That's why the CBS poll has to be discouraging for Republicans. It shows Clinton can be found to have committed almost any offense he's accused of and get away with it. Only 12 percent said Congress should impeach Clinton, and 21 percent said he should resign. The split among Republicans is reflected in the behavior of GOP politicians. Members of Congress, nine months from election, are speaking very carefully about the scandal.
Presidential candidates are freer with criticism.
Even a plurality of Republicans believes he's partisan. Fifty percent of the public would like to see Starr's investigation dropped, while 45 percent want it to continue. The upshot of these numbers is that Starr and Republicans have an enormous problem making a case against Clinton that will stain Democratic candidates as well. It's not impossible, of course. Starr might find strong proof of obstruction of justice, which the House Judiciary Committee could work up into a politically damaging case against Democrats.