"My fellow Americans. With these words, I am going to try to regain a small piece of the moral high ground with respect to the current issues regarding my fitness to lead this nation. In the past, I have referred to my “inappropriate conduct” that has led to this situation. Let me be specific about what I did. As is well documented, I engaged in a sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. When I was asked questions about this relationship, I did not tell the truth, though I had taken an oath to do so.
"At the time, I did not tell the truth because I felt I was being compelled to answer questions about very private matters that were brought up in the context of a frivolous lawsuit. And, I felt, the questions were not even relevant to the issues of that lawsuit. I decided not to tell the truth, to spare my family and myself from embarrassment for conduct I knew was wrong, but that I thought should remain private.
"I now realize that my decision not to tell the truth was absolutely wrong. I should have gone to my family before my deposition in the Paula Jones case, confessed my conduct to them, and then told the whole truth in that deposition. I realize that my decision not to tell the truth at that time has hurt my country, my family, and myself, and I wish I had handled the matter honestly, despite my negative feelings about the lawsuit against me. I could have spared us all a great deal of pain and anguish. I am sincerely sorry for this bad decision, and its consequences, for my country, and my family.
"I must add, however, in the spirit of frankness, that the terms “perjury” and “impeachable offenses” are legal terms, and it is my opinion that my regrettable conduct does not fit the legal definitions of these terms. But this is not for me to decide. All I can do is fully and completely disclose what occurred. I am instructing my advocates in all forums not to split hairs over factual issues. I have also made it clear to all my advocates, associates and supporters that they should not try to dig up and expose scandals on others as a way of defending me. If anyone under my authority has done so, or does so in the future, that person can expect immediate dismissal. I am asking that my advocates continue to argue that these mistakes on my part are not impeachable offenses or criminal behavior. It will be up to the legal processes that make this country great to determine my fate. I accept the consequences of my conduct, as decided by these legal processes.
"I am a human being, more aware than ever of my own personal weaknesses. But I still hold a strong belief in the work I was elected to complete as your President. So I will devote my time to doing the best job for you that I can, until my tenure of this office has ended. I truly hope that my statements here today will lead to a quick and complete resolution of the difficulties caused by my wrong conduct.
"Thank you for your understanding, and for whatever support you are able to give me."
Of course, the President would face attacks for any statement like this. But as I have said, he has no foolproof way out of his difficulties. His decision to lie previously brought him to this point where he has no choice but to take risks. So why not confess to chopping down that cherry tree? Courage is facing adversity while doing the right thing. Maybe Bill Clinton will decide to make this sort of address and finally show us the courage of a President.
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