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.

[Mister Baredog]

For some reason, i always thought you were in Canada. Sorry.

FYI, by clicking the poster's name you can see their FReeper homepage.

Many put up flags to indicate where they're located. Hey where's your flag?

Just kidding but in case you want to it's quite easy.

There are some really incredible homepages amoungst this community. I really enjoy meeting fellow travelers.

[rodguy911]

Bubba's life desire is to rewrite history and call it a legacy, unfortunately for him the only "legacy" he will have is the legs he saw.

[Mister Baredog]

Gorelick is involved in EVERY Clinton scandal according the articles I found googling.

I even find her name rather suspicious: GORE LICK

[F.J. Mitchell]

LOL! Stole the title and lied about everything else.

Clinton is so-o-o-o-o predictable.

[firebrand]

This is what happens when disgraced former presidents parade around as if they had behaved honorably.

And this:

famed for his amiable disposition

is absurd.

[altura]

He's not only not contrite, but he is still lying shamelessly.

He espouses the ridiculous claim that Hillary was furious when she found out. Puleeze. Furious that he was so stupid maybe, but she'd been covering up for his zipper problem for years.

He had to sleep on the couch???? Does anyone believe that. I doubt seriously that they slept together but that is such old sit com tripe.

Counseling? Duh. Bubba on the couch yet again. And people are gonna buy this book???

[hole_n_one]

The BBC website says that Panorama is streamed on the net at the same time it's aired, and is avaialble for a few days afterwards.

Panorama FAQ

[aculeus]

Har, har, har.

Salute to the BBC, for a change.

[Mister Baredog]

The NYT rips Bill Clinton?!?! The world is going to implode!

It's not on the front page, that's reserved for ripping Bush.

[rodguy911]

I saw her on Fox the other day and it was all I could do to stop my head from spinning like a top. Do these people ever tell the truth, and if they don't how do they keep track of all their lie? Pinocchio must be having a field day with the rats.

[ohioWfan]

You're in a feisty mood tonight, aren't you? ;o)

[Mister Baredog]

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.

He's taking next week off.

Hannity will have it for sure, once it's aired in the UK.

[NYC GOP Chick]

You're in a feisty mood tonight, aren't you? ;o)

You don't know the half of it! ;)

[F.J. Mitchell]

Not even that-it was probably too dark in the Oval office closet to see anything.

[A Citizen Reporter]

Thnaks! and a ping for the rest.

[ohioWfan]

LOL! Do I WANT to??

[texasbluebell]

Clinton has a mean bad temper. It's just surprising that he's managed to keep it such a secret from the country for so long.

[uncbob]

Too bad the Bent One isn't reminded that he was caught lying TWICE and and to go on TV and apologize back in 92 for the Jennifer Flowers affair

[NYC GOP Chick]

Maybe. ;D

[Mister Baredog]

In a related story Dan Rather rates Clintoon book a "5" and was seen on his knees backstage wearing matching bib and kneepads after their hour long lovefest on 60 Minutes.. LOL.