed (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

GO HILLARY !!!
Good for you Chelsea - you have spunk just like your mom. Keep up the good fight for your Mother.

Molly (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

It wouldn't be any of our business if she wasn't running for public office and that invisible sniper hadn't managed to shoot holes in her credibility.

BTW, considering the number of new Democratic Party registrants in Pennsylvania, Obama might as well move on 'cause those Republicans, who want to prolong this thing, in Democratic clothing aren't voting for him - a disgrace for which I blame the Goldwater Girl and the DNC.

Ian (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

Welcome to politics, Chelsea. While the Lewinsky episode is a low blow, you had to know it was coming sooner or later.

And let's be honest, a LOT of people are asking the question, "How can Hillary Clinton find Osama bin Laden in the caves in Afghanistan when she can't find her own husband fooling around in the White House right under her nose?"

Katy, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

I think it's a legitimate question because it shows how determined and selfish she is to get to the White House. Also, the comment show's the entitlement attitude she and her daughter has about the White House. As a voter I'm tired of entitlement politics. She needs to watch what she says. Clinton's life is the business of voters as she's running for the Presidency of the United States. People have a right to know what her intensions are. Your life is public!

Amanda, Huntington Beach, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

bill clinton hada 2 wifes nice !shes ugly chelsea

2wifes (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

Good for you Chelsea! I am NOT a supporter of Hillary, but as a father of four daughters, that was the answer I would want my girls to give under the same circumstances.

In fact, if Bill had told everyone "It's none of your business" when was being hounded by Starr, he would have been better off.

Obama '08

Mark R., South Montrose, PA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 PM)

How did Chelsea feel about her mother fabricating the story about Bosnia? I can't help but wonder what went through her mind when her Mom first said that, knowing full well it wasn't true... SHE WAS THERE!!!

Or was she brought up in a home that it was commonplace? So very sad...

Lyn (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:52 PM)

I don't get it. What is the query?

Hussein (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:52 PM)

How could the Clintons send their baby out there with the weight of their '35 years of drama on her back'? They are shrewd, and shameless to a fault. Poor thing. I feel so sorry for her. What a distorted view of life she must have. She sounds a bit, 'entitled' as well. Entitled to go out and campaign for the Highest Office in the world, on behalf of her unscrupulous parents, without having to answer the inevitably tough questions that are bound to come. Her mother lied about his affairs. It is awful for her to have to address this, but she is out there stumping. This is serious business. Maybe she should take a pass from now on. Her parents, out of pity, should bring her in. They are so hardened that they have lost the capacity to feel shame.

Now here's Bosnia, and Chelsea was there. It's not going to get easier. Tragic.

Pulling for Obama '08

donna, pgh., pa. (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:54 PM)

If theres one thing that Hillary and Bill should be judged on its how great their daughter is. She grew up with all the media and hoopla during the Clinton Administration and turned out to be one of the best first daughters ever! Bill and Hillary should be commended!!

Natalie (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:55 PM)

Spoiled brat. The question was legitimate. She's grwon up just like her parents it seems.

Jon, Reno, NV (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:57 PM)

It's a legitimate question. Chelsea is getting as good as mom and dad at spinning an answer. The person that asked the question broke the Golden Rule for Clinton town hall meetings - "Don't Ask Any Tough Questions".

Brad Askers (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:57 PM)

Well....we thought it was none of our business until Hillary brought up the business of being able to choose a pastor and not being able to choose family.

She had a choice to stay or leave Bill in the face of unspeakable humiliation. I think now we know why she stayed....and it certainly wasn't to benefit her daughter. Can you imagine the dinner conversation between Bill and Hillary when she concedes?

What is she trying to prove? Can anyone imagine a freshman senator in her position remaining in the race. There is a reason she was so alarmed @ Bill Rishardson endorsement....it's the beginning of her end.

She just wasn't the right person, not woman or race....person.

Billy Stauffer, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:58 PM)

No matter who one chooses to support, clearly this question came from a six year old dressed to "look like" a college student. What a dumb question & in poor taste. Happy to hear she had a quick retort AND enjoyed the support of the college crowd.

GG (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:58 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
While I can understand her hurt and anger she could have handled it whithout being nasty. After all the Clintons have chose to live in the public eye so they shouldn't be suprised at such personal questions.

twocanpete (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:58 PM)

Excellent response from Chelsea. Just more evidence that the Clinton's know how to raise a child.

WV voter, Lost River, WV (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:59 PM)

Good for you girl.Class act like your mom. Sorry for the stupidness of some Obama followers.This where cult like comes from.You may think Obama and his obnoxious behavoir is cute i find it makeing your campaign one not to be tolerated all of you obnoxious robots. If this isnt over the line of decency but than Obama and his Uncle may not be pleased. This is what who would want in our white house.

ep-ny (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:59 PM)

Of course it is public business! Billy Boy made it public. Answer the question Chelsea.

Kathy, Farmington,MI (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:00 PM)

Typical Clinton response. The Clintons only know how to respond negatively. To applaude tactics like this only encourage it. I am sure the negativity response brought in more votes. A more creditable response would of been, "I hear and understand your question but I am unable to comment on that particular question you would have to ask Sen. Clinton herself that question, next question please. To applause that is to say this is why the Clintons will never change.

Anthony, San Diego, Ca (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:01 PM)

Good for you. I really dont think people should be worried about what Bill did. I will still vote for Hill. Rush L. sucks

r.g. raceland la (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:02 PM)

So her mother's credibility in decision-making and the persons with whom she surrounds herself are none of the public's business???? Sorry, Chelsea, but you're wrong. If your mom was not a public figure, not a sitting US senator, not a former first lady, not currently running for president, then yes, these things would be of a much more personal nature and inappropriate to be asked about in public forum. But since NONE of that applies to Senator Clinton, it IS the business of the public. The VOTING, TAX-PAYING public.

Mandy, Austin, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:04 PM)

If Sen Clinton gets the nomination as the next President and stays for eight years will Chelsea Clinton have the experience as First Daughter to run for President next I mean she did go to Bosnia with Sen Clinton that gives her experience in avoiding snipper fire, right?

Darrell, San Marcos, Ca (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:05 PM)

Good for you. I really dont think people should be worried about what Bill did. I will still vote for Hill. Rush L. sucks

r.g. raceland la (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:05 PM)

Oh and another thing- If the pastor is so bad, why the hell did you and Bill invite him to the white house so Bill could repent in front of respected religious reps. Oh my god, how embarrassing, don't you see the hypocrasy.

Let me turn it on head for you. It's as ridiculous for anyone to claim the Clinton's are hypocritical for inviting the pastor as it is that someone's Pastor's words are a direct reflection of a church members' beliefs. Get real.

Tap out now, or deal with a dislocated joint!

Billy S, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:06 PM)

That's cool. She doesn't have to say anything!

Eric Olson, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:06 PM)

Typical Obama supporter I would assume, running around spouting off about unity and rising above it all, and then getting right down in the mud and throwing it at everyone else. No suprise here... Way to go Chelsea for your handling of this question!!

Robert (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:06 PM)

The question was about the REPUTATION and YES that is Everyone's business. The questioner didn't ask how Hillary FELT you little immature brat!

These Clintons are all crazy.

Let me answer the question: YES IT DID! and that stain on the Blue Dress..? It's all over the internet... NASTY BILL!

Karen, NYC (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:08 PM)

Actually, Clinton's credibility is precisely the voter's business. Her credibility, during the White House scandals and today, are still at issue. Reference the Boznia statements, the unrealeased tax returns, the NAFTA flip-flop, S-CHIP exaggerations, vast-right-wing conspiracy allegations etc., etc.,

sisi69 (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:10 PM)

if she is going to be on the campaign trail for her mother she had better learn to field all the potential questions that may come her way, I think it is a legimate question, maybe she is just a little ashamed of her family history, something her parents don't seem to have a problem with.

jean, hillsboro,oregon (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:11 PM)

Wow someone actualy asked her that question? Well the truth is that if Hillary wants to go negative and throw the kitchen sink at Obama, then she had better be prepared to have the bathroom tub thrown back at her.
Good for you Chelsea defending your dad like that, but the truth is sweety your dad did it, your mom is losing, and your dad made it the American people's business when he took the oath of office.

E. Curry, Chesapeake Virginia (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:11 PM)

Clinton has run the course of being a liar in her out right lie , deceive, the American Peoeple, we are not 1st graders. No sniper fire, no troops no danger..This is an insult to our American Troops to mis-use them during a time of conflict for personal gains..

Lie,lie liar, and she has no right to be for a free great nation. What else has the Clintons lied about from the Arkansas days to now, God only knows, isn't that scary and she wants to be our President.

Thank you

Gail, Memphis, TN (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:11 PM)

Chelsea is such a poised, well adjusted and attractive young woman. The Clintons did a great job as parents.

csh, IL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:12 PM)

But that's not a personal question. Is Chelsea a special needs child? I thought she was almost 30 yrs old! She can't be out there only dealing with the positive of what her parents did. Everyone talks about how wonderful Chelsea is, but if she's so fragile at her age, somethings not quite right.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:14 PM)

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