Mitt Romney Invokes Lewinsky Scandal
EmailABC News’ Matt Stuart Reports: When Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was asked at a campaign stop in Hooksett, N.H. about family values and the controversial program in Maine to distribute birth control to middle schoolers, he could have gone to his usual response, arguing that people get married before they have children.
Instead, at a picturesque house on Stirling Avenue, Romney’s answer went straight at the Clinton White House.
"Well there’s no question in my view that one of the ways you instill family values is by having the White House be a place that demonstrates family values," Romney said.
In a clear reference to the Monica Lewinsky scandal during President Clinton’s term in office, Romney continued, "And… I think during the last Clinton presidency the White House did not demonstrate that in a way that was helpful to our nation’s culture."
Romney didn’t stop there, arguing that "you’re gonna be under a microscope and at least during the time you’re in the White House you ought to live by a high standard, because the world is looking at you, you’re representing not only yourself but your country. And the kids of America are looking at you."
Sen. Hillary Clinton’s Communications chief Howard Wolson responded to the comments in a statement to ABC News, saying "Hillary Clinton needs no lessons on character from a man who switches his positions on a daily basis."
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Romney, tell us about the “Good ‘Ole” family values your church teaches? How if you are good enough you can become a God, that the only way for a woman to reach heaven is through marriage, that a woman’s place is at home with the family.
You talk about Presidents “living under a microscope” but everytime someone asks you about your church you freak out claiming it is not relevant.
Posted by: Frank | October 25, 2007, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
This from a man who called his grand-father’s marriage (polygamy) an abomination. Also, why was Mitt and wife in a religion that excluded black people?
Posted by: Hank | October 25, 2007, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm
Come on guys! Don’t tell me you did not notice the “big elephant in the room” when you are referring to the Clintons. Mitt Romney as confusing as he as been on the issues so far is just pointing that out. The fact that the author of this article new what Romney was referring to just tells me and a lot of many Americans an embarrassing episode in our nations history.
Posted by: James | October 25, 2007, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
A religion that excludes any race is not of the christian family value. Jesus Christ said to take his message to all men, to all nations.
How in the world does that translate into “WHITES ONLY!”
Posted by: angelheart80153 | October 25, 2007, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
Ron Paul married to the same women for 50 years as a Doctor delivered over 4000 babies…..That’s Family Values!
Posted by: Gar Mowery | October 25, 2007, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
Actually, Mitt Romney has a point. Hillary would like to believe that the Lewinsky scandal never happened. She believes it is a private matter, and it would have been if Bill hadn’t conducted his liasons in the Whitehouse. Hillary would like to champion sex education as a means to decrease risky behavior. She believes it will help women by allowing them to take control of their sexuality. Yet, in reality, her own husband betrayed all these beliefs. She cannot dismiss this criticism. If she wants to champion making responsible sexual choices through education, she and her husband need to lead the way. She can’t fault Mitt Romney for pointing out the inconsistencies between her public policy proposals and her private life. Hillary is nothing but a hypocrite if she objects to this line of criticism. She has to come to terms with it. If the policy is a mistake, change it. Will Hillary learn, or are we in for the same mistakes again?
Posted by: Sean O'Brien | October 25, 2007, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm
Why don’t you ever ask why we have a Southern Baptist Churches and American Baptist Churches. It is because SBC would not relinquish is view on slavery. So the separated. The SBC saying slavery was OK. Why haven’t they rejoined? Why do you not condemn them. Because it is not about the truth, it about stopping the Mormons at all costs. Telling the truth not being one on them. It must really bother you people that you spend billion to stop the Mormons and we continue on growing. You cant stop what people see, good, honest, hard working families of CHRISTIANS! The silly fighting among Christians is doing more harm to us as a whole than ever. Surely if we don’t work together, then it will take us all down. Christians will be forced into hiding by the liberals who seek the elimination of religion from public society and you are giving them the cause to do it.
Posted by: Jared Dowdle | October 25, 2007, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
Romney ought to be focusing his family values attacks on his republican primary opponent, Giuliani….not Hillary, who he will never have the chance to run against in the general election anyway. In addition, Hillary never committed adultery, Giuliani did. Hillary kept her marriage together, Giuliani didn’t……….I needn’t go on.
Posted by: Lauren | October 25, 2007, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
I favor Thompson but, even I have to acknowledge that Romney got that one right. Too bad he didn’t defend family values enough in Massachusetts when he was Governor, had he done so then it’s likely no gays would’ve gotten married there WHEN HE WAS GOVERNOR.
Posted by: jade02008 | October 25, 2007, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
It is the author of the article who invokes the Lewinsky scandal, not Romney.
Romney makes a valid point. The children of America are watching the Whitehouse.
Parents throughout the nation found themselves struggling for words to explain oral sex to children during the Clinton years.
Romney did not attack Hillary. He simply told the truth of things as they are.
Posted by: DB | October 25, 2007, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm
Gladys Knight, a Mormon, would find it surprising to hear that Mormons exclude blacks. So would the folks over at BlackLDS.org. Why? Because it’s simply not true.
Posted by: DB | October 25, 2007, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm
It’s amazing that so many non-Mormons think they know exactly what Mormons believe. Seven wives and a planet? What planet are you from?
Posted by: run2111 | October 25, 2007, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm
I find it incredible that after nearly 8 years since Bill Clinton left office that all the Republicans can do is still bring up the Lewinsky Affair. If I am not mistaken Bill is not running his wife is. Her only crime was to stand by her marriage vows something I admire her for. There is an example of a woman who in the glare of the world media fought for something she believed in and did not give up. I think that says mountains about her. I think it is high time the “moral” police get of Hillarys back and get back to the real issues that face America and the rest of the world.
Posted by: Scottish Girl | October 25, 2007, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
Thank you Scottish girl, although I am not big on Hillary, it’s ridiculous to think that her husbands infidelity is somehow her fault… It was a really sad situation for her, and I sympathize with her.
Posted by: Frank | October 25, 2007, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
Mormons getting 7 wives and a planet is not the same as saying God lives on a planet and has many wives. Regardless, I’ll call your bluff Frank. Please cite chapter and verse from Mormon scripture that says God lives on Kolob bearing spirit children with His many wives.
Posted by: run2111 | October 25, 2007, 5:54 pm 5:54 pm
Run2111
I am not sure about “7 wives and a planet”…
But Kolob is actually a star near where God resides:
That is official from The Pearl of Great Price.
Now Mormons do believe that when one dies, according to how they lived and followed the Church, they will inherit a Kingdom of glory:
Celestial (top)
Telestial
Terrestrial
Spirit Prison
Outer Darkness (hell-kind of)
Now if you get to the Celestial Kingdom, you become a God and are given your own planet to rule over, and it is said in Mormon scripture that Mormon men inherit many different wives so they can procreate their own spirit children.
See Doctrine and Covanents Section 132.
This also talks about Mormon Godhood. If you have doubts about the site, it is probably one of the most pro-mormon sites out on the internet excluding official LDS sites.
“As God is man may become, as man is
Posted by: Frank | October 25, 2007, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
Check your facts people! Blacks were never excluded from the LDS church. In fact, while the rest of your ancestors were engaging in slavery, Joseph Smith was publishing literature calling for slavery to be abolished! You people will say anything to slam something you’re ingorant of.
Posted by: Jeremy | October 25, 2007, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
COME ON ALL YOU ANTI MORMONs YOU ARE ALL NUTS.MIT ROMNEY IS RIGHT IF YOU WANT TO HAVE SEX DON”T DO IT IN THE PLACE(WHITE HOUSE)THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT NATION RESPECTED AND VALUE IT SO MUCH.
Posted by: kmjjp | October 25, 2007, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
So how did the mormon and anti-mormon battle come to ABC. I believe we are discussing politics, not religion. Unless we are planning on becoming a theocracy, I think we should play down the mormon issue. Or, make every other candidate account for everything his religious leaders or cannon states. So – for example, the salem witch trials…the christian candidates need to come to jesus and explain that one!
Posted by: Jeremy | October 25, 2007, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm
ABC-anyone but clinton but not obama. The hildabeast can’t be trusted with babysitting my cat, let alone my kids. Just what we need a 60 yr old wicked witch from NY upper east side telling us how to live. Stop Hillary now.
Posted by: dean o | October 25, 2007, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
Hey, kmjjp,
If you’re going to have sex, don’t do it in the White House? What kind of logic is that? Don’t married couples (ahem, the President and First Lady) reside there? What if you get elected to a second term? Eight years without sex seems like a good way to drive a man to infidelity if he can’t get any in HIS OWN HOUSE.
Posted by: MJ | October 25, 2007, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
There is nothing in Romney’s remarks about Hillary Clinton, and no criticism of her. It was a criticism of the Clinton Presidency of the past, and Hillary wasn’t President, and ain’t (yet). Whether, if Hillary were President, the behavior of the ‘First Gentleman’ would cause a problem in that future Clinton Presidency, we don’t know.
Posted by: Hardy | October 25, 2007, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm
Again ignorant posters bashing the Mormon religion out of pure ignorance…it is sad to see that people in this country still judge what someone says or does solely because of his religion (or race, sex etc.) If you don’t agree with the Mormon religion, fine. But don’t bash someone because of their religion. That is called bigotry.
Posted by: bball3212 | October 25, 2007, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm
Hillary Clinton was and still is a devoted wife and mother.
Hillary NEVER COMMITTED ADULTERY.
Where in the Bible does it say to blame the wife for her HUSBANDS ADULTERY.
MONICA AND BILL COMMITTED THE ADULTERY.
How many wifes of REPUBLICAN POLITICAL MALES should I start blaming for their HUSBANDS ADULTERIOUS AFFAIRS????
Posted by: angelheart80153 | October 25, 2007, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
Mrs. Clinton believes that children belong to the state and not to the parents. It is primarily the state that has the final say in what is right and necessary for the children. This is a fundamental difference between Mrs. Clinton and the democratic party and conservatives.
Posted by: Gary | October 25, 2007, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
There is a difference between Family values and Religious beliefs. A non religous family can still have family values, can’t they? I do not believe that poor Chelsea had the best family & moral values in her household. Just because Mitt is Mormon does not mean he has outstanding family values because of his religion. Being an ex Mormon myself, I do know that their family values are important to them, but like any other religion not everyone keeps to those values. I do not like Hillary and will not vote for her, but I do not agree with Mitt flinging mud at her. She has opted to forgive her husband for his misgivings, and that to me shows she does have family values. She has kept her family intact, if more of our American families would do that, imagine how much better America would be.
Posted by: Tess, California | October 25, 2007, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
angelheart80153: Romney never said that Hillary committed adultery.
Romney never blamed her for her husband’s adultery.
It is irrelevant what the Bible says about blaming the wife, because Romney did not blame the wife.
You should not blame any wives of Republican males because Romney did not blame Hillary!!!!!
Learn to read!!!
Yeeeeeesh!!
Posted by: Hary | October 25, 2007, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
Whoever will be the next President he will have to preside in higher standard.
Posted by: kmjjp | October 25, 2007, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm
why does every conversation about romney end up as a mormon-bashing party? don’t you all think the mormons have endured enough in the past 200+ years? give em a break…it’s the hardest working, most loving, and most helpful religion out there today.
Posted by: me | October 25, 2007, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm
I don’t care what mitt says about what happened in the white house, that is left between Clinton and his wife, aslo it is a guilt they wil have to remain with. I know there no more trust in that marriage. As much has we want to kid ourself, that was not fun then nor now. One thing, to say that it is not Bill that is running but Hilllary, that is so funny. If it is not for Bill Hillary will never be this far in the poll has some people think. For example in the black community why they want to vote for Hillary is because majority say OH I miss those days when bill was in the white house. We are going to vote for Hillary because that will bring Bill back in the house. People are really not supporting Hilllary because she is Hillary or a woman most people are supporting her because of her husband. If Hillary was not married to Bill It will be a different. So all said and done we don’t want to let go of Bill’s day in the white. So please let’s stop kidding ourselves. maybe if it is an other unknown female candidate, boy; will it be a diffferent election.
Posted by: sire conde | October 25, 2007, 11:34 pm 11:34 pm
Bottom line: NO Republican ever has the right to lecture ANY OF US on “Family Values”…EVER AGAIN. After seven years of the most corrupt administration in history, and a near-daily stream of Republican scandals, child-molesting, gay bathroom sex, and bribes…the Republicans have proven themselves the most IMMORAL and INCOMPETENT people on the planet. Using “Family Values” and “Republican” in the same sentence…WHAT A JOKE.
Posted by: wilder5121 | October 25, 2007, 11:38 pm 11:38 pm
Romney makes a strong valid point about this. Presidents and leaders alike need to set good examples.
Oh and PLEASE! stop with the bashing or Mormonism. Honestly…it’s a religion and it’s some of the things he believes in. Not everything. Get a clue and just stop.
Posted by: Jeffrey W. | October 25, 2007, 11:49 pm 11:49 pm
I love the following that was written – Parents throughout the nation found themselves struggling for words to explain oral sex to children during the Clinton years. Seems reasonable if the republicans had not brought this matter to the public there would have been no explaining as well?
Posted by: Sandra | October 25, 2007, 11:56 pm 11:56 pm
So all of you Romney bashers think junior-high kids need free birth control, no questions asked?
Romney didn’t say the word “Republican” either, according to the article. However, Romney has railed against “Republicans” behaving badly during this campaign as well. Seems to me he doesn’t think ANYONE should misbehave at that level of government. Our kids deserve better examples than what they are getting. Maybe then they won’t be asking for birth control in the ninth grade…
Posted by: Ogrepete | October 26, 2007, 12:11 am 12:11 am
Who cares these days? The definition of family values, smut, vulgarity, gay, etc… has been lost and perverted by those that value their own self indulgence over a sense of responsibility to nurture a progressive civil society. Oh wait a minute; no one knows what a civil society is. I guess that has been lost too.
Posted by: lorax_mbell | October 26, 2007, 12:27 am 12:27 am
Elections come down to choices from available candidates. None are perfect. (Because I’m not running this time) So far the best choices are Thompson and Huckabee with a Paul a distant third. The others seem insistent on surrender to Mexico. McCain is a little better than Romney, who is only a little better than Giuliani who is a political clone of Obama and Hillary. I like Huckabee’s politics but I fear he might bring his religious convictions too far into the government. Thompson seems the best choice. … My fear is that Paul will pull out and run as a Libertarian which will pull votes away from the Republicans thus giving the White House to Hillary. … It’s really as simple as ABC – Anyone But Clinton.
Posted by: Royce | October 26, 2007, 1:34 am 1:34 am
I’m a Democrat. Would I vote for a Mormon to be President?
Absolutely! Harry Reid would make a terrific one.
Posted by: Morris Valentine | October 26, 2007, 1:35 am 1:35 am
I agree that our President should set an example – and George Bush has set the worst example imaginable. After 7 years of incompetent, arrogant and amoral leadership from Bush and the GOP, how ANY Republican could use the term ‘family values’ in good conscience and with a straight face is utterly beyond me.
Posted by: Tom | October 26, 2007, 2:24 am 2:24 am
Romney’s comments are just a small preview of what we will have during the whole general election cycle. It is stupid to act like Bill and Hillary are not without tremendous baggage.
First Lad(die) might be better known as First Cad(die). If Bill had time for constant liaisons while leader of the free world, imagine what he would be like as the “roving” ambassador!
It is hard to think about going back to the constant intrigues and backbiting of the Clinton years. We need to move forward as a country. It is time to heal wounds not reopen old ones.
Posted by: Doug Crimm | October 26, 2007, 6:54 am 6:54 am
Don’t let the 2008 election be ONLY about family values. That’s what screwed up the last election and the election before that. Abortion, gays, and other inherently flawed politicians telling us about faimly values. This election should be about healthcare and lower taxes for the middle class and the economy and getting our brave men and women out of Iraq. Don’t let the Republicans drive the election debate.
Posted by: Bob | October 26, 2007, 8:25 am 8:25 am
You’re wrong! The LDS church does not believe that women have to get married to make it to heaven. That is simply wrong! Nice fact finding. Where do you find your facts. Let me guess–from your small town 90 year old bible thumping preacher! Maybe you should ask a mormon what a mormon believes. Or here is an idea. Maybe you should read the official doctrines of the church instead of a critics spin on those doctrines.
Posted by: Aaron | October 26, 2007, 10:17 am 10:17 am
Uh, oh, be careful Bubba. Remember what they say about casting the first stone? You had better be d— sure you do not have even one skeleton in your closet before you start dragging out “ghosts” from other peoples closets. You are a man, men do strange things sometimes and think they will never be discovered. Not so, ask some of your immoral Repub buddies. Bill Clinton paid dearly for his indiscretions, publicly and privately – I think its time to let it rest. Let’s hear what you have to say on something important, like what you would do about Iraq.
Posted by: Ron | October 26, 2007, 10:44 am 10:44 am
We all have a past and have done something wrong in our lifetime. You can let go of the guilt and shame and forgive yourself through professional help and guidance from your religion or you can remain living in shame. It’s not an easy task and it is not going to be a simple task of getting to the White House for Hillary as many believe.
As for religion – it is better to have a religion that offers a sense of well being, caring for others, and living a healthy better life and creating a better place before you leave than no religion at all.
Posted by: sue from texas | October 26, 2007, 11:02 am 11:02 am
My family wants our next President that is an example for our sons and daughter.I don’t want my son or my daughter to read about affairs in the White House in the newspaper or watching it on TV.A President is also an educator,helper,exampler,smart leader,father and a comforter for the nation.
Posted by: kmjjp | October 26, 2007, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
kmjjp: I would love to have someone like that running the country too but I don’t think Jesus C. is running this time. Unfortunately all the people running are human and all have human frailties. Why don’t you just pray for one that doesn’t have the fault of loving war? We can survive cheating husbands – we can’t survive WARS. Prayers for a peaceful diplomat would help a lot until Jesus decides to run here on Earth.
Posted by: Ron | October 26, 2007, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
Romney made his religion a real issue when he stated he “wasn’t a cafeteria Mormon” but that he believed all of it. One has to assume that includes The Pearl of Great Price.
Posted by: Tom J | October 26, 2007, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
It’s about time someone (Republican or Democrat) had the guts to confront the Clinton’s and their embarrassing years in the White House (and, yes, that includes Hillary for putting up with Bill then and still married to today). Romney says “you’re gonna be under a microscope and at least during the time you’re in the White House you ought to live by a high standard, because the world is looking at you, you’re representing not only yourself but your country. And the kids of America are looking at you.” There appeared to be no respect the office/position by Bill and Hillary then…why would there be now?
Posted by: Ohio voter | October 26, 2007, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
what the hell is the “american culture?” and how do you know what is good for that culture if you could define it?
Posted by: jordan | October 29, 2007, 6:10 pm 6:10 pm
Mitt Romney clearly doesn’t understand the meaning of scandal. Clinton never stood on a pedestal and preached about other people’s morals like these Republicans have.
Posted by: Mark | November 30, 2007, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm