FreeRepublic was linked on Drudge under the heading “WHITEWATER” when the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke in 1996. I found FR by hitting that link.
As I recall, a Lycos search for “WHITEWATER” would land you on the DrudgeReport, and the WHITEWATER link then brought you to FR.
I believe Clinton's dalliance with Monica took place between 1995-1996, but I think it didn't break until late in 1998.
However, Whitewater became an issue very early into the Clinton Administration so I think you are probably correct that it was under the heading of Whitewater on the Drudge site. That investigation eventually led to the Monica Lewinsky revelations.
That was my route to FreeRepublic as well.
I stopped visiting Drudge Report but check FreeRepublic daily (if not hourly :^)
I remember you, HG. That is how I found Free Republic in the glory days. I was trying to remember the handle for our spy in the white house...started with a Q.