Monica Lewinsky arrives at the federal courthouse Thursday for her second day of testimony before the grand jury. By now, no one disputes that Clinton gave Lewinsky small presents, including a book of poetry and a T-shirt. And no one disputes that the president talked about them with Lewinsky after the items were subpoenaed by Paula Jones' attorneys. But at that point, the stories of the president and the former White House intern have subtle differences. The president testified he told Lewinsky she would have to turn over gifts that remained in her possession.
Legal experts say that discrepancy alone is probably too vague to constitute obstruction.
But they say the standard the president suggests goes too far. So what may be most legally significant is what happened next. Later that day, according to Lewinsky, Currie arrived at Lewinsky's Watergate apartment to retrieve them. Essential to a possible obstruction of justice case is proof of an intent to obstruct. That is a tough standard.