There are, of course, those who think that President Bush is having us on. One reporter says that White House aides are gleeful over the turn of events. It is fair, I think, to give a pass to conservatives on this round of Clinton-dismay. We did our best for years and years, contributing even an impeachment. The effect on the voting public was zero.
Analysts wonder how that can be.
Florence King, writing in National Review , comes up with an explanation. More Americans were more shocked by the theft of silverware, dishes, and blankets than ever cared about Monica, Whitewater, and Chinagate combined. And she recalls the famous Lizzie Borden. The citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts, reacted the same way when Lizzie Borden was accused of shoplifting twelve years after being acquitted of double homicide. The paramount figure is Marc Rich.