The Weakening Of Bill Clinton

Just a month ago, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott was keeping a low profile on the president's legal troubles, reports CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson.

On Monday, however, with the Senate back for the first time since Clinton's grand jury appearance, Lott wasted no time in repeatedly calling Mr. Clinton's credibility into question.

Our Full Coverage
of this Ongoing Story

"As a husband and a father, I am offended by the president's behavior and by the tragic example that he has set for the young people of this country," said Lott. "There is a moral dimension to the American presidency and today that dimension, that power, has been lost in scandal and deception."

The new, tougher tone may reflect a change in mood on the home front, where Lott says constituents are growing more upset by the scandal.

"They are embarrassed by what has been coming out," he said. "A lot of people are really offended that the president looked them right in the face and said 'I did not do this,' and he did."

Sen. Lott Lashes Out At Clinton Today

However, Lott stopped short of calling for the president's impeachment or resignation, saying he'll wait for Ken Starr's report. Republicans sense a growing weakness in the Clinton camp, and they want to capitalize on it in the months leading up to congressional elections.

More from CBS News