American Crime Story (2016–…): Season 3, Episode 8 - Stand By Your Man - full transcript
The President must admit the truth to the Nation - and to The First Lady.
Just give us another
five minutes.
All right, come on, guys...
I would like to introduce my
client to you, Gennifer Flowers.
Yes, I was Bill Clinton's lover
for 12 years.
I would have liked to think that
after a 12-year relationship...
...he would have had
the guts to say...
"Yes.
"I had an affair
with this woman,
but it's over."
And that's the truth.
♪
Good to see you again,
Mrs. Clinton.
They're waiting for you
in the meeting room.
How was your flight?
Fine, thanks.
Hey.
Maybe-maybe Carville can do it?
If we do that,
they'll question him.
Um, Hillary, um... sorry
to make you fly up
on such short notice.
No, I-I never mind being here,
George.
Hey, did you, uh...?
We need to respond
to the Gennifer Flowers story.
What? It was cash for trash.
It's a major problem.
No, it isn't.
Gennifer has been in our lives
for quite a while.
Why are we worried about this?
The mainstream press
is running with it.
The Post, The Times...
Then call
Betsey Wright in Arkansas.
She's got a P.I. on the ground
in Little Rock
who can leak
what he has on Gennifer.
We need to destroy
her credibility.
It's too late for that.
We have to address it head-on.
So... what,
so Bill makes a statement?
No.
Hillary, um...
What?
We, uh...
we need you.
No. No, that...
We need you and Bill
to go on 60 Minutes together.
No, I do not think
that's a good idea.
They've offered to do
a special taping.
It'll air right after the Super
Bowl-- that way every person
in the country will be able
to see it with their own eyes.
See what, exactly?
Uh, uh... you know.
That, uh...
uh, that his wife is okay.
That she's come to terms with...
the whole situation and if she's
comes to terms with it,
they can, too.
No, I'm-I'm not doing that.
You're the only person who can
put their minds at ease.
We were open with you before
we even started this campaign.
It was not easy,
but we told you
about Bill's past.
We said that if something
like this comes up,
we weren't even gonna dignify it
with a response.
We all agreed.
He dropped four points
overnight.
And tomorrow it could be
double that.
If he doesn't do better than
third in New Hampshire,
he's done, he's out, but you...
you can save him, Hillary.
Well, clearly, you all talked
this through before I arrived.
You really think
this is a good idea?
We are not using
the word "affair."
No, he-he'll say
"problems in your marriage."
Uh...
All right, are we gonna prepare
for this thing or what?
Uh, have a couple
talking points for you.
Uh, feel free to revise them
any way you want.
Who is Gennifer Flowers?
Do you know her?
How would you describe
your relationship?
Very limited.
I had met her in the late '70s
when I was attorney general.
She was, uh, one of a number
of young people that were
working at the television
stations around Little Rock.
Was she a friend?
An acquaintance?
Does your wife know her?
Yeah, sure-sure I do.
She was an acquaintance.
I-I would say
a friendly acquaintance.
She's alleging that she had
a 12-year affair with you.
It... That allegation
is false.
You know, it-it was only
when money came out,
when the tabloid went down there
offering people money
to say that they've been
involved with me,
that she changed her story.
But in the past, you've said
that your marriage has
had problems.
Does that mean
you were separated?
No.
Does it mean
you contemplated divorce?
Does it mean adultery?
With all due respect,
I don't think
there's a-a-a single person
in this country
who'd feel comfortable detailing
every single thing that's
ever gone on in their marriage.
This is personal to us.
It has nothing
to do with our country.
Listen, I don't like
these questions
any better than you do,
Mrs. Clinton.
I would agree
that most Americans
would find it very admirable
that you've stayed together.
That you seem
to have reached some sort
of understanding
and an arrangement.
Wait a minute,
wait a minute, wait a minute.
You're looking at two people
who love each other.
This is not an arrangement.
Or an understanding.
This is a marriage.
You know, I'm not sitting here
as some little woman
standing by my man,
like Tammy Wynette.
I'm here because I-I love him.
I respect him.
I honor what he's been through,
what we've been
through together and...
you know, if that's
not enough for people,
then, heck, don't vote for him.
It's a meet and greet,
20 minutes,
then we head to the rally.
Okay.
Are the numbers in yet?
Bill stabilized overnight.
The Washington Post is running
an op-ed in support of him.
The interview was
a huge success.
Is that it?
I don't know how to...
Just say it.
Viewers loved Bill,
but the response
to you was less... favorable.
Don't sugarcoat it.
You're being called
"calculating."
"Unfeeling, abrasive."
And the "stand by your man"
comment
didn't play well
in the heartland.
Tammy Wynette wants
a personal apology.
Is there anything else?
Gennifer Flowers just released
a recording
of a phone call
she had with Bill.
I'm so sorry.
Are you okay?
You know what the problem is
with most politicians today?
No pain threshold.
♪
Hi. I'll be right down.
Monica, you don't know who I a.
Wrong number.
No, wait!
I work in the White House.
Who is this?
You have to watch yourself.
It's not just him--
it's her, too.
They're coming for you.
They're trying to destroy you.
Do you have
your driver's license?
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
I just really don't want
to leave you
now that you have to go
to the courthouse and testify.
Mr. Martin has been preparing me
for the grand jury.
I can handle myself, I can.
Monica, it'll do you good
to go to California.
I just keep thinking about you
sitting up there all alone.
Honey.
Don't you worry about me.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Mm.
I love you, Grandma.
I'll miss you.
Hey, Bill.
Hi, sweetheart.
I'll be fine.
Mrs. Clinton, good morning.
Good morning, Matt.
A lot of people in this country
are talking about
the nature of the relationship
between your husband
and Monica Lewinsky, so...
tell me, has your husband
ever described
that relationship to you?
Oh, of course he has.
We-we've talked about it
at great length.
And I know the press is saying
all kinds of things.
It's become a feeding frenzy.
But I think it's important to
remember that the president
has denied these
allegations unequivocally.
The president and Monica
did seem to have
a very close relationship.
Matt, uh... I have known
my husband for 25 years.
He is kind.
He makes sure no one feels
like a stranger.
So I think everyone ought
to stop speculating
and just trust him.
You believe that he's
told you the whole story?
I know he has.
I really have to say, there is
a-a larger problem here
that no one is discussing.
And it concerns me.
Ken Starr's investigation
started out as an inquiry
into a failed land deal.
And now... what is it about?
He has spent four years
and $30 million doing
everything possible
to accuse my husband of a crime.
And it isn't just Ken Starr,
it's a whole operation.
Look at the very people
involved in this.
They have popped up
in other things.
This is the great story here
for anyone willing to write it.
This vast right-wing conspiracy
that has been assaulting
my husband
since the day he announced
he was running for president.
Did you watch?
Of course I watched.
I think Starr thought he was
just messing with me on this.
Now he knows better.
I don't know how you do it.
You were incredible.
Well, that'll teach him
to fuck with us.
What's going on
with my immunity?
Well, Starr's being
a stubborn cocksucker.
So they're gonna arrest me?
No, no, no, you're fine.
Now, listen,
when you get out of the car,
make sure you give
your father a nice hug.
You know, for the camera.
Today, Monica Lewinsky's
mother Marcia Lewis
faced the grand jury
for a day of testimony.
Marcia, what did
they ask you in there?
Marcia, is your daughter
going to jail?
Starr is trying to build a case
against Lewinsky
by figuring out what,
if anything, her mother knows
about the alleged affair.
Marcia! Marcia!
Marcia!
Marcia, what's gonna happen
to Monica?
I can't watch this, I can't.
It'll be all right, it's okay.
People will not stop saying that
to me.
How could you let this happen?
Do you want me
to use mind control?
I-I can't force them to deal!
Yes, you can-- it's your job.
You don't know what the hell
you're talking about.
Monica needs protection.
She needs immunity now.
They came to terms!
I made them come to terms, okay?
They bitched out!
This has to end.
It will.
When?!
How the hell should I know?!
Ask Starr!
Monica Lewinsky is
the only person who has
direct evidence of the alleged
encounter with the president.
She is the linchpin
of Mr. Starr's prosecution.
Without her, he has nothing.
Shut the fuck up.
The president lied
to the American people
and I'm the villain.
His poll numbers are up.
Where are we at getting him
to testify?
Well, we've drafted a subpoena,
but it's useless unless we have
a deal with Monica.
I mean, she's denied it
and he can, too.
We need to get her side
of the story.
It's that malpractice lawyer--
he's getting in our way.
We should just do a deal.
No, I can't,
not with that lunatic Ginsburg.
The man is outside
the universe of discourse.
We've got to keep
putting pressure on Monica.
We've already tried
intimidation.
We-we've subpoenaed her mother,
for Christ's sakes.
Betty Currie,
every single one of her friends.
I mean, what more can we do?
We can turn up the heat.
So I've always been
fascinated with big cats.
The best thing
about working with a big cat
is the ability just
to go inside with him.
And have a relationship...
Look at you.
You're getting so good.
Thanks.
It's not what I thought I'd be
doing day and night at 24.
I have to remind myself
that it's not permanent,
and in ten years,
I'll be in a whole new life,
dealing with my kids
and my husband and my job
and... I just have
to hold onto that.
Nothing's forever.
Ginsburg.
I'll get your dad.
Did you hear something?
Is it good news?
No, it's not.
All right.
Back up, back up, please.
Back up.
Mr. Lewinsky!
Will you visit
your daughter in jail?
Can they really arrest me?
Not today.
They're just trying
to scare you, that's all.
Monica, we need
a handwriting sample first.
If you could, please,
print your name here
three times, then write
the numbers one through ten.
Okay, and now we fingerprint.
Monica, how'd it go in there?
Monica, what's next for you?
Where are you headed next?
Did they fingerprint you
in there?
How did it go in there?
You guys go on ahead,
I'll take care of them.
How are you feeling right now?
Excuse me!
Today, ladies and gentlemen,
my client was subject to an act
of abject intimidation
by Ken Starr
and the Office
of Independent Counsel.
Now, believe me, I understand
that many of you have questions.
I'm going to be indicted,
aren't I, Dad?
I'm going to prison.
I don't know.
But I do know we need
to make a change.
I realized, when my strategy
hit a wall,
that I should step aside.
I insisted that Monica find
new counsel.
Now, of course, I am going
to miss the fight, but
I assure you I intend
to fight on
against the many injustices
of the Office
of the Independent Counsel.
Ginsburg is out.
Monica fired him,
hired new lawyers this morning.
You know Cacheris, represented
Fawn Hall during Iran-Contra.
Let's make a deal.
Thank you.
Monica, good to see you.
Good to see you, too.
Any trouble getting here?
Uh, no, no.
No paparazzi--
the disguise worked.
Okay, this will be
quick and painless.
That's not really
how these people operate.
Morning.
Plato.
Ken Starr's mother-in-law
lives here.
It's Grandma's house,
if you will.
Is Ken Starr coming?
No, but he was here earlier.
I'm Sol Wisenberg,
we met at the off...
I remember you.
Our client will agree
to the terms of your deal.
She's gonna cooperate fully.
And will testify truthfully
about every aspect of her
relationship with Bill Clinton.
In return,
we want immunity
from prosecution for everyone
with the last name Lewinsky.
And this time,
we want it signed.
Is your client in possession
of a navy blue dress?
We're not talking
about a dress today.
If a dress exists,
it will be delivered to you
after the agreement is
delivered to Monica.
Okay, Monica...
please take us through
everything from the beginning.
In 1995, I started my internship
at the White House.
Um, during the fall
of that year,
uh...
during the government shutdown,
the president and I began
a relationship.
Two massive bombs
exploded this morning outside
the U.S. embassies
in Kenya and Tanzania
in what U.S. officials
are calling
a coordinated terrorist attack.
Hundreds have been killed
and thousands more injured.
Rescue crews continue
to search the buildings
for survivors.
It was Usama bin Laden
and his al-Qaeda network.
You might recall
our briefing last year.
Yeah.
He was supposed
to be just some rich kid
talking tough in a cave.
Well, now he's crossed
the Rubicon.
He's killed American citizens.
Well, we have to hit back.
Uh, we're drawing up
a list of targets.
He owns a factory in Sudan
that he may use
to make chemical weapons.
I want to get rid of this guy.
Yes, sir.
Do you have a moment
to speak, Mr. President?
Sure.
What is it?
Starr's team signed
an immunity deal
with Monica Lewinsky.
She's cooperating.
I don't see how we can
keep you from testifying
before the grand jury.
What if I refuse?
Starr's drawing up
a subpoena right now.
Fuck.
You could plead the Fifth,
lay it at my feet.
You can say that on the advice
of your attorney,
you have reluctantly decided
to invoke
your Fifth Amendment right.
Yeah, what is that
gonna look like?
The president
of the United States
sounding like a Mafia toady.
Fuck Starr!
So what would you like us to do?
I don't want to be subpoenaed.
You know... just tell 'em...
I'll go in voluntarily.
All right.
Look, one more thing, sir.
They're requesting
a blood sample from you.
Do you have any idea why
they'd want to run a DNA test?
Leaves of Grass.
The president gave that
to me as a gift.
That was also a gift.
Uh, Gap dress, size 12.
Dark blue.
Where the fuck are they?
Is this some sort of power play?
Well, Starr assured me
they'd be here soon.
Yeah, I-I got a hundred people
and the attorney general
waiting for me in the Blue Room.
This is a waste of my time.
Mr. President, sorry we're late.
Thank you for agreeing
to take this DNA test.
I didn't agree. You insisted.
Can we get on with this?
Mr. President, why did you say
you were "never alone"
with Monica Lewinsky
when there's evidence
you were alone with her
on numerous occasions?
I don't believe I did say that.
Well, you said you never went
with her to your private study.
Did I? Maybe.
I don't recall.
Did you or did you not
participate
in certain intimacies...?
What is with this softball
bullshit, "certain intimacies"?
We got to ask Clinton
the tough questions.
What do you suggest, Kavanaugh?
If Monica Lewinsky
says you ejaculated
into her mouth
on two separate occasions,
would she be lying?
If Monica Lewinsky says
that you masturbated
into a trash can
in your secretary's office,
would she be lying?
We need to be respectful.
Fuck respectful.
Hit him between the eyes.
Brett, we don't even know
if the DNA is a match.
It's a match.
Oh!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Ha!
Hot damn.
Here's what we expect from them.
Starr's team only has four hours
to question you.
We should use long responses
to run out the clock.
Sir...
we need to know
as much as we can
to help prepare you for this.
What was the extent of your
relationship with Ms. Lewinsky?
Look.
Monica and I spent
some time together.
And on a handful of occasions
there was some intimate contact.
But we did not have
sexual relations.
What does that mean, sir?
By some definitions,
the contact between me
and Monica could be classed
as "sexual relations."
But at the Paula Jones
deposition,
her lawyers...
gave me a detailed description
of what they considered
to be sexual relations.
I read it, I thought about it,
and I decided that what happened
between me and Monica
didn't count.
Under their definition...
I told the truth.
Under their definition.
It's clever.
Clearly I've got
my work cut out for me.
Gentlemen. David, I'll see you.
Sir?
Thanks, Bob.
Mr. President...
...if that is what you are
gonna say to the jury,
have you prepared
the first lady?
Because as soon as you testify,
the whole world will find out.
I just can't bring myself
to tell her.
It's gonna be horrible.
It's better
that she hear it now.
David...
you've known her a long time.
You think you could...
soften her up
on the idea for me?
You want me...?
Please.
I'd appreciate it.
Mr. Kendall is here.
David, how's the prep going?
Oh... good.
Starr's team doesn't know
what they're in for.
Bill is one of this country's
great legal minds.
And completely self-taught.
He spent more time proposing
to me than studying.
Yes.
I just wanted to see
how you were
feeling about tomorrow.
Fine.
I just wish he didn't have
to go through it.
So you're not worried at all?
Oh, should I be?
What if there's more
to this thing than you know?
Between Bill and this woman.
Well, it took them seven months
to reach a deal with her.
I'm sure they got her
to flip the same way
they did every other witness.
You dangle a prison sentence
in front of a 24-year-old,
she'll tell you
any story you want.
Now, I don't blame her,
but I would not believe
a word she said.
And...
you're sure nothing's happened?
I appreciate you, David.
And I am aware
of my husband's reputation.
Bill has never lied to me
about the things he's done.
He tells me everything.
That's how we survive.
♪
Have you been up all night?
Hillary, I need
to tell you something.
This thing with Monica Lewinsky?
It's more serious
than I made it out to be.
I slipped up.
She came onto me.
I let it happen
a couple of times.
What are you,
what are you saying?
You...
I messed up.
I-I should've told you...
We never had sex.
You said nothing happened.
You said she stalked you.
I'm so sorry.
So where-where
did you even have...?
In the office.
No-no one saw. Look, it was...
it was meaningless... it was...
You lied to me!
I wa-- I was trying
to protect you.
I wa-- I was trying to...
You liar!
How could you?!
I'm sorry.
I went out there and I,
I defended you
in front of everybody
the whole time!
You-you knew that so...
Don't you dare touch me!
How could you do this to me?
How could you?
I didn't want to hurt Chelsea.
So everyone else--
Ken Starr,
they-they're all right,
and I'm the fucking fool?!
No, that's not true.
You looked me in the eyes.
You told me nothing happened.
You said it was all made up.
You... you fucking promised me!
I'm sorr...
I can't listen to you.
You have to go. Just get out.
Get out!
And you better tell Chelsea
before she finds out on CNN.
Good morning.
Sir, an asset in Afghanistan
says senior members of al-Qaeda
plan to meet in three days
at a camp called Zawhar Kili.
And Usama bin Laden is
likely to be there.
Definite "likely."
If I may, my top general
in Afghanistan
has seen this intel,
he says it's iffy.
It's a long shot.
CIA CTC disagrees.
There will be a meeting,
bin Laden will attend.
This is our chance,
Mr. President.
Sir, we know this is
a complex time
to call in a strike.
Uh, people might accuse you
of attempting to distract...
Sandy, don't give me
political advice.
You all recommend I strike,
I strike.
I say we put Zawhar Kili
on the list
and let American missiles
do the work.
Unless you want to hold off,
Mr. President.
:
Mr. President?
Let's get him.
Mr. President,
Starr and his team are here.
Judge Starr,
this grand jury is in session.
Thank you. Can we please
proceed with the oath?
President Clinton, can you
please raise your right hand?
Mr. President, do you swear
to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but
the truth, so help you God?
I do.
Good afternoon, Mr. President.
Good afternoon.
Today your testimony
is being piped through
to a courtroom
where the ladies and gentlemen
of the grand jury are listening.
Do you understand that, sir?
Yes, I do.
On January 17th,
during your deposition
for the Paula Jones case,
you took an oath.
Is that correct?
I did, yes.
Could you please tell
the grand jury
what taking that oath
meant to you?
It meant I had to answer
the questions truthfully.
I see.
And do you believe
you answered them truthfully
during your deposition?
Yes, sir, I do.
Mr. President...
were you ever physically
intimate with Monica Lewinsky?
I think I can, uh,
save you and the grand jury
a lot of time
if-if I can read a statement
that will make it clear
what the, uh,
nature of my relationship
with Ms. Lewinsky was.
And with your permission,
I'd like to read that statement.
Go ahead, Mr. President.
What is happening?
Starr can't
let him read a statement.
When I was alone
with Ms. Lewinsky
on certain occasions
in early 1996,
and once in early 1997,
I engaged in conduct
that was wrong.
These encounters did not
consist of sexual intercourse.
They did not constitute
sexual relations
as I understood that term
to be defined
at my January 17th deposition.
But they did involve
inappropriate
intimate contact.
These encounters ended
at my insistence.
I regret that what began
as a friendship
came to include this conduct.
And I take full responsibility
for my actions.
While I will provide
the grand jury
whatever other information
I can,
because
of privacy considerations,
affecting my family,
myself and others...
and in an effort
to preserve the dignity
of the office I hold,
this is all I will
say about the specifics
of these particular matters.
He's saying he won't answer
any questions
about specific sex acts.
Every question we planned
on asking is fucking useless.
You, would you like this?
During your deposition,
Mr. President,
do you remember that you were
asked about Ms. Lewinsky?
Yes, sir, I do.
And do you remember the term
"sexual relations"
from your deposition?
I do.
Did you understand
the definition of that term?
I did.
If you understood the term,
then why did you deny
having sexual relations
with Monica Lewinsky?
Well, why don't I tell you
my understanding of the, uh,
definition I was given.
As far as I'm concerned,
"sexual relations"
covers contact
between certain areas
of the body
with "an intent
to arouse or gratify."
It excludes any other activity.
So you're saying
it only applies to you yourself
touching certain parts
of Ms. Lewinsky's body
with intent to arouse her?
Exactly.
See, when I read it, I thought
it was a strange definition,
but that was the one
that the Paula Jones
legal team decided on.
During your deposition,
your lawyer said
there was no sex of any kind
in any manner
between you and Ms. Lewinsky.
Isn't that false?
No.
Did Monica lie in her affidavit
by denying the two of you had
a relationship?
Not necessarily.
See, I-I don't know
what Monica was thinking
when she filled out
her affidavit,
but it's quite possible
that what she said wasn't a lie,
depending on how she interpreted
that definition
of "sexual relations."
Mr. President,
even if you didn't have "sexual
relations" by that definition,
you still engaged in...
other sexual activities.
So the statement
"There was no sex of any kind
in any manner" is a lie.
Is it not?
Well, that depends
upon what the meaning
of the word "is" is.
For fuck's sake, he's running
circles around them.
If "is" means
"is and never has been,"
that is one thing,
but if it means "there is none
at the present moment,"
then that was a completely
true statement.
Did you talk
with Ms. Lewinsky about what
she meant to write
in her affidavit?
No, sir, I did not.
Your lawyer was trying
to mislead the judge during
your deposition, was he not?
You'll have to ask him.
I was focusing
on my own testimony.
In that testimony, when asked
if you'd ever been alone
with Ms. Lewinsky,
you seemed to struggle
with your memory.
Were you trying
to mislead the judge?
No, look...
I did my best, sir,
at this time.
I did not know
what I now know about this.
A lot of other things
were going on in my life.
Did I want this come out? No.
Was I embarrassed about it? Yes.
Did I ask her to lie about it?
No.
I say to the grand jury,
put yourself in my position.
I am doing my best to cooperate.
And protect myself,
my family and my office.
I am trying to tell the truth
about what happened
between Ms. Lewinsky and me.
But this does not
change the fact
that the real reason
that the Jones lawyers
zeroed in on me
in the first place
was because this was
a bogus lawsuit
funded by my political enemies.
Uh...
just a moment, Mr. President.
This is going nowhere.
He's talking to the jurors.
I say we just move on
to their questions.
No, I have some questions.
Mr. President,
in your statement earlier,
you said that you engaged
in "intimate contact"
with Ms. Lewinsky.
What exactly do you mean
by that?
I did things
that were inappropriate,
but they did not include
any activity
that was within the definition
of "sexual relations"
I was given.
Directly touching
the listed body parts
with "an intent
to arouse or gratify."
Is kissing
within that definition?
As I understood it, no.
Is touching a person's breast
within that definition?
If it was direct
and not through clothing,
then, yes, I think
that could constitute contact.
Is having oral sex
performed on you
within that definition?
No.
Why not?
Because there was no intent
on my end to arouse.
Did Monica Lewinsky
perform oral sex on you?
And I believe the people
of the grand jury deserve
a direct answer to this--
did she, yes
or no?
I am not going
to answer that question.
I'm going to refer
to my initial statement.
We're fucked.
We're at time.
I-I'd like
a few more moments
with the witness, please,
if I may?
The president has
important matters to attend to.
It'll only take a minute...
We've agreed on four hours.
It's been four hours.
Have a good one, Ken.
If he's gonna confess
to the entire nation,
he has to say sorry.
No way, no apology.
It'll make him look sincere.
It'll make him look weak.
He needs to take
responsibility, Sid.
Have you forgotten Iran-Contra?
Ronald Reagan apologized!
Reagan said,
"Mistakes were made."
He didn't say he made them.
Okay, so what if we don't use
the word "sorry"?
What about...
"I have fallen short
of what you should expect
from a president"?
How about if we just say, uh,
Ken Starr's investigation
is a bunch of horseshit?
I don't think
that's a good idea, sir.
What do you think, Hillary?
It's your speech.
Say whatever you want.
You are the president.
I guess.
Good evening.
This afternoon I testified
before the Office
of Independent Counsel
and the grand jury.
I answered
their questions truthfully.
Including questions
about my private life.
Questions no American citizen
would ever want to answer.
Still...
I must take
complete responsibility
for all my actions, both public
and private.
Indeed...
I did have a relationship
with Ms. Lewinsky
that was not appropriate.
In fact, it was wrong.
But I told the grand jury today
and I say to you now
that at no time did I ask anyone
to take any unlawful action.
I know that my public comments
and my silence about this matter
gave a false impression.
I misled people.
Including even my wife.
I deeply regret that.
Now this matter is between
the two people I love most.
My wife and our daughter.
And our God.
I must put it right.
And I am prepared
to do whatever it takes
to do so.
Nothing is more important
to me personally.
But it is private.
It's nobody's business
but ours.
Even presidents
have private lives.
♪
Come on, boy.
Oh.
It's nice to be here.
I need some fresh air.
I'm gonna take a walk
around the island.
That's not advisable,
Mrs. Clinton.
Why not?
It's not safe.
We surveyed the island--
press is everywhere.
We could assemble a team
to accompany you,
but we recommend
you stay on the property.
Can you make sure that
the president's belongings
are put in the guesthouse?
Mr. President,
the Tomahawks are spinning
in their launch tubes,
ready to fly.
Let's hit this chemical plant
he owns in Sudan.
Yes, sir, and Zawhar Kili,
the camp?
You believe bin Laden is there?
CIA has the highest confidence.
Okay.
Then do it.
Hill, you almost ready?
You know, we don't have
to go tonight.
Vernon and Ann will understand.
I honor my commitments, Bill.
Ah, the birthday boy.
Hey, buddy.
Hey! Hey, how old are you now?
21?
I'm an old dog, Vernon.
52.
Oh!
Ann.
Ooh.
It's been too long.
Thanks for having us.
Well, it wouldn't be a summer
on the Vineyard
without our birthday celebration
for Bill.
Yeah.
It's so good
to see you two together.
Who wants a drink?
I have a California red
you'll go crazy for, Hillary.
Mm.
It's delicious.
Ah.
Are you okay, Hillary?
I'm fine.
You and Bill must be just...
You know, ev-everything's fine.
Really, uh...
we're okay.
Good.
The fall is-is
going to be busy-- we are headed
to Northern Ireland
to help
with the peace negotiations.
W-Wait, that is beautiful.
That wasn't here last time.
It's been hell.
I can't even imagine.
She won't speak to me.
Barely even look at me.
I don't think
she's ever gonna forgive me.
No one on the Hill
will take my calls.
You know, I tried
Feinstein, Lieberman.
Couldn't even get
that progressive nut
Kucinich to pick up the phone.
They're mad at you for lying.
I'm worried.
It's a tantrum-- it'll pass.
Yeah, but it's up to them
if this goes to impeachment.
Don't even entertain
the thought.
They will fall in line.
I'm a fool.
I know that.
And I'm so sorry
I got you mixed up in it.
It's all right,
these things happen.
You think you could help me
with Hillary?
No, no, a good word from you
will go a long way.
Bill, you and I both know
I am not the best person
for that job.
This corn is delicious.
Mm.
They grow it right here
on the property.
When does, uh,
Chelsea head back to school?
September.
Is she having fun at Stanford?
You know Chelsea--
she's such a diligent student.
Fun is not a priority.
Oh, she gets that
from her mother.
No...
what I meant was, uh...
you know, Hillary's
such a high achiever.
You know,
she knows what she wants.
Not afraid to go after it.
That's certainly true.
You know, after we won in, uh,
in '92, Hillary and I did a...
like a kind of victory lap
from state to state.
You know, and we were driving
through her hometown
in Park Ridge,
and the limo runs out of gas.
So, you know, we pull
into this little station,
and, uh, this guy notices Hill.
And he says,
"Hey, Hillary, remember me?
We used to date."
And, uh, as we pull away,
you know,
I turn to her all proud,
and I said,
"I bet you're glad
you married the president
and not that guy."
And you know what she said?
Tell him, honey.
If I had married that guy,
he would be president.
You remember that trip?
I remember.
♪ Happy birthday♪
♪ To you♪
♪ Happy birthday to you♪
♪ Happy birthday♪
♪ Dear Bill♪
♪ Mr. President♪
♪ Happy birthday to you.♪
Ha-ha! Hear, hear!
Hillary, please.
Just leave me alone.
Hillary, come on.
No, just, just get away from me.
Just-just fucking talk to me.
You want me to talk to you?
Really, you want to know
how I'm feeling?
You selfish
piece of shit,
how do you think I'm feeling?
I am devastated!
I am mortified!
I am appalled!
That's how I'm feeling.
It was a meaningless
distraction.
You know, I-I tried to end it.
But she wouldn't leave me alone.
Oh, you-you let an obsessive,
crazy person into your life,
and then she wouldn't
leave you alone.
Imagine that.
Look, I'm begging you,
please forgive me.
It was a reckless,
stupid mistake.
You know, I-I'm a weak person.
It goes back a long way...
Please, please?
If I hear that story one more
time, I-I-I'm gonna be sick.
Poor little Bill and...
the-the stern grandmother
and the alcoholic stepfather
and your tragic fucking life!
You know what you are,
Bill, you are...
chaos.
You are mayhem.
It's like everywhere you go,
everything you do,
it just disorients people long
enough for you to have your way.
You know, for the longest time,
I was stupid enough
to think that I could
control this chaos
'cause we were a team.
It was you and me
against the world.
We had causes we believed in.
We had a mission,
we had a purpose.
And there was nothing
we couldn't do.
We weren't like anybody else.
Because we were
gonna do it together.
And I was...
I was wrong! I was so wrong!
You lit our life
on fire.
You exposed us to...
this narcissistic loony tune,
to this psychopath
Linda Tripp,
you exposed us to Ken Starr.
Everything
that we've worked for!
For what? For sex?
No, it wa-- it wasn't...
We-we didn't even...
No, please, please.
Just because you didn't
always finish,
doesn't mean
that you didn't start.
This-this is
an arrangement, Bill.
That is all this is--
do you understand that?
No, it's not true.
No, look, Bill, I threw
my body in front of yours
to protect you.
I humiliated myself
for your benefit.
Only to find out
that you have done
whatever the fuck you wanted.
Look...
I'll do anything
to make this up to you.
Whatever you want--
just please don't leave me.
You're the only woman
I've ever loved-- I need you.
Don't leave me.
But do you really think
I can leave you?
Are you really that naive?
I can't leave you.
I don't have a choice.
If I leave, I'm the woman
who left President Clinton.
If I stay,
I'm the woman who stayed.
I lose either way.
'Cause I-I didn't invest in me.
I invested in us.
And now you've made--
you've made me look stupid,
and I... I hate you for that!
♪
Sir?
I was told to relay a message.
Operation complete.
There will be
more intel tomorrow
about the success
of the endeavor.
Thank you.
Come here, come on.
Come here.
Come on.
Come on, come here.
Sandy Berger's waiting outside,
Mr. President.
Your bags have been loaded
into the car.
♪
What have you heard?
They've been to the camp.
They've checked all the bodies.
And?
No bin Laden.
♪
♪ Sometimes it's hard♪
♪ To be a woman♪
♪ Giving all your love♪
♪ To just one man♪
♪ And if you love him♪
♪ Oh, be proud of him♪
♪ 'Cause, after all,
he's just a man♪
♪ Stand by your man♪
♪ Give him two arms
to cling to♪
♪ And something warm
to come to♪
♪ When nights are
cold and lonely♪
♪ Stand by your man♪
♪ And show the world
you love him♪
♪ Keep giving all the love♪
♪ You can♪
♪ Stand by♪
♪ Your man.♪
Captioned by
Media Access Group at WGBH
five minutes.
All right, come on, guys...
I would like to introduce my
client to you, Gennifer Flowers.
Yes, I was Bill Clinton's lover
for 12 years.
I would have liked to think that
after a 12-year relationship...
...he would have had
the guts to say...
"Yes.
"I had an affair
with this woman,
but it's over."
And that's the truth.
♪
Good to see you again,
Mrs. Clinton.
They're waiting for you
in the meeting room.
How was your flight?
Fine, thanks.
Hey.
Maybe-maybe Carville can do it?
If we do that,
they'll question him.
Um, Hillary, um... sorry
to make you fly up
on such short notice.
No, I-I never mind being here,
George.
Hey, did you, uh...?
We need to respond
to the Gennifer Flowers story.
What? It was cash for trash.
It's a major problem.
No, it isn't.
Gennifer has been in our lives
for quite a while.
Why are we worried about this?
The mainstream press
is running with it.
The Post, The Times...
Then call
Betsey Wright in Arkansas.
She's got a P.I. on the ground
in Little Rock
who can leak
what he has on Gennifer.
We need to destroy
her credibility.
It's too late for that.
We have to address it head-on.
So... what,
so Bill makes a statement?
No.
Hillary, um...
What?
We, uh...
we need you.
No. No, that...
We need you and Bill
to go on 60 Minutes together.
No, I do not think
that's a good idea.
They've offered to do
a special taping.
It'll air right after the Super
Bowl-- that way every person
in the country will be able
to see it with their own eyes.
See what, exactly?
Uh, uh... you know.
That, uh...
uh, that his wife is okay.
That she's come to terms with...
the whole situation and if she's
comes to terms with it,
they can, too.
No, I'm-I'm not doing that.
You're the only person who can
put their minds at ease.
We were open with you before
we even started this campaign.
It was not easy,
but we told you
about Bill's past.
We said that if something
like this comes up,
we weren't even gonna dignify it
with a response.
We all agreed.
He dropped four points
overnight.
And tomorrow it could be
double that.
If he doesn't do better than
third in New Hampshire,
he's done, he's out, but you...
you can save him, Hillary.
Well, clearly, you all talked
this through before I arrived.
You really think
this is a good idea?
We are not using
the word "affair."
No, he-he'll say
"problems in your marriage."
Uh...
All right, are we gonna prepare
for this thing or what?
Uh, have a couple
talking points for you.
Uh, feel free to revise them
any way you want.
Who is Gennifer Flowers?
Do you know her?
How would you describe
your relationship?
Very limited.
I had met her in the late '70s
when I was attorney general.
She was, uh, one of a number
of young people that were
working at the television
stations around Little Rock.
Was she a friend?
An acquaintance?
Does your wife know her?
Yeah, sure-sure I do.
She was an acquaintance.
I-I would say
a friendly acquaintance.
She's alleging that she had
a 12-year affair with you.
It... That allegation
is false.
You know, it-it was only
when money came out,
when the tabloid went down there
offering people money
to say that they've been
involved with me,
that she changed her story.
But in the past, you've said
that your marriage has
had problems.
Does that mean
you were separated?
No.
Does it mean
you contemplated divorce?
Does it mean adultery?
With all due respect,
I don't think
there's a-a-a single person
in this country
who'd feel comfortable detailing
every single thing that's
ever gone on in their marriage.
This is personal to us.
It has nothing
to do with our country.
Listen, I don't like
these questions
any better than you do,
Mrs. Clinton.
I would agree
that most Americans
would find it very admirable
that you've stayed together.
That you seem
to have reached some sort
of understanding
and an arrangement.
Wait a minute,
wait a minute, wait a minute.
You're looking at two people
who love each other.
This is not an arrangement.
Or an understanding.
This is a marriage.
You know, I'm not sitting here
as some little woman
standing by my man,
like Tammy Wynette.
I'm here because I-I love him.
I respect him.
I honor what he's been through,
what we've been
through together and...
you know, if that's
not enough for people,
then, heck, don't vote for him.
It's a meet and greet,
20 minutes,
then we head to the rally.
Okay.
Are the numbers in yet?
Bill stabilized overnight.
The Washington Post is running
an op-ed in support of him.
The interview was
a huge success.
Is that it?
I don't know how to...
Just say it.
Viewers loved Bill,
but the response
to you was less... favorable.
Don't sugarcoat it.
You're being called
"calculating."
"Unfeeling, abrasive."
And the "stand by your man"
comment
didn't play well
in the heartland.
Tammy Wynette wants
a personal apology.
Is there anything else?
Gennifer Flowers just released
a recording
of a phone call
she had with Bill.
I'm so sorry.
Are you okay?
You know what the problem is
with most politicians today?
No pain threshold.
♪
Hi. I'll be right down.
Monica, you don't know who I a.
Wrong number.
No, wait!
I work in the White House.
Who is this?
You have to watch yourself.
It's not just him--
it's her, too.
They're coming for you.
They're trying to destroy you.
Do you have
your driver's license?
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
I just really don't want
to leave you
now that you have to go
to the courthouse and testify.
Mr. Martin has been preparing me
for the grand jury.
I can handle myself, I can.
Monica, it'll do you good
to go to California.
I just keep thinking about you
sitting up there all alone.
Honey.
Don't you worry about me.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Mm.
I love you, Grandma.
I'll miss you.
Hey, Bill.
Hi, sweetheart.
I'll be fine.
Mrs. Clinton, good morning.
Good morning, Matt.
A lot of people in this country
are talking about
the nature of the relationship
between your husband
and Monica Lewinsky, so...
tell me, has your husband
ever described
that relationship to you?
Oh, of course he has.
We-we've talked about it
at great length.
And I know the press is saying
all kinds of things.
It's become a feeding frenzy.
But I think it's important to
remember that the president
has denied these
allegations unequivocally.
The president and Monica
did seem to have
a very close relationship.
Matt, uh... I have known
my husband for 25 years.
He is kind.
He makes sure no one feels
like a stranger.
So I think everyone ought
to stop speculating
and just trust him.
You believe that he's
told you the whole story?
I know he has.
I really have to say, there is
a-a larger problem here
that no one is discussing.
And it concerns me.
Ken Starr's investigation
started out as an inquiry
into a failed land deal.
And now... what is it about?
He has spent four years
and $30 million doing
everything possible
to accuse my husband of a crime.
And it isn't just Ken Starr,
it's a whole operation.
Look at the very people
involved in this.
They have popped up
in other things.
This is the great story here
for anyone willing to write it.
This vast right-wing conspiracy
that has been assaulting
my husband
since the day he announced
he was running for president.
Did you watch?
Of course I watched.
I think Starr thought he was
just messing with me on this.
Now he knows better.
I don't know how you do it.
You were incredible.
Well, that'll teach him
to fuck with us.
What's going on
with my immunity?
Well, Starr's being
a stubborn cocksucker.
So they're gonna arrest me?
No, no, no, you're fine.
Now, listen,
when you get out of the car,
make sure you give
your father a nice hug.
You know, for the camera.
Today, Monica Lewinsky's
mother Marcia Lewis
faced the grand jury
for a day of testimony.
Marcia, what did
they ask you in there?
Marcia, is your daughter
going to jail?
Starr is trying to build a case
against Lewinsky
by figuring out what,
if anything, her mother knows
about the alleged affair.
Marcia! Marcia!
Marcia!
Marcia, what's gonna happen
to Monica?
I can't watch this, I can't.
It'll be all right, it's okay.
People will not stop saying that
to me.
How could you let this happen?
Do you want me
to use mind control?
I-I can't force them to deal!
Yes, you can-- it's your job.
You don't know what the hell
you're talking about.
Monica needs protection.
She needs immunity now.
They came to terms!
I made them come to terms, okay?
They bitched out!
This has to end.
It will.
When?!
How the hell should I know?!
Ask Starr!
Monica Lewinsky is
the only person who has
direct evidence of the alleged
encounter with the president.
She is the linchpin
of Mr. Starr's prosecution.
Without her, he has nothing.
Shut the fuck up.
The president lied
to the American people
and I'm the villain.
His poll numbers are up.
Where are we at getting him
to testify?
Well, we've drafted a subpoena,
but it's useless unless we have
a deal with Monica.
I mean, she's denied it
and he can, too.
We need to get her side
of the story.
It's that malpractice lawyer--
he's getting in our way.
We should just do a deal.
No, I can't,
not with that lunatic Ginsburg.
The man is outside
the universe of discourse.
We've got to keep
putting pressure on Monica.
We've already tried
intimidation.
We-we've subpoenaed her mother,
for Christ's sakes.
Betty Currie,
every single one of her friends.
I mean, what more can we do?
We can turn up the heat.
So I've always been
fascinated with big cats.
The best thing
about working with a big cat
is the ability just
to go inside with him.
And have a relationship...
Look at you.
You're getting so good.
Thanks.
It's not what I thought I'd be
doing day and night at 24.
I have to remind myself
that it's not permanent,
and in ten years,
I'll be in a whole new life,
dealing with my kids
and my husband and my job
and... I just have
to hold onto that.
Nothing's forever.
Ginsburg.
I'll get your dad.
Did you hear something?
Is it good news?
No, it's not.
All right.
Back up, back up, please.
Back up.
Mr. Lewinsky!
Will you visit
your daughter in jail?
Can they really arrest me?
Not today.
They're just trying
to scare you, that's all.
Monica, we need
a handwriting sample first.
If you could, please,
print your name here
three times, then write
the numbers one through ten.
Okay, and now we fingerprint.
Monica, how'd it go in there?
Monica, what's next for you?
Where are you headed next?
Did they fingerprint you
in there?
How did it go in there?
You guys go on ahead,
I'll take care of them.
How are you feeling right now?
Excuse me!
Today, ladies and gentlemen,
my client was subject to an act
of abject intimidation
by Ken Starr
and the Office
of Independent Counsel.
Now, believe me, I understand
that many of you have questions.
I'm going to be indicted,
aren't I, Dad?
I'm going to prison.
I don't know.
But I do know we need
to make a change.
I realized, when my strategy
hit a wall,
that I should step aside.
I insisted that Monica find
new counsel.
Now, of course, I am going
to miss the fight, but
I assure you I intend
to fight on
against the many injustices
of the Office
of the Independent Counsel.
Ginsburg is out.
Monica fired him,
hired new lawyers this morning.
You know Cacheris, represented
Fawn Hall during Iran-Contra.
Let's make a deal.
Thank you.
Monica, good to see you.
Good to see you, too.
Any trouble getting here?
Uh, no, no.
No paparazzi--
the disguise worked.
Okay, this will be
quick and painless.
That's not really
how these people operate.
Morning.
Plato.
Ken Starr's mother-in-law
lives here.
It's Grandma's house,
if you will.
Is Ken Starr coming?
No, but he was here earlier.
I'm Sol Wisenberg,
we met at the off...
I remember you.
Our client will agree
to the terms of your deal.
She's gonna cooperate fully.
And will testify truthfully
about every aspect of her
relationship with Bill Clinton.
In return,
we want immunity
from prosecution for everyone
with the last name Lewinsky.
And this time,
we want it signed.
Is your client in possession
of a navy blue dress?
We're not talking
about a dress today.
If a dress exists,
it will be delivered to you
after the agreement is
delivered to Monica.
Okay, Monica...
please take us through
everything from the beginning.
In 1995, I started my internship
at the White House.
Um, during the fall
of that year,
uh...
during the government shutdown,
the president and I began
a relationship.
Two massive bombs
exploded this morning outside
the U.S. embassies
in Kenya and Tanzania
in what U.S. officials
are calling
a coordinated terrorist attack.
Hundreds have been killed
and thousands more injured.
Rescue crews continue
to search the buildings
for survivors.
It was Usama bin Laden
and his al-Qaeda network.
You might recall
our briefing last year.
Yeah.
He was supposed
to be just some rich kid
talking tough in a cave.
Well, now he's crossed
the Rubicon.
He's killed American citizens.
Well, we have to hit back.
Uh, we're drawing up
a list of targets.
He owns a factory in Sudan
that he may use
to make chemical weapons.
I want to get rid of this guy.
Yes, sir.
Do you have a moment
to speak, Mr. President?
Sure.
What is it?
Starr's team signed
an immunity deal
with Monica Lewinsky.
She's cooperating.
I don't see how we can
keep you from testifying
before the grand jury.
What if I refuse?
Starr's drawing up
a subpoena right now.
Fuck.
You could plead the Fifth,
lay it at my feet.
You can say that on the advice
of your attorney,
you have reluctantly decided
to invoke
your Fifth Amendment right.
Yeah, what is that
gonna look like?
The president
of the United States
sounding like a Mafia toady.
Fuck Starr!
So what would you like us to do?
I don't want to be subpoenaed.
You know... just tell 'em...
I'll go in voluntarily.
All right.
Look, one more thing, sir.
They're requesting
a blood sample from you.
Do you have any idea why
they'd want to run a DNA test?
Leaves of Grass.
The president gave that
to me as a gift.
That was also a gift.
Uh, Gap dress, size 12.
Dark blue.
Where the fuck are they?
Is this some sort of power play?
Well, Starr assured me
they'd be here soon.
Yeah, I-I got a hundred people
and the attorney general
waiting for me in the Blue Room.
This is a waste of my time.
Mr. President, sorry we're late.
Thank you for agreeing
to take this DNA test.
I didn't agree. You insisted.
Can we get on with this?
Mr. President, why did you say
you were "never alone"
with Monica Lewinsky
when there's evidence
you were alone with her
on numerous occasions?
I don't believe I did say that.
Well, you said you never went
with her to your private study.
Did I? Maybe.
I don't recall.
Did you or did you not
participate
in certain intimacies...?
What is with this softball
bullshit, "certain intimacies"?
We got to ask Clinton
the tough questions.
What do you suggest, Kavanaugh?
If Monica Lewinsky
says you ejaculated
into her mouth
on two separate occasions,
would she be lying?
If Monica Lewinsky says
that you masturbated
into a trash can
in your secretary's office,
would she be lying?
We need to be respectful.
Fuck respectful.
Hit him between the eyes.
Brett, we don't even know
if the DNA is a match.
It's a match.
Oh!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Ha!
Hot damn.
Here's what we expect from them.
Starr's team only has four hours
to question you.
We should use long responses
to run out the clock.
Sir...
we need to know
as much as we can
to help prepare you for this.
What was the extent of your
relationship with Ms. Lewinsky?
Look.
Monica and I spent
some time together.
And on a handful of occasions
there was some intimate contact.
But we did not have
sexual relations.
What does that mean, sir?
By some definitions,
the contact between me
and Monica could be classed
as "sexual relations."
But at the Paula Jones
deposition,
her lawyers...
gave me a detailed description
of what they considered
to be sexual relations.
I read it, I thought about it,
and I decided that what happened
between me and Monica
didn't count.
Under their definition...
I told the truth.
Under their definition.
It's clever.
Clearly I've got
my work cut out for me.
Gentlemen. David, I'll see you.
Sir?
Thanks, Bob.
Mr. President...
...if that is what you are
gonna say to the jury,
have you prepared
the first lady?
Because as soon as you testify,
the whole world will find out.
I just can't bring myself
to tell her.
It's gonna be horrible.
It's better
that she hear it now.
David...
you've known her a long time.
You think you could...
soften her up
on the idea for me?
You want me...?
Please.
I'd appreciate it.
Mr. Kendall is here.
David, how's the prep going?
Oh... good.
Starr's team doesn't know
what they're in for.
Bill is one of this country's
great legal minds.
And completely self-taught.
He spent more time proposing
to me than studying.
Yes.
I just wanted to see
how you were
feeling about tomorrow.
Fine.
I just wish he didn't have
to go through it.
So you're not worried at all?
Oh, should I be?
What if there's more
to this thing than you know?
Between Bill and this woman.
Well, it took them seven months
to reach a deal with her.
I'm sure they got her
to flip the same way
they did every other witness.
You dangle a prison sentence
in front of a 24-year-old,
she'll tell you
any story you want.
Now, I don't blame her,
but I would not believe
a word she said.
And...
you're sure nothing's happened?
I appreciate you, David.
And I am aware
of my husband's reputation.
Bill has never lied to me
about the things he's done.
He tells me everything.
That's how we survive.
♪
Have you been up all night?
Hillary, I need
to tell you something.
This thing with Monica Lewinsky?
It's more serious
than I made it out to be.
I slipped up.
She came onto me.
I let it happen
a couple of times.
What are you,
what are you saying?
You...
I messed up.
I-I should've told you...
We never had sex.
You said nothing happened.
You said she stalked you.
I'm so sorry.
So where-where
did you even have...?
In the office.
No-no one saw. Look, it was...
it was meaningless... it was...
You lied to me!
I wa-- I was trying
to protect you.
I wa-- I was trying to...
You liar!
How could you?!
I'm sorry.
I went out there and I,
I defended you
in front of everybody
the whole time!
You-you knew that so...
Don't you dare touch me!
How could you do this to me?
How could you?
I didn't want to hurt Chelsea.
So everyone else--
Ken Starr,
they-they're all right,
and I'm the fucking fool?!
No, that's not true.
You looked me in the eyes.
You told me nothing happened.
You said it was all made up.
You... you fucking promised me!
I'm sorr...
I can't listen to you.
You have to go. Just get out.
Get out!
And you better tell Chelsea
before she finds out on CNN.
Good morning.
Sir, an asset in Afghanistan
says senior members of al-Qaeda
plan to meet in three days
at a camp called Zawhar Kili.
And Usama bin Laden is
likely to be there.
Definite "likely."
If I may, my top general
in Afghanistan
has seen this intel,
he says it's iffy.
It's a long shot.
CIA CTC disagrees.
There will be a meeting,
bin Laden will attend.
This is our chance,
Mr. President.
Sir, we know this is
a complex time
to call in a strike.
Uh, people might accuse you
of attempting to distract...
Sandy, don't give me
political advice.
You all recommend I strike,
I strike.
I say we put Zawhar Kili
on the list
and let American missiles
do the work.
Unless you want to hold off,
Mr. President.
:
Mr. President?
Let's get him.
Mr. President,
Starr and his team are here.
Judge Starr,
this grand jury is in session.
Thank you. Can we please
proceed with the oath?
President Clinton, can you
please raise your right hand?
Mr. President, do you swear
to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but
the truth, so help you God?
I do.
Good afternoon, Mr. President.
Good afternoon.
Today your testimony
is being piped through
to a courtroom
where the ladies and gentlemen
of the grand jury are listening.
Do you understand that, sir?
Yes, I do.
On January 17th,
during your deposition
for the Paula Jones case,
you took an oath.
Is that correct?
I did, yes.
Could you please tell
the grand jury
what taking that oath
meant to you?
It meant I had to answer
the questions truthfully.
I see.
And do you believe
you answered them truthfully
during your deposition?
Yes, sir, I do.
Mr. President...
were you ever physically
intimate with Monica Lewinsky?
I think I can, uh,
save you and the grand jury
a lot of time
if-if I can read a statement
that will make it clear
what the, uh,
nature of my relationship
with Ms. Lewinsky was.
And with your permission,
I'd like to read that statement.
Go ahead, Mr. President.
What is happening?
Starr can't
let him read a statement.
When I was alone
with Ms. Lewinsky
on certain occasions
in early 1996,
and once in early 1997,
I engaged in conduct
that was wrong.
These encounters did not
consist of sexual intercourse.
They did not constitute
sexual relations
as I understood that term
to be defined
at my January 17th deposition.
But they did involve
inappropriate
intimate contact.
These encounters ended
at my insistence.
I regret that what began
as a friendship
came to include this conduct.
And I take full responsibility
for my actions.
While I will provide
the grand jury
whatever other information
I can,
because
of privacy considerations,
affecting my family,
myself and others...
and in an effort
to preserve the dignity
of the office I hold,
this is all I will
say about the specifics
of these particular matters.
He's saying he won't answer
any questions
about specific sex acts.
Every question we planned
on asking is fucking useless.
You, would you like this?
During your deposition,
Mr. President,
do you remember that you were
asked about Ms. Lewinsky?
Yes, sir, I do.
And do you remember the term
"sexual relations"
from your deposition?
I do.
Did you understand
the definition of that term?
I did.
If you understood the term,
then why did you deny
having sexual relations
with Monica Lewinsky?
Well, why don't I tell you
my understanding of the, uh,
definition I was given.
As far as I'm concerned,
"sexual relations"
covers contact
between certain areas
of the body
with "an intent
to arouse or gratify."
It excludes any other activity.
So you're saying
it only applies to you yourself
touching certain parts
of Ms. Lewinsky's body
with intent to arouse her?
Exactly.
See, when I read it, I thought
it was a strange definition,
but that was the one
that the Paula Jones
legal team decided on.
During your deposition,
your lawyer said
there was no sex of any kind
in any manner
between you and Ms. Lewinsky.
Isn't that false?
No.
Did Monica lie in her affidavit
by denying the two of you had
a relationship?
Not necessarily.
See, I-I don't know
what Monica was thinking
when she filled out
her affidavit,
but it's quite possible
that what she said wasn't a lie,
depending on how she interpreted
that definition
of "sexual relations."
Mr. President,
even if you didn't have "sexual
relations" by that definition,
you still engaged in...
other sexual activities.
So the statement
"There was no sex of any kind
in any manner" is a lie.
Is it not?
Well, that depends
upon what the meaning
of the word "is" is.
For fuck's sake, he's running
circles around them.
If "is" means
"is and never has been,"
that is one thing,
but if it means "there is none
at the present moment,"
then that was a completely
true statement.
Did you talk
with Ms. Lewinsky about what
she meant to write
in her affidavit?
No, sir, I did not.
Your lawyer was trying
to mislead the judge during
your deposition, was he not?
You'll have to ask him.
I was focusing
on my own testimony.
In that testimony, when asked
if you'd ever been alone
with Ms. Lewinsky,
you seemed to struggle
with your memory.
Were you trying
to mislead the judge?
No, look...
I did my best, sir,
at this time.
I did not know
what I now know about this.
A lot of other things
were going on in my life.
Did I want this come out? No.
Was I embarrassed about it? Yes.
Did I ask her to lie about it?
No.
I say to the grand jury,
put yourself in my position.
I am doing my best to cooperate.
And protect myself,
my family and my office.
I am trying to tell the truth
about what happened
between Ms. Lewinsky and me.
But this does not
change the fact
that the real reason
that the Jones lawyers
zeroed in on me
in the first place
was because this was
a bogus lawsuit
funded by my political enemies.
Uh...
just a moment, Mr. President.
This is going nowhere.
He's talking to the jurors.
I say we just move on
to their questions.
No, I have some questions.
Mr. President,
in your statement earlier,
you said that you engaged
in "intimate contact"
with Ms. Lewinsky.
What exactly do you mean
by that?
I did things
that were inappropriate,
but they did not include
any activity
that was within the definition
of "sexual relations"
I was given.
Directly touching
the listed body parts
with "an intent
to arouse or gratify."
Is kissing
within that definition?
As I understood it, no.
Is touching a person's breast
within that definition?
If it was direct
and not through clothing,
then, yes, I think
that could constitute contact.
Is having oral sex
performed on you
within that definition?
No.
Why not?
Because there was no intent
on my end to arouse.
Did Monica Lewinsky
perform oral sex on you?
And I believe the people
of the grand jury deserve
a direct answer to this--
did she, yes
or no?
I am not going
to answer that question.
I'm going to refer
to my initial statement.
We're fucked.
We're at time.
I-I'd like
a few more moments
with the witness, please,
if I may?
The president has
important matters to attend to.
It'll only take a minute...
We've agreed on four hours.
It's been four hours.
Have a good one, Ken.
If he's gonna confess
to the entire nation,
he has to say sorry.
No way, no apology.
It'll make him look sincere.
It'll make him look weak.
He needs to take
responsibility, Sid.
Have you forgotten Iran-Contra?
Ronald Reagan apologized!
Reagan said,
"Mistakes were made."
He didn't say he made them.
Okay, so what if we don't use
the word "sorry"?
What about...
"I have fallen short
of what you should expect
from a president"?
How about if we just say, uh,
Ken Starr's investigation
is a bunch of horseshit?
I don't think
that's a good idea, sir.
What do you think, Hillary?
It's your speech.
Say whatever you want.
You are the president.
I guess.
Good evening.
This afternoon I testified
before the Office
of Independent Counsel
and the grand jury.
I answered
their questions truthfully.
Including questions
about my private life.
Questions no American citizen
would ever want to answer.
Still...
I must take
complete responsibility
for all my actions, both public
and private.
Indeed...
I did have a relationship
with Ms. Lewinsky
that was not appropriate.
In fact, it was wrong.
But I told the grand jury today
and I say to you now
that at no time did I ask anyone
to take any unlawful action.
I know that my public comments
and my silence about this matter
gave a false impression.
I misled people.
Including even my wife.
I deeply regret that.
Now this matter is between
the two people I love most.
My wife and our daughter.
And our God.
I must put it right.
And I am prepared
to do whatever it takes
to do so.
Nothing is more important
to me personally.
But it is private.
It's nobody's business
but ours.
Even presidents
have private lives.
♪
Come on, boy.
Oh.
It's nice to be here.
I need some fresh air.
I'm gonna take a walk
around the island.
That's not advisable,
Mrs. Clinton.
Why not?
It's not safe.
We surveyed the island--
press is everywhere.
We could assemble a team
to accompany you,
but we recommend
you stay on the property.
Can you make sure that
the president's belongings
are put in the guesthouse?
Mr. President,
the Tomahawks are spinning
in their launch tubes,
ready to fly.
Let's hit this chemical plant
he owns in Sudan.
Yes, sir, and Zawhar Kili,
the camp?
You believe bin Laden is there?
CIA has the highest confidence.
Okay.
Then do it.
Hill, you almost ready?
You know, we don't have
to go tonight.
Vernon and Ann will understand.
I honor my commitments, Bill.
Ah, the birthday boy.
Hey, buddy.
Hey! Hey, how old are you now?
21?
I'm an old dog, Vernon.
52.
Oh!
Ann.
Ooh.
It's been too long.
Thanks for having us.
Well, it wouldn't be a summer
on the Vineyard
without our birthday celebration
for Bill.
Yeah.
It's so good
to see you two together.
Who wants a drink?
I have a California red
you'll go crazy for, Hillary.
Mm.
It's delicious.
Ah.
Are you okay, Hillary?
I'm fine.
You and Bill must be just...
You know, ev-everything's fine.
Really, uh...
we're okay.
Good.
The fall is-is
going to be busy-- we are headed
to Northern Ireland
to help
with the peace negotiations.
W-Wait, that is beautiful.
That wasn't here last time.
It's been hell.
I can't even imagine.
She won't speak to me.
Barely even look at me.
I don't think
she's ever gonna forgive me.
No one on the Hill
will take my calls.
You know, I tried
Feinstein, Lieberman.
Couldn't even get
that progressive nut
Kucinich to pick up the phone.
They're mad at you for lying.
I'm worried.
It's a tantrum-- it'll pass.
Yeah, but it's up to them
if this goes to impeachment.
Don't even entertain
the thought.
They will fall in line.
I'm a fool.
I know that.
And I'm so sorry
I got you mixed up in it.
It's all right,
these things happen.
You think you could help me
with Hillary?
No, no, a good word from you
will go a long way.
Bill, you and I both know
I am not the best person
for that job.
This corn is delicious.
Mm.
They grow it right here
on the property.
When does, uh,
Chelsea head back to school?
September.
Is she having fun at Stanford?
You know Chelsea--
she's such a diligent student.
Fun is not a priority.
Oh, she gets that
from her mother.
No...
what I meant was, uh...
you know, Hillary's
such a high achiever.
You know,
she knows what she wants.
Not afraid to go after it.
That's certainly true.
You know, after we won in, uh,
in '92, Hillary and I did a...
like a kind of victory lap
from state to state.
You know, and we were driving
through her hometown
in Park Ridge,
and the limo runs out of gas.
So, you know, we pull
into this little station,
and, uh, this guy notices Hill.
And he says,
"Hey, Hillary, remember me?
We used to date."
And, uh, as we pull away,
you know,
I turn to her all proud,
and I said,
"I bet you're glad
you married the president
and not that guy."
And you know what she said?
Tell him, honey.
If I had married that guy,
he would be president.
You remember that trip?
I remember.
♪ Happy birthday♪
♪ To you♪
♪ Happy birthday to you♪
♪ Happy birthday♪
♪ Dear Bill♪
♪ Mr. President♪
♪ Happy birthday to you.♪
Ha-ha! Hear, hear!
Hillary, please.
Just leave me alone.
Hillary, come on.
No, just, just get away from me.
Just-just fucking talk to me.
You want me to talk to you?
Really, you want to know
how I'm feeling?
You selfish
piece of shit,
how do you think I'm feeling?
I am devastated!
I am mortified!
I am appalled!
That's how I'm feeling.
It was a meaningless
distraction.
You know, I-I tried to end it.
But she wouldn't leave me alone.
Oh, you-you let an obsessive,
crazy person into your life,
and then she wouldn't
leave you alone.
Imagine that.
Look, I'm begging you,
please forgive me.
It was a reckless,
stupid mistake.
You know, I-I'm a weak person.
It goes back a long way...
Please, please?
If I hear that story one more
time, I-I-I'm gonna be sick.
Poor little Bill and...
the-the stern grandmother
and the alcoholic stepfather
and your tragic fucking life!
You know what you are,
Bill, you are...
chaos.
You are mayhem.
It's like everywhere you go,
everything you do,
it just disorients people long
enough for you to have your way.
You know, for the longest time,
I was stupid enough
to think that I could
control this chaos
'cause we were a team.
It was you and me
against the world.
We had causes we believed in.
We had a mission,
we had a purpose.
And there was nothing
we couldn't do.
We weren't like anybody else.
Because we were
gonna do it together.
And I was...
I was wrong! I was so wrong!
You lit our life
on fire.
You exposed us to...
this narcissistic loony tune,
to this psychopath
Linda Tripp,
you exposed us to Ken Starr.
Everything
that we've worked for!
For what? For sex?
No, it wa-- it wasn't...
We-we didn't even...
No, please, please.
Just because you didn't
always finish,
doesn't mean
that you didn't start.
This-this is
an arrangement, Bill.
That is all this is--
do you understand that?
No, it's not true.
No, look, Bill, I threw
my body in front of yours
to protect you.
I humiliated myself
for your benefit.
Only to find out
that you have done
whatever the fuck you wanted.
Look...
I'll do anything
to make this up to you.
Whatever you want--
just please don't leave me.
You're the only woman
I've ever loved-- I need you.
Don't leave me.
But do you really think
I can leave you?
Are you really that naive?
I can't leave you.
I don't have a choice.
If I leave, I'm the woman
who left President Clinton.
If I stay,
I'm the woman who stayed.
I lose either way.
'Cause I-I didn't invest in me.
I invested in us.
And now you've made--
you've made me look stupid,
and I... I hate you for that!
♪
Sir?
I was told to relay a message.
Operation complete.
There will be
more intel tomorrow
about the success
of the endeavor.
Thank you.
Come here, come on.
Come here.
Come on.
Come on, come here.
Sandy Berger's waiting outside,
Mr. President.
Your bags have been loaded
into the car.
♪
What have you heard?
They've been to the camp.
They've checked all the bodies.
And?
No bin Laden.
♪
♪ Sometimes it's hard♪
♪ To be a woman♪
♪ Giving all your love♪
♪ To just one man♪
♪ And if you love him♪
♪ Oh, be proud of him♪
♪ 'Cause, after all,
he's just a man♪
♪ Stand by your man♪
♪ Give him two arms
to cling to♪
♪ And something warm
to come to♪
♪ When nights are
cold and lonely♪
♪ Stand by your man♪
♪ And show the world
you love him♪
♪ Keep giving all the love♪
♪ You can♪
♪ Stand by♪
♪ Your man.♪
Captioned by
Media Access Group at WGBH