And yet, in poll after poll, the American people say Clinton is not a good role model, not a man of impeccable character. This disconnect between job performance and personal approval is vexing to the President. The unrelenting assault clearly has taken a toll on Clinton's reputation. At his press conference on Apr. 30, Clinton for the first time took a stab at public self-analysis. While reputations are transitory, character is innate.
Enemies can damage a reputation.
It is what it is. It is judged by higher powers than Kenneth Starr and Newt Gingrich. Using that definition, Clinton reasons, his own character is above reproach. Your enemies can blacken your name and sully your reputation, but they can't affect your character, Clinton insists. It's a novel analysis.