All Clinton would have had to do, as I think you, John, said, is to say "Yes, I succumbed to temptation. I broke that marriage vow. And I promise you (speaking to voters) and especially you, Hillary, that I am heartily ashamed and will never do it again. The only way I can appeal to you is as a repentant sinner. That is what I am and I do ask for your mercy."

And say it before any questions were put to him on oath. So no chance for a perjury accusation.

He'd already been re-elected. Can't run again anyway.

And we would have seen if the "religious Right" 's well-known compassion for the repentant sinner extended to Democratic presidents.   I wonder which side of that question we should bet on.



Now we can devise a mea culpa suitable for pardon for starting an unnecessary war---in which many thousands are killed-- by choice, and through a despicable propaganda campaign. That may be a bit more difficult.