Starr Tests The Whole Truth
Monica Lewinsky's second appearance before a federal grand jury could confirm or contradict President Clinton's account of what kind of physical contact they had over the course of their relationship, and may help Congress decide whether to begin the impeachment process in days to come. CBS News Legal Correspondent Kristin Jeannette-Meyers reports.
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While Mr. Clinton testified Monday that he had an "inappropriate relationship" with Lewinsky, he also told jurors that the affair did not fall under the definition of sexual relationship he was confronted with in January. When the president made his deposition at that time in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case against him, he denied having a sexual relationship with Lewinsky.
Now, independent counsel Kenneth Starr is putting Mr. Clinton's words to the test by trying to find out the extent of his affair with Lewinsky.
"We can see this as a sign he's not convinced the president told the truth," Meyers explains.
CBS News learned Wednesday that the president had turned over a DNA sample to Starr, to be compared to evidence turned in by Lewinsky. An FBI lab will try to determine whether a stain on Lewinsky's dress is indeed, as she claims, genetic material from an encounter with the president.
Since Mr. Clinton already acknowledged the relationship, Meyers says the evidence may be no longer useful in Starr's investigation.
"It's a bizarre historical precedent that the president was required to give his DNA," Meyers said.
The president himself may have to appear before the grand jury again, if Starr chooses to subpoena him for further questioning. Otherwise, Mr. Clinton may appeal and turn to the Supreme Court.
"The president can assert that there is separation of powers in the Constitution," Meyers says.
Meyers says that Starr could also bypass Mr. Clinton by filing his report with Congress and letting them compare the two testimonies.
When Starr turns over his report to Congress, he must advise the House if he finds anything that "may constitute grounds for an impeachment."