Politics Professor ranks Clinton's affair on scale of 1 to 10 as a 1; Just doesn't compare to Watergate and Iran-Contra
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Dr. John M. Orman, professor of politics at Fairfield University, doesn't think the Clinton --Lewinsky affair measures up to past presidential crises, such as Watergate and the arms-for hostages deal of the Reagan administration. In fact on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, he would rate it as a one. "It's just not as bad as Watergate, and it's not as bad as Iran-Contra" Dr. Orman has studied the U.S. Presidency and compared the behavior and accountability of recent presidents. His findings have resulted in several books including , Presidential Accountability, Presidential Secrecy and Deception, and Comparing Presidential Behavior.
He is at work on another book on a subject he calls "celebrity politics." He says President Clinton's presidency has suffered because of his involvement in the two worlds of celebrity and politics. He sees the election of former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura as governor of Minnesota as one more example of the blending of those two worlds. The net result, he notes, is that "politicians are treated like tabloid celebrities and top celebrities are treated like politicians." The resulting mix provides attractive targets for an eager press and news tabloid shows.
In 1984, when there was little public interest in challenging the local incumbent for Congress, Stewart McKinney, Dr. Orman decided to follow the advice he had given to so many of his students. He got involved, won the nomination and learned first-hand the life of a politician. Though he lost the election, as expected, he says he gained considerable insight into the electoral process. Following the election, he invited Congressman McKinney to visit his students.
One valuable lesson he took from the campaign , he says, is, "As a candidate, I wished reporters would just print a press release as I gave it to them. As a citizen in a democracy, I am glad they do not."
As the impeachment process moves to the U.S. Senate, Dr. Orman can be expected to provide a fresh view on what is happening.
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For assistance in reaching Dr. Orman for an interview, please call Nancy Habetz, 203-254-4000, ext. 2647, or [email protected]
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