Student Defends Lewinsky Query To Chelsea

Former First Daughter Delivered Stinging Rebuke To Question About Lewinsky Scandal At College Forum

(CBS/AP)  The college student who got a stinging brushback from Chelsea Clinton when he asked about the Monica Lewinsky scandal said Wednesday on CBS News' The Early Show that he's a Clinton supporter who was trying to get her to show "what makes Hillary so strong."

Evan Strange, a Butler University student, said he had asked Chelsea Clinton her opinion "on the criticism of her mother that how she handled the Lewinsky scandal might be a sign of weakness and she might not be a strong enough candidate to be president."

It wasn't clear what aspect of the former first lady's actions he was referring to. Before she was fully aware of President Bill Clinton's relationship with Lewinsky, Hillary Rodham Clinton said allegations about her husband and the White House intern were manufactured by a "vast right-wing conspiracy."

Strange's question at Chelsea Clinton's appearance Tuesday at the school brought a stinging rebuke from Clinton's daughter. "Wow, you're the first person actually that's ever asked me that question in the, I don't know maybe, 70 college campuses I've now been to, and I do not think that is any of your business," Chelsea Clinton said during the campaign visit for her mother.

"I'm a supporter of Hillary. I love Hillary," Strange told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. He said he asked the question because his friends "always bring up that scandal. It's not something I asked to cause trouble but to show those people what makes Hillary so strong."

He said that by brushing him off, Chelsea Clinton missed an opportunity to show her mother's strength.

"I was very surprised" at the rebuke, Strange said. "I can see where she'd get a little defensive because of the question and hearing Lewinsky over and over again, but I would like to hear her say something about Hillary rather than dismissing the question."

Sally Quinn of The Washington Post said on The Early Show that Chelsea Clinton must have been prepared for a question on the Lewinsky scandal.

"I think what happened yesterday is Bill Clinton's legacy, and it's really is heartbreaking that his daughter - at this age almost 30 - is going to be confronted with this question for the rest of her life," she said.

[darrren12000]

dude - 3 minutes of fame is all you deserve and you already got it. go back home. finals are coming up. such a loser.

[rushlimpdrug]

Evan Strange,
give it up
no matter the reason,
it was a stupid and offensive question.

[ringading3]

Everything the Clintons do is phoney. The PR handlers have preped and rehearsed every possible question. Chelsea was "given a response" when the Monica question would be presented! Clintons will do ANYTHING and say ANYTHING to win.

Osama is a fraud, and a liar also.

[whatsup49]

it doesn''t matter if some find Mr. Strange''s question "stupid and offensive," he had every right to ask it. Ms. Clinton''s response was immature, and much like one of the current prez''s daughters sticking her tongue out at reporters. Ms. Clinton may have led a sheltered life, but she''s in the real world now, where real people sometimes ask hard, and yes, offensive questions. She needs to learn how to not answer a question without sounding childish. She also needs to know that she, as a public figure (of her own making), doesn''t deserve special rules with the media.

[rushlimpdrug]

Ms. Clinton''''s response was immature, and much like one of the current prez''''s daughters sticking her tongue out at reporters. Ms. Clinton may have led a sheltered life, but she''''s in the real world now, where real people sometimes ask hard, and yes, offensive questions. She needs to learn how to not answer a question without sounding childish. She also needs to know that she, as a public figure (of her own making), doesn''''t deserve special rules with the media.

Posted by whatsup49 at 02:09 PM

Really?
Grow up.
Your post is soo childish.
It reads like something a middle school student would write.

[singingrick]

It was a stupid and irrelevant question.

[jgunther7]

Chelsea is not minding her own business, she is speaking in public, promoting the Clinton Dynasty. We have every right to ask whatever questions we need. The Clinton family pulled us through a whole swamp of sleaze. Now this little spoiled brat thinks she has the right to tell us we can''t mind our own business. The sooner we get rid of the Clintons the better.

[whatsup49]

hey limp . . . again, you resort to childish retorts when someone doesn''t agree with you. i suggest you take your own advice.

[gunownerdan]

Seems like a lot of stuff about Hitlery is none of our business, even though it should be.

[jgunther7]

If the Clintons were good parents, why would they send Chelsea to Bosnia with her mother? Hillary tells us it was a very dangerous place, not too dangerous for a little eight year old Bosnian girl or for Cheryl Crowe the singer, but dangerous enough to qualify Hillary as a hero.

When Hillary was misspeaking about the famous Bosnia story, why didn%u2019t Chelsea catch her mother%u2019s obvious mistake and correct her, like they do for poor old John McCain? Why? Because her mind was miles away, she was too busy crossing the Potomac in a rowboat in preparation for attacking the British. We%u2019ll have to have Chelsea tell us all about her glorious victory someday and how she defeated the British. The Clintons are great storytellers.

[rushlimpdrug]

Posted by whatsup49 at 02:09 PM
1. "Ms. Clinton may have led a sheltered life, but she''''''''s in the real world now, where real people sometimes ask hard, and yes, offensive questions."

Her mother is running for president - There is a difference between a RELEVANT question and an OFFENSIVE question.

2. "She needs to learn how to not answer a question without sounding childish."

Sounding childish - is YOUR opinion of her answer.

3. "She also needs to know that she, as a public figure (of her own making), doesn''''''''t deserve special rules with the media."

There were special rules? The fact that she let him finish his question and she aswered it deserves respect.
It may not be the answer YOU wanted but it was an anwer SHE had the right to answer in HER own way.


The fact you can''t accept this shows you to be immature.
Oh, and so sad you can''t accept name calling you may want to run crying to your mama and tell her how cruel the real world is to you.

[suet123-2009]

Chelsea is like a kid standing in the middle of a public pool that gets really mad when they get splashed. Maybe she shouldn''t be out on the campaign trail taking questions if she doesn''t want particular ones to be asked.

[broncfan1661]

What on earth reason would CBS have for seeking out this particular student and probably pay his way to New York and probably put him up in a hotel just to keep this ridiculous story alive?
They must be desperate for news.

[neonink]

Evan Strange, a Butler University student


lived up to his name at least.

[usbrit-2009]

The Clinton family pulled us through a whole swamp of sleaze.

Posted by jgunther7

jgunther7 - you''re a total pillock. The Repugs dragged the country thorough a swamp of sleaze chasing their tails over Clinton. What did he do that any number of repugs in this current administration have not done. Bill and family are absolute saints compared to the Bushes.

[socrates392]

Posted by SueT123 at 02:49 PM : Mar 26, 2008

I agree. If you want to play hardball, you better bring your glove Chels!!! Welcome to politics in America.

[smashwl7]

I am an Obama supporter leave Chelsea alone guys. I do not think it was a good idea for Hillary to put her out there anyway. i would never put my kids in that postion. Come on Hillary you know better. She loves her mom and dad leave her alone.

[jgunther7]

USBrit, your right about the Bushes and the Clintons. They are both a load of rubbish, scrubbers as you say, and we need to see the back of them. We threw the British out, now we will throw them out. No offence intended, just joking, about the British that is..

[whatsup49]

awwww poor limp, didn''t even read where i said special rules when dealing with the news media. again, whether the question is offensive or relevant doesn''t matter. every person has the right to ask any question he or she chooses of any candidate or anyone campaigning for a candidate.
i have no problems with the real world. people like you who can''t carry on an adult conversation without throwing in a name or other childish remark shows what i''ve said before, your ignorance is showing. follow your own advice.

[burneb]

Yes, American politics can be rough, but that does not excuse adding on further tawdry and uncivil behavior. None of it addresses any workable solutions for the serious issues we face.

We get plenty of baldface lies, cheap shots, dirty tricks, fear and smear, from Republicans. Dems should stay away from such tactics.

Having said that, I do think Chelsea should have been prepared for the question, and used it to describe Hillary''s strength. But it is Hillary and not Chelsea who is the candidate.

[libra127]

she, as a public figure (of her own making), doesn''t deserve special rules with the media.

Posted by whatsup49 at 02:09 PM : Mar 26, 2008

Chelsea wasn''t asking for any "special rules from the media". She merely stated her opinion in answer to the questioner. That is her right. And by the way, it wasn''t even the media questioning her, it was a college student.

[notblue]

Just more Clinton Arrogance, this apple didn''t fall far from the tree. These people feel they are "entitled" and above the common man''s world. Her mother is running for the most powerful position in the world, the question was rellevant.

[rushlimpdrug]

the question was rellevant.
Posted by notblue at 03:13 PM

How so?

[libra127]

I do not think it was a good idea for Hillary to put her out there anyway. i would never put my kids in that postion.

Posted by smashwl7 at 02:56 PM : Mar 26, 2008

Hillary didn''t "put her out there". Chelsea is a grown-up, well-educated adult. She can make her own choices about whether she wants to campaign for her mother.

[sierra20071]

Right on Chelsea!! The Monica Lewinski situation is nobody''s business, it is a private matter. I''m surprised that Mr. Strange didn''t get it - I got it! what Chelsea is saying is mind your own business, don''t ask stupid questions that won''t make a difference one way or another to Hillary''s campaign or presidency. Basically, if you want to delve into Bill & Monica''s life - ask them! YOU JUST GO GIRL - CHELSEA!!!

[ekucrew]

Why isn''t the student''s pic accompanying the story? He was man enough to ask it off camera..... doesn''t he want his 15 minutes of fame?

[sierra20071]

I hope that Mr. Strange goes to the Obama campaign and ask Mr. Obama if he is still using drugs and if he is gay as alleged by Mr. Sinclair - just ask, O should be prepared to answer that question...right. If you want to go tawdry...get it all out there. Also, what about Obama''s black militant wife, ask him why he is hiding that time-bomb! Ask if he and Rezko set her up in her 200k job, etc.....

[briannorwood]

Anyhow, the kid asked Chelsea the wrong question.

Shoulda been "If you mom gets elected, is your dad gonna keep on *** in the White House?"

[vet_sk]

Chelsea seems to think she can campaign for her mom for president but not be asked difficult questions. If you can stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. She says she is off-limits to reporters but she is no longer a teen-ager.

There IS a credibility issue for Hillary here. Do you really think that Hillary did not know what Bill was up to? Oh come on? They must have had an open marriage or something. You know, I don%u2019t really care either way. But for Hillary to claim that she didn%u2019t know Bill was fooling around. PLEASE! Bill%u2019s fooling around even came out in the campaign in 1992.

Hillary continues to use people%u2019s mercy for her over this issue. It is totally and fully disingenuous.

[sierra20071]

Man, if I had a nickel for every cheating & forgiving spouse in America I would be a millionaire! Chelsea did answer the question - It is none of your business!! That is what "she" thinks and is the answer to the question, what part of that doesn''t anyone get. She sure has grown up, if anyone was asking me questions about my parents marital issues, my response would be the same.

[vet_sk]

Here''s what I find appearling about Obama.

His speach against Iraq in 2002.

His speaking style. We are electing a mouthpiece for us all - and that is the mouthpiece I want. He will also be talking to our enemies and not waiting until 3:00am for a problem to erupt and become a crisis.

[cmdrgmh]

I am so sick of the clintons dictating to the press what they can and can not ask. If they want to have Chelsea out thier touting for her mother then she is fair game. If she does not want the attention then go home.

[vet_sk]

I agree cmdrgmh,
Chelsea is touting mom but does''nt want to take questions from reporters. That''s unacceptable.

On the priest molestation drama the question that has been asked, where were the nuns? So you have to wonder where Hillary was while Bill was fooling around. She''s the one that said she was engaged in the east wing politics? Well, where was she? This is only a fair question because she is claiming this time as her experience?

[sierra20071]

Chelsea did answer the question - I"t is none of your business". That is her response. Boy, what do y''all want from her anyway. She answered the questions to cheers from the audience.

[deemsnyd]

I wouldn''''t have asked that question. What a stupid question to ask.

Posted by solar991 at 03:25 PM : Mar 26, 2008


You have got to be kidding me?!? You are on the other article yelling about how it is perfectly okay to ask the question. What''s wrong with you?

[deemsnyd]

What a stupid ******** question to ask of someone''''s daughter.

Posted by solar991 at 03:32 PM : Mar 26, 2008


Do you have multiple personalities?? Which is your opinion? Listen folks, this idiot is posting on the other article about how he/she thinks it is okay to ask this question to Chelsea. Check it out. Good grief, at least change your screen name.

[rushlimpdrug]

Posted by solar991 at 03:32 PM

Listen folks, this idiot is posting on the other article about how he/she thinks it is okay to ask this question to Chelsea. Check it out. Good grief, at least change your screen name.
Posted by deemsnyd at 04:02 PM

Ignore him.
He''s a reeetard drug user.
He used to go by the post name of "Donnie".

[vet_sk]

Pledged delegates up for grabs, Clinton says.

How could anyone support this woman? She''s a real piece of work.

[b-easy63]

Because when you enter the public arena, you are accountable for all baggage of yourself and immediate family and acquaintances. Which is why Obama is still fighting over comments his wife made--not him, a house deal he made with an indicted person and a loud mouth racially insensitive preacher. When you enter this arena all is fair game and will be exploited--By campaigning for her mother, Chelsea has entered the arena. Everything from the Bosnian sniper lies to her dad fvcking other women, to her mom hiding files--is all on the block and all up to be use d in the game. She knows this. If she can''''t play or doesn''''t like the way the game is played--she can get out--or develop rhino skin like mom and just face down the hordes.

Posted by b-easy63 at 03:59 PM : Mar 26, 2008
+ report abuse
And yet Chelsea did have time to LIE and play to her mom''''s fake message of Sniper attack in Bosnia. I used to feel sorry for her--but now, I''''m wondering--if she can play to the lie her mom just told, why not help out her old man in the lie he told years ago?

[deemsnyd]

If someone asks you about what yer dad did, with malice, aren''''t you gonna want to slug him?
Posted by solar991 at 03:26 PM : Mar 26, 2008


What a stupid ******** question to ask of someone''''s daughter.
Posted by solar991 at 03:32 PM : Mar 26, 2008

IF SHE CAN''''T ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS, MAYBE THE CLINTONS AREN''''T CUT OUT FOR POLITICS.
Posted by solar991 at 02:31 PM : Mar 26, 2008

Its relevant because its on my teevee set. Its relevant because terrorists call us infidels. Its relevant because legislators are supposed to be held to a higher standard. Its not about the audience. Its about her, her mom, and her dad.
Posted by solar991 at 02:24 PM : Mar 26, 2008
(in response to my question about why the question was relevant)

And my personal favorite...
Why''''''''s it low? Some stud here said it himself! 50% of the american constituency have that same problem. Is this not a moral? Family issue? 50% of american families.. THEIR KIDS! Kids who gotta deal with a ******** nymphomaniac parent!

It *is* an issue! It *is* a valid question.

Posted by solar991 at 11:45 AM : Mar 26, 2008


Does anyone besides me find this amazing flip/flop disturbing?

[b-easy63]

Do you have multiple personalities?? Which is your opinion? Listen folks, this idiot is posting on the other article about how he/she thinks it is okay to ask this question to Chelsea. Check it out. Good grief, at least change your screen name.

Posted by deemsnyd at 04:02 PM : Mar 26, 2008


solar is a troll. We think this may be the same person who goes by the name donnie or donnie900. A troll just likes to stir things up and be noticed. They have no real agenda except to be validated by having others post to them. If you want to upset a troll, then when you see their name, ignore that post. It drives them crazy--but at the same time, they either leave or straighten up and for a little while--act like they have sense. WE have a saying : Do not feed the trolls. This means don''t post to anyone when they are in troll mode--they WANT an argument or controversy. They are the ones who say outrageous, racist or ugly things sooo heinous, that many are compelled to post to them. It is a waste of time. Because they live just for the attention--positive or negative. by posting--you give them what they want--so they keep trolling.

[whatsup49]

libra127 ... check out the 7:23 min video titled "chelea''s special rules." SHE IS DICTATING TO THE NEWS MEDIA HOW IT WILL TREAT HER. She refuses to answer reporters'' questions, even one from a 9-year-old boy writing for a scholastic paper. She doesn''t want the hard ball questions (no pun intended) . . . she''s not out there to speak on the issues, she''s out there to push for the vote for her mom. if she''s putting herself out there, then she should be prepared for the real world, not her cloistered one.

[deemsnyd]

Ignore him.
He''''s a reeetard drug user.
He used to go by the post name of "Donnie".



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by rushlimpdrug at 04:13 PM : Mar 26, 2008



Oh. I wish I had known that earlier, I spent all afternoon arguing with the idiot.

[nottellin1]

We, on this board, are obviously the minority, much to our chagrin. If it were up to most posters here, we would never elect another politician to anything, only non-politicians would be elected, no more Washington insiders. Sadly, once again, all we have to choose from is losers and bigger losers that will continue their parties agenda. I wonder if the rest of America will ever catch on?

[notopennshut]

OK, so now Clinton supporters indicate that they will flock to McCain if Obama is the nominee. You are all seeing the Clintons in their true colors now and it does not matter anymore. Even as Hillary is out to grab all the pledged delegates, it would be interesting to see all or most of them swarming over to her side and then see all the life-long democrats voters swarm over to McCain or not vote at all since they see this election being stolen from them. One has never seen such a vindictive and divisive personality as Hillary, and it would not be surprising if democrats were to depart from the party en masse, seeing that they would support such a poisonous atmosphere.

[deemsnyd]

Posted by b-easy63 at 04:24 PM : Mar 26, 2008


Got it.

[brianp55]

It was a legitimate question. Perhaps Chelsea has forgotten that her mother is a politician and hence, subject to the scrutiny of the public. She is certainly learning the art of evasion well from her parents. BTW, Chelsea...no amount of plastic surgery can salvage you.

[vet_sk]

One poster writes: "It isnt Chelseas fault if her father is a pig."

But Hillary claims she was so hurt from this debacle. But we knew Bill was fooling around in 1992 before he was elected. And Hillary wants sympathy for this.

The only reason she is in the US Senate and certainly running for president is because her hubby was president. Come on. You have to admit, where would this woman be if it were not for Bill. She''s just be a rich corporate lawyer somewhere. But instead she has played the sympath card for Bill cheating when you know that she''s known this for decades. Please!@

[rushlimpdrug]

"unlike Cheneys daughter"
Posted by Tra_cyMorgan at 04:37 PM

You mean Cheney''s son.
The conservative compassionate christian son that adopted cause the couple couldn''t have a child of their own.

[popstom1]

Years and Years ago when people had manners that
question have been consider rude and seeing That
parents do not teach children manners any moore
to find gentlewomen or gentleman would hard ot find Now.