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WaPo: Dennis Hastert’s stunningly hypocritical 1998 speech about impeaching Bill Clinton
There's an enormous amount of tragedy surrounding revelations that former House speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) sexually abused a number of young men whom he coached during his time as a high school teacher and wrestling instructor. But there's also an enormous amount of hypocrisy, as the public words of a public man are seen in a new light after his past conduct was revealed.
The events that led to Hastert's election as speaker overlapped with the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton. That impeachment centered on Clinton's own sexual misconduct -- albeit legal conduct with an adult. It was his denial under oath that he'd had an affair with Monica Lewinsky that prompted the Republican-led House to call for his ouster.
On Dec. 18, 1998, Hastert -- a month away from taking the gavel as speaker -- rose to address the topic.
Mr. Speaker, I am saddened that there is clear and convincing evidence that the president lied under oath, obstructed justice and abused the powers of his office in an attempt to cover up his wrongdoing. I regret that the president's behavior puts me in the position of having to vote in favor of articles of impeachment and pass this matter on to the U.S. Senate for final judgment. In facing this solemn duty, I looked to the wisdom of our founding fathers.
The events that led to Hastert's election as speaker overlapped with the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton. That impeachment centered on Clinton's own sexual misconduct -- albeit legal conduct with an adult. It was his denial under oath that he'd had an affair with Monica Lewinsky that prompted the Republican-led House to call for his ouster.
On Dec. 18, 1998, Hastert -- a month away from taking the gavel as speaker -- rose to address the topic.
Mr. Speaker, I am saddened that there is clear and convincing evidence that the president lied under oath, obstructed justice and abused the powers of his office in an attempt to cover up his wrongdoing. I regret that the president's behavior puts me in the position of having to vote in favor of articles of impeachment and pass this matter on to the U.S. Senate for final judgment. In facing this solemn duty, I looked to the wisdom of our founding fathers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/04/27/dennis-hasterts-stunningly-hypocritical-1998-speech-about-impeaching-bill-clinton/
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