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.

[MadIvan]

Dimbleby is old school. Welcome to the British press as it once was, Sideshow Bill.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Ping!

[RobFromGa]

I hope we get to see this over here. Ping me to a webcast or videoclip if you ever come across one.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Dimbleby asks him whether his publicly declared contrition over the affair is genuine.

Ha! If Dimbleby were any kind of journalist, he'd know that there is NOTHING genuine about this prick!

[John Thornton]

I wonder if anyone will ask him "Was Monica the only woman other than your wife you had sexual contact with during your presidency"?

[nwrep]

Would the BBC webcast this, or have clips on their website? I don't have BBC, and I would love to watch it.

[woofie]

Rage rage against the dying of the light

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

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.

Uh, he lost his temper frequently. Just ask Juanita Broaddrick.

[sushiman]

Dimbleby ...how British can you get ? Great name ...

[MadIvan]

He knows. That's why he pressed Clinton on the issue. And oh dear, the real Bill emerged. ;)

Regards, Ivan

[listenhillary]

The former American president, famed for his amiable disposition, Bullshiite

[OldFriend]

Seems we heard a similar fabrication regarding klinton's temper once before. This is nothing more than the BBC ramping up interest in their interview.

Nothing klinton likes more than talking about monica.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Did his face turn a reddish purple?

[MadIvan]

I take this seriously...this is an article in the Telegraph. Also this was discussed on Sky News, apparently it's quite a blow up.

Regards, Ivan

[cantfindagoodscreenname]

Seems we heard a similar fabrication regarding klinton's temper once before. This is nothing more than the BBC ramping up interest in their interview.

That's exactly what I thought! Something about a cigar...

[Brad’s Gramma]

Ivan, if you ever hear of this on a web cam, PLEASE ping me? I'd LOVE to see this!

[MadIvan]

I will do - it's too bad I don't have a DVD recorder, I'd set that up and spread it on the 'Net - hopefully Drudge will get wind of it.

Regards, Ivan

[Clara Lou]

OOOooooOOOooohhh! This I must see! *praying profoundly for on-line video clip*

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks!

Seven...you're always posting the Sky News, BBC, etc. news. If you see a web cam of this little incident, will you please let us know?