(23 Jan 1998) English/Nat
For five years scandal and surprise have surrounded U-S President Bill Clinton.
While doubts have been raised about his character, there has been little damage to his political popularity.
But the latest allegations that the President had an affair with an intern and then told her to lie about it, are making Americans sit up and take notice.
Many appear to be giving Clinton the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time signalling that there is only so much they can stomach.
For a second day running the headlines said scandal, and some even questioned the Clinton presidency's ability to survive.
While it is much too early in the investigation for anyone to make such a prediction, even White House officials are not pretending that the charges haven't rocked the administration.
As correspondents report details of the alleged affair live from the White House lawn, Americans are watching and weighing the information carefully.
Democratic political analyst Bob Beckel says these allegations are capturing America's attention where others have failed to, because of Lewinsky's age.
SOUNDBITE:
If these allegations have any truth to them, I think the core of what upsets Americans is not necessarily not telling the truth about it, it has a lot more to do with who this woman is, her age, and the fact that she works for the president. And I think that hits a different core to somebody he may have known in Little Rock several years ago.
SUPER CAPTION: Bob Beckel, Democratic Political Analyst
The tide may be turning in terms of Clinton's popularity.
A Fox News/Opinion Dynamics Poll released on Thursday found that President Clinton's approval rating has dropped ten-percent, falling from 59 percent to 49 percent.
Other polls immediately after the allegations suggested that a narrow majority of Americans were prepared to believe Clinton and Lewinsky had a sexual relationship.
If true, many Americans think that is inappropriate.
SOUNDBITE:
He is the President of the United States and he is a role model. He is not doing what's right.
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP
SOUNDBITE:
If what his men allege turns out to be true , it's an outright shame and disgrace, that the leader of the greatest nation on the planet would lower himself.
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP
However, a USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll also shows that even if the allegations are true, 51 percent of Americans still would want Clinton to remain in office.
Many seem to think a President's personal life should have no bearing on his professional one.
SOUNDBITE:
But I didn't vote for him to see if he was going to stay in bed at night, but to run the country.
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP
SOUNDBITE:
I think they're making a big to do about something that should have been taken care of on a smaller scale and that they should let him just do his job and run the country.
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP
For other Americans, the scandal is old news.
Clinton was elected in 1992 amid rumours of extramarital affairs.
In light of accusations by Gennifer Flowers and Paula Jones,
some say the country should not be surprised by the latest allegations.
SOUNDBITE:
I don't see how anybody can dispute everything that's happened over the years. Forget sweet Paula, some of these other girls, he's obviously been a very active young gentleman in his life.
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP
As more and more details leak out, the White House is reported to be divided over when and how President Clinton should tell his side of the story.
He says he is innocent and wants to talk about it.
SOUNDBITE:
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