13.3 Impeachment and Partisan Politics

The 1990s saw American politics grow increasingly polarized, with the impeachment of President Clinton marking a pinnacle of partisan conflict. The Whitewater controversy, Paula Jones lawsuit, and Monica Lewinsky scandal culminated in Clinton's impeachment by the House, though he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate.

This era also witnessed the rise of Newt Gingrich and the Republican Revolution, widening ideological gaps between parties. Media coverage became more partisan, while cultural and social divisions fueled "culture wars" over hot-button issues, setting the stage for deepening political divides in the years to come.

The Impeachment of President Clinton

Events leading to Clinton's impeachment

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• Whitewater controversy involved failed real estate investment by Clintons in 1970s-80s with allegations of improper conduct and financial misconduct
• Paula Jones lawsuit alleged sexual harassment by Clinton while Governor of Arkansas and included false statements under oath about relationship with Monica Lewinsky
• Monica Lewinsky scandal centered on allegations of sexual relationship between Clinton and White House intern Lewinsky, with Clinton initially denying then admitting the relationship
• Starr Report by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr investigated Lewinsky scandal and other allegations, outlining potential grounds for impeachment (perjury, obstruction of justice)

Partisan politics in impeachment process

• Republican-led impeachment pursued by House Republicans against Democratic president Clinton, perceived by some as politically motivated attack
• Media coverage intensely scrutinized scandal and impeachment with 24-hour news cycle, rise of cable news networks, and sensationalized reporting that fascinated public
• Public opinion divided on impeachment and Clinton's actions, with high approval ratings for Clinton despite scandal and backlash against perceived Republican overreach

Impact on Clinton presidency

• Impeachment proceedings resulted in House of Representatives voting to impeach Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, but Senate acquitted him, allowing him to remain in office
• Policy achievements continued focus on domestic issues (welfare reform, balanced budgets) and foreign policy successes (peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, Balkans)
• Legacy mixed with views on Clinton's presidency and character overshadowed by scandal and impeachment, but continued popularity among many Democrats and supporters

Growing Polarization in American Politics

Growing polarization in 1990s politics

• Ideological differences widened gap between liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans, with disagreements on key issues (taxes, welfare, social policies)
• Newt Gingrich and Republican Revolution marked Gingrich's rise to Speaker of the House in 1995, pushing "Contract with America" conservative agenda and confrontational opposition to Clinton's policies
• Media and political discourse saw rise of partisan media outlets and echo chambers, inflammatory rhetoric, personal attacks in debates, and decreased civility and bipartisanship in Congress
• Cultural and social divisions fueled "culture wars" over issues (abortion, gay rights, gun control), regional differences between liberal urban and conservative rural areas, and growing influence of religious right in Republican Party politics