I believe two other considerations are governing public opinion, at least at the moment. First, there is a recognition that the stability of our basic governing institutions is very important. We should have a sense of proportion about this, weighing the specific misbehaviors and the circumstances of misbehavior alongside the positive gifts and vision of this president. President Clinton's longtime critics and adversaries will not be impressed by that, but others will be. Perhaps there is something even deeper at work.
Most people are well aware of the flaws in our humanity.
We do not approve of sin. But its appearance grieves us more than it surprises us. That does not make it right, but it helps us understand it. Those who stand in the Christian religious tradition, along with people of many other faith communities, know something about the drama of repentance, forgiveness and redemption. These are not easy terms of reference, but they are very real.