Chelsea asked about Monica

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

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

This is to prove that Sen Clinton only cares about herself and her quest to be President. Knowing that your family past has scandle in it why would you subject and risk your child having to defend these comments for you? Chelsea now a woman has face the issues of Sen Clinton and Former President Bill Clintons past. Sen Clinton had to know this would be an issue eventually. Chelsea handled it sarcastically as a Clinton would but it should of never came to it and I am sure inside her heart it hurts when brought up. A parent should protect their child from hurt, so if you put your own child in harms way to satisfy your own thirst what will you do with America?

Anthony, San Diego,CA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:14 PM)

Chelsea is a beautiful and formidable woman the intellect of her mother and the wit of her father. She is a tribute to Hillary Rodham Clinton's parenting and guidance as her mother. It may take a village to raise a child but a mother's influence achors the Village. Good job Hillary! - you can be very very proud of your daughter. Good job Chelsea - don't let the bastards get you down. You got a great mom and DAD too. Those that have intolerance for the flaws of humanity are bound to self-destruct and the world will be a better place without them.

AJ Rome, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:17 PM)

I'm completely against HRC and her policies etc, but that question to Chelsea was totally off-limits.

Just as bad as the Iowa guy with the talk of the "blue dress". Let's just move on to some discussion on policies and leave the garbage in the trashcan.

Bill, Honolulu, HI (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:18 PM)

Good for Chelsea!

Joy Campbell (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:18 PM)

how is a candidate's credibility not anyone's business?

curious, seattle (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:19 PM)

How rude but Hillary taught her well how to put a jerk in his place!

Sherri Mesquite, Texas (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:21 PM)

Wow...maybe it's out of context but to say "it's none of your business..." is a lame answer. A better answer would have been "What does my mother's cred have to do with my father cheating on her?" I wasn't that impressed with Hillary Jr.

rbt, wv (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:21 PM)

TRUTH IS OUR BUSINESS
TRUTH TRUMPS RACE AND GENDER ISSUES
1. Hillary said Michigan Primary was fair. TRUTH: Obama's name was not on the ballot
2. Richard's endorsement did not matter that much. James Carville called Richardson a Judas. TRUTH: The Clinton's really wanted that endorsement.
3. Hillary said she was ducking sniper fire when she visited Bosinia in 1996. TRUTH: Video footage showed there was no sniper fire.
4. Hillary said she "misspoke" about the sniper fire. TRUTH: You cannot remember something that didn't happen. She clearly made it up...she lied.
5. Hillary saidshe never supported NAFTA. TRUTH: White House records show she helped fight for NAFTA.
PAY ATTENTION PENNSYLVANIA.
6.Bill Clinton says he did not play the race card during the South Carolina primary. TRUTH: He did and Hillary ended up apologizing for his comments.
7. Bill Clinton said, "I never had sex with that woman." TRUTH: Monica's blue dress had the Presidents semen stains on it and he was convicted of perjury.

SUPER DELEGATES AND CLINTON SUPPORTERS: THERE IS A PATTERN HERE. The country cannot go down that road again. It's not about being the first worman president or the first black president. IT'S ABOUT TELLING THE TRUTH. Something Bush never learned.

Ron from Indiana (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:21 PM)

Wow, he might be the first person to ask her that question, but it's totally legitimate. Applause for Clinton? Puh-lease.

Jane (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:24 PM)

Chelsea has class. I can't even imagine how someone could hate the Clintons enough to be that hurtful and mean. I have three daughters and feel both Hillary and Chelsea are wonderful role models.

While I don't support Senator Obama for president, I have heard that he is a man of integrity. I'm not sure who this young man's role model is, but if it is Obama, we've all been misled.

wac, Tacoma, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:24 PM)

Smooth way of getting out of the question Chelsea........

Real smooth.........

David, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:24 PM)

She didn't leave her husband after he had numerous affairs, but she self rightously proclaims that she'd leave a church because she didn't agree with everything the minister said. Sounds to me like her compass in making life decisions is her political ambition.

Maggie MacDevitt (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:28 PM)

Chelsea is the biggest tool from any candidates camp in this election. She's trotted out as a prop all over the country. Now we see she has the same mean streak that both of her parents have. The Clinton family has never been held accountable for their actions, until now. Bill and Hillary have been putting out the anger for some time now. Now Chelsea is picking up on it and using it too.

Sarah J., Elmwood Park WV (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:28 PM)

I think the question was insensitive, but the answer was both rude and unprofessional. She could have said something like, "That's a very personal family issue, I'd rather not discuss it."

My question would have been, "Do you think it's fair that your parents are trying to go back to the White House after spending two terms there?" or "How does it feel to be a member of a Monarchy?" or "Were you scared when the "sniper fire" rung out?"

You're being groomed for political office Chelsea, the questions get tougher.

Val, Blue Bell, PA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:30 PM)

i love chelsea clinton. can we agree that cindy, michelle, and chelsea all deserve to stay out of this?

Andrew Ryan, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:31 PM)

Truth hurts baby !!!!

Obama 2008

jdoc , west palm , florida (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:35 PM)

Way to go Chelsea ! hillaryclinton.com ,come visit today.

Hillary C. (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:35 PM)

Ok we can really tell Mrs. Clinton is her mother same anger issue's I myself felt that was a valid question because lets face it she had to know Bill was fooling around and that Monica was only the one he was busted for

Steve (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:35 PM)

Indiana is not Clinton country

Susan, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:37 PM)

To all people (including the Kenedy Clans, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Richardson…) who support Mr. Obama:

Please wake up, stop support Mr. Obama, stop vote for him because the following reason:
1* Mr. Obama has potential become Mr. Hitler of USA !! Obama had much of bitter feeling , not too much close toward his mom. He identified himself toward his father-side through his marriage, his devoting to the church which preach haft anti-America , haft pro-Jesus. (It was so much similar to Mr. Hitler’s personnel feeling !)
2* People cannot have a leader who do not completely love the HIS people. Mr. Obama already show up “his paws, claws, and tail” through his announcement “to talk un-conditional to the Muslims extremist leaders, Al quaida …
3* It’s not the “SKIN COLOR” issue here. Mr. Obama deserves to be a Kenya good leader than to be Us president. His heart does not completely belong to the United States.
DO NOT ELECT HIM, MR. Obama, as your leader, THEN SAY SORRY LATTER. WAKE-UP to anybody support him. WAKE UP AMERICA.
Stop support Obama if you do not want terrorist and Muslim extreme come into US to kill you under Obama wing. He show his "Tail and paws " already but You still not fell threaten and scare ?? are you OUT Of MIND, AMERICA ? . Wake up, do not let OBAMA kill you in the next 4 years. It would be too late .
Nobody can be a good leader with a dark trouble heart like Mr Obama. We do not judge Mr Obama by his skin color but by his trouble background, no-experience in this big job, , hatre-link with the past-mess-mix- feeling in his young age.
MR OBAMA IS HIDING HIS BITTER-HEART, HE IS NOT A TRUSTABLE LEADER. WAKE-UP AMERICA, STOP STOP RIGHT NOW. NO-MORE VOTES FOR MR OBAMA.
3-25-08

Nu Huynh, Dallas Tx (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:39 PM)

That's hilarious! What I can't believe is - that's the first time it came up - because let's face it - no matter what it's in the minds somewhere of a lot of people and if Sen. Clinton wins the nomination - it's going to be brought up a whole lot more. We're all going to relive every moment of that particular time in the Clinton history. They should all get used to it, quite frankly.

Chrismarie1965 NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:40 PM)

The Clinton's have gone the entire campaign without answering questions about the incident which cost Al Gore the election in 2000.

Jerome, Queens, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:41 PM)

WOW. A Clinton habit of disdain when facing unpleasant truths. Bill Clinton hurt Senator Clinton's credibility in ways his daughter can only guess at. He exemplifies the morals of that family as well as it's lack of ethics.

Ladean (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:44 PM)

Obama's campaign put that questioner up to it to see if Chelsea could be thrown off her game.... didn't happen!

Jack (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:50 PM)

Unfortunately for First Daughter Chelsea and First Lady Hillary, and unfortunately for all of us, this is our business. President Bill Clinton betrayed his wife, his daughter, and all of us; then, he lied about it while under oath. For that, our President was impeached, and this disgusting, embarrassing business Bill had with Monica became everybody's very serious business. The cigar, the blue dress, the fact that Hillary was there in the White House and a member of Congress was on the phone, all while it went on -- all of this and worse and more became our business when we all suffered betrayal by our President.

Why does it color Hillary's credibility? Hillary knew all too well, as has been thoroughly documented, that Bill Clinton was a serial womanizer. When asked about Bill Clinton's history of womanizing during Bill's campaign for President however, in 1991 and in 1992 and on many occasions, Hillary denied that he had any history of such behavior.

Hillary lied. She lied to herself, perhaps, but worse she lied to all of us. Later, we all suffered the disgusting, embarrassing fall-out together, when Bill Clinton did what Hillary let him get away with so many times before -- only he did it in the Oval Office, and then under oath and to his nation, he lied about it.

Was it fair to ask Chelsea this question? If she stands up for Hillary, then yes it is fair. She was standing up for her mother's own campaign for President, at a time when Hillary's credibility as with the Bosnia fabrications has become suspect, again.

If Chelsea doesn't want questions about Monica, then she should stop campaigning for Hillary. If Clinton's campaign doesn't want to answer tough questions, then they have no business running for President.

All this: from a lifelong Democrat who is sad it ever happened, and sadder still that the Clintons were not so ashamed as to leave politics forever.

Seattle (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:51 PM)

Thats what you must answer to fully vett the clintons legacy, one question always leads to more questions yet none of the answerers are ever fully truthful or completely answered!

aa (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:52 PM)

The question was a low blow. Great response Chelsea! This is coming from an Obama supporter.

Keith, Long Beach, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:54 PM)

Her mothers credibility is none of his (our) business?
Her mothers choice to stay with a habitual cheater to further her own career should not give us pause? If she can't or won't address these issues that the Republicans are sure to use she should exit the campaign as a surrogate. Is she supposed to receive only softball "socks the cat" questions because she is an ex-first child? She is an adult and the question was appropriate. Maybe mom and dad should let her com in off the street.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:54 PM)

Finally, the Hill/Bill union creates a woman with her own mind!

Chelsea in 2024!

SK, Buffalo, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:56 PM)

I feel she should of answered the question politly because we have never really heard a females response to such a question in their family.

de sea,south bend, ind (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:56 PM)

Way to go Chelsea!! Perhaps it should be Chelsea Clinton in 2016!

Jim (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:57 PM)

You know what Chelsea? He was the POTUS at the time, he lied and he dragged ALL OF US into his tawdry sex scandal. So YES, it IS our business!

If you want to actively campaign for your mother, you have to be willing to take this and more.

Obama '08

Jennifer, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:57 PM)

I think it is the questionares business, this is the White House and if her family is still having domestic issues that may affect more than the public is aloud to know.

Kelvin Waters, Tampa FL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:00 PM)

After reading that article, I feel for Chelsea. I am not a democrat, nor have I ever been, but I know it's inappropriate for a person to ask such a question of Hillary's daughter. She was just a child when that scandal that we all know so well broke. She was kept in the dark, thank goodness, back then which makes her ineligible to answer such a question. Whoever that person was that asked it should be totally ashamed of himself and thank his mother and father for his bad form of etiquette, if he even had two parents.

jay, raleigh nc (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:03 PM)

She was rude. She jumped to a conclusion.

The question was "Does it hurt her reputation" Not "HOw do you feel about it"

All she could have said was "No, My mother handle the situation better than anyone else can" She is 28!!! she graduated from an Ivy school and yet can't answer the question but jump to a conclusion that it was an attack. She is no child stop acting like she is.

Josh Tucson, AZ (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:04 PM)

Standing tough, just like her mom. Good work kid!

When are people going to get it? The Ken Starr witch hunt wasted millions of our tax dollars in a Republican sponsored stunt whose sole purpose was to subvert the Clinton administration. All they came up with was Bill lied about getting Bubba Junior a happy ending. and a stained blue dress. Last time I checked Hillary was not indicted, prosecuted, or convicted of any crime. I'm amazed at how many Obamamites use that in their argument against Clinton. Makes me think that all you Obama supporters are really Republican trolls. Why else beat a dead horse?

I suppose we could change the Obama campaign slogan to: "Dead Horse Beatings You Can Believe In."

Shtuey (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:04 PM)

That is a shame for Chelsea but it was bound to happen. It would be hard for Hillary to teach her daughter not to suffer spousal abuse in her life since she (Hillary) stayed with her abuser.

Jan Garvey,Seattle Wa (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:07 PM)

Just a typical Clinton Response..

The question should have been: Where's Monica's Blue dress?

Kevin (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:07 PM)

I'm an Obama supporter,but that question was way out of line.

Charles (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:11 PM)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UNBELIEVABLY - CHELSEA ALSO SAID HER REMEMBRANCE OF THE BOSNIA 'SNIPERGATE' INCIDENT IS AS HILLARY HAS TOLD IT. ???
.
1.) HAS CHELSEA LEARNED TO LIE FROM HER UPBRINGING? ... OR HAS SHE LEARNED IT IN THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN?

2.) WAS IT APPROPRIATE FOR HILLARY TO TAKE HER THEN FIFTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO A "WAR ZONE." ... IS THAT RESPONSIBLE PARENTAL JUDGMENT? ...
.

>> QUESTION HILLARY'S JUDGMENT << (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:12 PM)

Well, it seemed to be Americas business when Daddy got impeached over the matter. It has relevance. Ready on day one, to deflect further dalliances by the Hon. Impeached Bill Clinton.

Your mom doesn't get to choose her family, oh wait, yes she does. She chose to marry and stay with your Daddy after many dalliances, affairs and possible criminal cover ups related to his affairs and business dealings. And she still chose to stay with him, for what, political advancement? Oh, right. None of my business.

cigar (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:15 PM)

OMG, she is rude. Should have answered question. If it wasn't our business then why did we here about it. So hahaha thats funny. lol

Ashley, Noblesville, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:16 PM)

The question was irrelevant to a presidential campaign and the serious issues that matter to America and the rest of the world, but then, one must remember that much of what the Clinton campaign has sought to define as relevant has little or nothing to do with the problems and challenges we face as a nation. Trivial cliches, engineered sound bites, sophisticated race baiting, manufactured stories of heroism under nonexistent sniper fire.... No,there will be no sympathy for Chelsea. She must accept that she is working on behalf of a Nixon-like campaign that should cast no stones when it comes to trap-door questions asked or ethics ignored.

Stan McCauley, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:17 PM)

boy, it's terrible that hillary's campaign is using her daughter to gain sympathy points...

emr nyc (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:18 PM)

Although I feel it is atrocious that someone asked Chelsea Clinton that question, what did Hillary Clinton think would happen? You reap what you sow, you bring up scandals already discussed and put away with and you unearth some of your own you don't want to discuss either.

deb albany ny (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:18 PM)

Why are the Ckinton's putting theri daughter out there - she is suject to these kinds of questions and HEY KNOW IT - shame on you Mrs. Clinton

Loni Craft (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:20 PM)

That is a fair question. Chelsea is an adult now and is campaigning for her mom. If she does not want to answer a question on why her mother did not divorce Bill for having a young women give him oral sex while Hillary was in the house in the other room, then she needs to get off the campaign trail.

james, Wichita, KS (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:21 PM)

It seems even Chelsea has been bitten by the non-revelation bug. The question asked by the student at Butler was worthy of a response. But being a Clinton she could not bring herself to answer honestly, making it hard for one to decipher is Hillary suitable to be a presidential candidate...

Jim Eve, New York (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:23 PM)

UNBELIEVABLY - CHELSEA ALSO SAID THAT HER RECOLLECTION OF THE BOSNIA 'SNIPERGATE' LIE WAS THE SAME AS HILLARY'S. ... !!! (LYING IS A FAMILY TRAIT.)---

QUESTION: WAS IT APPROPRIATE FOR HILLARY TO BRING HER THEN FIFTEEN YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER INTO A "WAR ZONE?" ... IS THAT RESPONSIBLE PARENTING JUDGMENT? --- HOW MANY MOTHERS WOULD DO SO? ---

>> EXAMPLE OF HILLARY'S JUDGMENT << (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:23 PM)

Her father is a adulterer and mother is a fool that's the mess some of you crazy people want to elect to president. For that and hundreds of other reasons I'll pass for a thousand. The time is now to relequish the strangle hold on our country's by the Clinton's and Bush's. Her distructive attitude that exudes that somehow she can say and do anything and is entitled to the presidency is lunacy and very VERY dangerous. It has become abundantly clear to me like a killer snake she will smile in your face and EAT YOU as soon as you turn your back.

Representative of Everyone (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:24 PM)

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