# Did the Clinton and Lewinsky cigar episode really happen? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 28, 2017, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096 "2017-06-28T23:09:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/41 "2017-07-03T01:31:24Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > By that logic we should be investigating and exposing the private life of all government officials. Because if a foreign power found out about it, they might use it … Absolutely. Why candidates for public office weren’t vetted with the same thoroughness as was once commonplace for the armed forces is a great mystery. It has done a lot of damage over the years. Apparently those standards in the military aren’t what they once were either. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/42 "2017-07-03T13:09:15Z")
> [@Common\_Tater](#): > > Absolutely. Why candidates for public office weren’t vetted with the same thoroughness as was once commonplace for the armed forces is a great mystery. It has done a lot of damage over the years. Apparently those standards in the military aren’t what they once were either. The thing is, in the good old days of smoke-filled back rooms, where fat old white men with cigars decided who the candidate was going to be - that was part of the process. Nowadays, anyone can walk in from left field (right field?) with nomination papers, file and run in the primary, and by appealing to the right activist segment of the population, become one of the two parties’ candidates. Then, it’s the job of the other primary or election opponents to do the work of finding any problems with their opponent’s character. This presumes, of course, that there is a real election and that the district is not so rigged that getting a solid plurality in a contested primary, with a tiny percent of the actual registered voters, is not sufficient. ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/43 "2017-07-03T13:54:13Z")
I cannot admire those times; however I also cannot imagine those fat old white men would have allowed Donald J. Trump within a 1000 miles of substantial political office. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/44 "2017-07-03T15:34:00Z")
Umm…democracy and elections? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/45 "2017-07-03T15:59:26Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Of course, before answering those questions, he also asked for the definition of “sexual intercourse” the court was using, and the definition they gave him was laughably incomplete, and probably didn’t include the acts he performed. It probably did include those acts. The definition approved by Judge Wright was that “sexual relations” occurs when a person knowingly engages in or causes contact with the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. “Contact” means intentional touching, either directly or through clothing. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/46 "2017-07-03T16:06:12Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > IIRC, the questions the asked him were also not closed as they should have been. “Are you having an affair”. “No” (the affair was over by then). You do not recall correctly. > [@](#): > > Q: Did you have an extramarital sexual affair with Monica Lewinsky? > A. No. > Q. If she told someone that she had a sexual affair with you beginning in November of 1995, would that be a lie? > A. It’s certainly not the truth. It would not be the truth. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/47 "2017-07-03T16:08:30Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I seem to recall that some of the definitions also said something about “…for purposes of sexual gratification of another”, and what Clinton was doing, he was doing for his own sexual gratification. Your recollection is incorrect: “…with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of **any** person.” ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/48 "2017-07-03T16:37:33Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Umm…democracy and elections? Exactly. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/49 "2017-07-03T16:49:58Z")
> [@Common\_Tater](#): > > Absolutely. Why candidates for public office weren’t vetted with the same thoroughness as was once commonplace for the armed forces is a great mystery. It has done a lot of damage over the years. Apparently those standards in the military aren’t what they once were either. This is straying into GD territory, but I’ll just point out the potential for abuse in a system where candidates for public office are pre-screened by those already in office. The one country that comes to mind in terms of having a system like that is Iran. ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/50 "2017-07-03T17:11:16Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > This is straying into GD territory, but I’ll just point out the potential for abuse in a system where candidates for public office are pre-screened by those already in office. The one country that comes to mind in terms of having a system like that is Iran. Um, yeah there’s always the _potential_ for abuse in any system, but it doesn’t follow that we should therefore ignore all the security risks. Thousands and thousands have had to undergo rigorous background investigations to obtain security clearances, but anyone who manages to secure an elected position has been “deemed” to qualify for elected office and top secret clearance. Insanity, and does a lot to explain so many intelligence failures over the decades. There are many elected officials who could never pass a rudimentary, basic security clearance. School bus drivers, Teachers, Police, Day Care Workers, I’m sure I’m leaving out whole swaths of occupations - they have to be vetted. Why not politicians? That’s rhetorical of course. ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/51 "2017-07-03T17:24:46Z")
I’m not sure how one tests for insanity. ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/52 "2017-07-03T17:28:53Z")
> [@Evan\_Drake](#): > > I’m not sure how one tests for insanity. You’re soaking in it. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/53 "2017-07-03T19:03:42Z")
Politicians are vetted, and much more thoroughly than any of the other positions you mention. When you’ve got half the population looking for dirt, how much do you expect to remain hidden? The problem isn’t politicians’ secrets; it’s that when those secrets come out, a large proportion of the population votes for them anyway. And that’s a problem with the voters, not with the process. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/54 "2017-07-03T19:46:37Z")
I’d love to have been a fly on the wall and overheard the conversations between Bill and Hillary at the time. “Tell me again, Bill, about that cigar.” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2017, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/55 "2017-07-04T12:05:02Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Politicians are vetted, and much more thoroughly than any of the other positions you mention. When you’ve got half the population looking for dirt, how much do you expect to remain hidden? It doesn’t work well at all. Look at Hillary Clinton. Decades of investigations. None of which turned up anything that was actually worth the time and money. The best vetting any candidate for President has ever had. But a lot of voters are in the “Crooked Hillary” “Throw her in jail” camp. As compared to her opponent who was up to his eyeballs in all sorts of criminal behavior. For [example](http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/22/politics/trump-taj-mahal/index.html). Voters ignore facts so actual vetting doesn’t matter at all. Also the media routinely refuses to properly tell you about things. E.g., in 96 Bob Dole was having an affair. The media didn’t reveal it despite knowing all about it. (And making a big deal about Bill Clinton’s private matters in 92.) The explanation when asked later? “Oh, we knew Bob was going to lose so why bother.” Speaking of 92: The media got all in a lather about Bill’s Gennifer and went around investigating her and putting her in the spotlight. But George’s Jennifer? Their “investigation” consisted of asking the WH for a comment, not getting one (what a surprise) and therefore they “had” to kill the story since they didn’t get a comment from them. What??? This happens over and over and over. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2017, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/56 "2017-07-04T13:50:37Z")
That gets back to the old bit about democracy being the worst form of government, except for every other form. Yes, maybe the voters are idiots who don’t know what’s best for them… but if even the voters themselves don’t know, then who does? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2017, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/57 "2017-07-04T14:10:53Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > As compared to her opponent who was up to his eyeballs in all sorts of criminal behavior. For [example](http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/22/politics/trump-taj-mahal/index.html). > > Voters ignore facts so actual vetting doesn’t matter at all. Your link does not describe any criminal behavior by Trump. ---
**Author:** ![SamuelA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/58 "2017-07-05T00:29:15Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > I’d love to have been a fly on the wall and overheard the conversations between Bill and Hillary at the time. “Tell me again, Bill, about that cigar.” 🙂 I always wondered about that. When I was younger and heard about this, I always assumed it was a tearful, violent scene with Hillary being inconsolable, similar to how it would be portrayed on TV. But real life couples are more complex than that. Bill was just trying to see if his powerful position would let him get carnal with the attractive new intern. He’s only human, and maybe Hillary saw it that way. The fact that he got a few minor sexual favors from a young, hot woman (at the time) doesn’t take away from the decades they had been together at that point. Dunno how it went. In house of Cards, Kevin Spacey’s Netflix wife just had a wry smile and she asked him if he had fun when he returned home late at night, after sex with an attractive reporter. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2017, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/59 "2017-07-05T16:05:16Z")
> [@SamuelA](#): > > . . . Bill was just trying to see if his powerful position would let him get carnal with the attractive new intern. He’s only human, and maybe Hillary saw it that way. The fact that he got a few minor sexual favors from a young, hot woman (at the time) doesn’t take away . . . I’ve never understood the “he’s only human” defense, for Bill or anyone else. I mean, are you saying that “he was just walking to the office, slipped on a banana peel and his cigar flew into Monica who was bending over without any panties on” he’s only human?? If your wife had a history of “hiding the cigar of another man” and “had a few minor sexual favors from young hot men” would you be ok with that? If she said, “well honey, I am only human after all” that would be all cool? These things just don’t “happen.” You have thousand of seconds and instances to say “no” I’m not going to be in the room alone with her, or go up to her hotel room, or have a drink with her or whatever. If they have an open marriage that’s one thing. But the “it just happened out of no frick’n nowhere and I was helpless to stop it” is complete BS. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a87d85/32.png) [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096/60 "2017-07-06T01:19:18Z")
> [@Dero\_Bsawi](#): > > Although I’ve heard reference to Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky’s affair many times in my life (especially this past election year),\*\* it wasn’t until recently I’ve heard about the cigar\*\*. It was brought up during a conversation where two individuals were arguing over whether the events that supposedly occurred involving the cigar actually took place or was just discussed by Clinton and Lewinsky during some Oval Office dirty talk. If anyone would be willing to separate fact from fiction on this one, I’d be grateful. (Truthfully, I’m concerned about the rabbit hole my search history would turn into if I extensively went into looking up presidential cigar antics.) How did you manage to avoid hearing about it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096.md?page=4)