Clinton rages against Dimbleby in Panorama confrontation over Lewinsky

The Sunday Telegraph ^ | June 20, 2004 | Chris Hastings and Charles Laurence

[MadIvan]

Bill Clinton loses his temper with David Dimbleby during a BBC television interview to be broadcast this week when he is repeatedly quizzed about his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

The former American president, famed for his amiable disposition, becomes visibly angry and rattled, particularly when Dimbleby asks him whether his publicly declared contrition over the affair is genuine.

His outrage at the line of questioning during the 50-minute interview, to be broadcast on Panorama on Tuesday night, lasts several minutes. It is the first time that the former President has been seen to lose his temper publicly over the issue of his sexual liaisons with Ms Lewinsky.

The President initially responds to Dimbleby's questions by launching a general attack on media intrusion. When the broadcaster persists with the question of whether the politician was truly penitent, Clinton directs his anger towards Dimbleby.

The atmosphere, which was initially warm, then turns decidedly chilly. One BBC executive who has seen the interview, which took place in a New York hotel last Wednesday, said: "He is visibly angry with Dimbleby's line of questioning and some of that anger gets directed at Dimbleby himself. As outbursts go, it is not just some flash that is over in an instant. It is something substantial and sustained.

"It is memorable television which will give the public a different insight into the President's character. It will leave them wondering whether he is as contrite as he says he is about past events. Dimbleby manages to remain calm and order is eventually restored."

Mr Clinton agreed to speak to Panorama as part of the publicity campaign for his autobiography My Life.

[A Citizen Reporter]

"The atmosphere, which was initially warm, then turns decidedly chilly. One BBC executive who has seen the interview, which took place in a New York hotel last Wednesday, said: "He is visibly angry with Dimbleby's line of questioning and some of that anger gets directed at Dimbleby himself. As outbursts go, it is not just some flash that is over in an instant. It is something substantial and sustained."

Now that I've read the full article, I'm a bit skeptical. If this interview occurred last Wednesday, why is it just leaking now?

[YaYa123]

Just remembered.....I have DISH, and we get BBC America.
Surely it will be shown.

Fingers crossed!

[NYC GOP Chick]

I sense a fabulous "Freep Poster" for his next local book signing...

You wanna know how local? A few blocks from here -- and almost next to that legacy. It will be in a Borders that was just built last year, to replace the one destroyed on 9/11.

[EGPWS]

The former American president, famed for his amiable disposition, becomes visibly angry and rattled, particularly when Dimbleby asks him whether his publicly declared contrition over the affair is genuine.

Ah yes, it reminds me of my days when I was 17 and how I reacted when I DIDN'T GET MY WAY!

[OKSooner]

How you been doin' Ivan? Ping for later read.

[jwfiv]

BBC ping.

[isom35]

did clinton try to bite dimbleby's lip? I would also suggest no plane rides for dimbleby for the time being.

[billhilly]

Bill's woodies often left splinters in his hands.

[4Liberty]

Clinton's allegedly attacked women - on both continents. You Go, British press.

When I hear about this BCC interview, he (Clinton) reminds me of a character, "Junior" Enoch Cain, a delusional serial killer in a recent novel I've been reading by Dean Koontz, titled 'In the Corner of His Eye.'

A sick, deranged man. What were the Democrats ThINkinG, when they nominated him???? Wasn't he researched by the Party first? Or have the sunk so low, they HAVE to 'slum'? Nobody else will RUN under their Socialist banner, -- apparently.

:(p

[BlessedBeGod]

Thanks!

[hole_n_one]

Unfortunately, Panorama doesn't appear as a part of BBC America's schedule.

I came across a BBC America forum that had a "wish list" of shows that were being requested to be added to BBCA's programming, with Panorama being one of them.

[clintonh8r]

dang!

[F.J. Mitchell]

I'll bet Rush will have clips from this on his show and maybe the web site, if it is as good as it sounds.

[Happy2BMe]

"His outrage at the line of questioning during the 50-minute interview, to be broadcast on Panorama on Tuesday night, lasts several minutes. It is the first time that the former President has been seen to lose his temper publicly over the issue of his sexual liaisons with Ms Lewinsky."

Have you seen this yet - hehe - PING.

[Paul Atreides]

I would have had to tell Bubba to put some ice on it.

Bubba knows that his only legacy will be that stain on the dress.

[A Citizen Reporter]

RATS!

[Syncro]

They already made the movie of his book?

Actually it looks like he stole the title for his book.

My Life [DVD] (1993)
After he's diagnosed with a terminal disease, L.A. public relations man Michael Keaton re-examines his life, reacquaints himself with his family and begins making a video for his unborn child. Nicole Kidman, Haing S. Ngor and Queen Latifah co-star in this poignant film, written and directed by Bruce Joel Rubin, the scripter of "Ghost." 117 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital stereo, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; biographies; theatrical trailer.
Category: Drama    Director: Bruce Joel Rubin

[Cicero]

Paul Sperry later lost his job. Clinton got at least three reporters fired while he was in the White House for asking inconvenient questions.

[buccaneer81]

I wonder if this will be on BBC America, which we have on our satellite.

Not bloody likely. I have BBC America, too. All I see are home remodeling and fashion shows. I want Fawlty Towers, not Fairy Trousers.