The Monica Lewinsky affair becomes public when several news media organizations report on a sexual relationship between Lewinsky and President Bill Clinton. The Washington Post reports the existence of taped recordings of the two. The president tells PBS’s Jim Lehr that “there is no improper relationship.”
January 21 is the beginning of a sleazy tale of late-night phone calls, clandestine meetings in the Oval Office, recorded phone calls, a blue dress, a cigar, and a story that would become known as “Monica-gate.” The year-long public scandal and impeachment of Clinton is said to have never diverted his attention from national security matters.