Reactions To Scandal

Here’s what Americans are saying about allegations that President Clinton had an affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky and then tried to get her to lie about it:

“Any time we have suggested perjury by any public official that would be a grave concern for me.” Marcella Effertz, 66, of Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Clinton is an intelligent man. Only idiots would do something like that in the White House. He could be guilty. He’s a man, so he’s not above that sort of thing.” Essie Williams, 65, of Detroit.

“She’s old enough, but he ought to know better.” Clark Vilhauer, 39, a farmer-rancher from Loyal, Okla.

“He should be given the same leniency that other presidents have been given in the past.” Megan Silver, 36, of Houston.

“He can have all the affairs he wants as long as he runs the country right.” Jay Smith, 36, a stockbroker from St. Paul, Ore.

“I don’t know if he had an affair. I think he’s a good president and I don’t see what that has to do with anything.” Lusya Shmavonian, 28, of Ridgefield, N.J.

“I think he did it. I think they should leave (Lewinsky) alone now.” Jacki Brune, 31, a legal placement consultant from Los Angeles.

“Whether it’s in the White House or a motel or whatever. Whether she’s 24 or 96, he made a vow to his wife. All that concerns me.” Dianne Arnold, 49, of Little Rock, Ark.

“He should be ashamed of himself.” Alex Millman, 68, a restaurant builder and operator from Scarsdale, N.Y.

“I think he should probably just ride it out. I think impeach is too strong and I don’t think that he’s going resign.” Kate Corrigan, a Republican from Houston who believes that Clinton had an affair with the intern and tried to cover it up.