Deliberative Scenes and Democratic Politics in the Lewinsky Case

In: Constellations: an international journal of critical and democratic theory, Band 6, Heft 2, S. 167-176

Abstract

Examines the role of the sexual affair between US President Bill Clinton & White House intern Monica Lewinsky in effecting institutional transformations. The notion of "deliberative scenes" is applied to the various events that comprise the Clinton-Lewinsky affair. The argument levied by Republican members of Congress that interpreted Clinton's false testimony about his private life as perjury & obstructing justice is discussed & compared to arguments concerning the rule of law & Auschwitz. The Republican leadership is accused of hiding behind the rule of law in carrying out its attack against the Clinton administration. Noting the increased visibility of politics in the public sphere, it is asserted that politicians in a democracy are obligated to act & remain visible. The implications of the prevalence of deliberative scenes related to the Clinton-Lewinsky affair for the public's participation in politics & the media's continuing coverage of unexpected events are discussed. It is concluded that the affair illustrates the need for democracy to prepare itself for addressing indeterminacy. J. W. Parker