He forgives us for our obsessive concern about whether he lied under oath and attempted to obstruct justice. Clinton excuses us for expecting him to keep his oath to faithfully discharge the duties of his office. He pardons us for expecting the most powerful man in America to abide by the law of the land. Clinton spoke of forgiveness. But what he seeks is to escape the consequences of his clearly immoral and possibly criminal conduct.
Forgiveness is a religious concept that implies soul-searching and sincere contrition.
He spent seven months lying and sending out his staff and friends to lie on his behalf. He spent seven months stonewalling, evoking claims of privilege that brought peals of laughter from the federal bench. We're still not sure what. Bill Clinton is a desperate politician engaging in damage control, not a humbled spirit, wracked with guilt, admitting his transgressions. Even when driven by necessity, Clinton couldn't disguise his self-righteousness.