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To listen to American scandal one week early and add free, join Wondry Plus in the Wondri app. Download the Wondri app in your Apple or Google Play mobile app store today. A listener note, this episode contains adult content and references to suicide and may not be suitable for a younger audience. It's the winter of 1996 in Washington, DC. It's early afternoon and Monica Lewinsky is walking down a hallway in the White House following President Bill Clinton. When the two reach the Oval Office, the President ushers Lewinsky inside. Then Clinton shuts the thick wooden door and everything goes quiet. Lewinsky looks up at Clinton. Finally, they're alone. For Lewinsky, the era seems like it's vibrating. The President is inviting her into the inner office, a private space where no one can see them. But for a moment, Lewinsky stands, watching the President, unsure whether to follow him. It's been two months since Lewinsky had her first stolen kiss with Clinton. Since then, they've been together a handful of times. They meet in the inner office and each time has been incredible, leaving Lewinsky dizzy with happiness. Lewinsky has come to believe that she and the President are sexual soulmates. There's something about him that's both powerful and tender. And even though he rarely touches her, Lewinsky has never felt like this before. Clinton seems to understand Lewinsky. More than any man she's ever been with. And Lewinsky always leaves the Oval Office feeling like her soul is spilling out with joy. But the relationship hasn't been perfect. Clinton has a reputation as a flirt and a womanizer. And increasingly, Lewinsky has had an overwhelming desire to know whether their relationship means anything to him. And whether she should keep giving her heart to this man. So as Clinton waits for her to enter the inner office, she hovers outside. She's never confronted Clinton before, but today she's determined to find out how he feels. Clinton continues to wave her inside. Come on, you know, we don't have a lot of time. I have some donors from Arkansas coming by soon. And I'm supposed to meet my mother to go shopping. We both have obligations. Okay, Monica. So why are you stalling? Come on in. Because you didn't call last week. You said you were going to. I waited up half the night. Monica, look, I mean, do you actually want to get to know me as a person? Or is this all just about sex? I need to know. Lewinsky's heart is beating so hard she swears she can feel it hitting her ribcage. A confrontation with her romantic partner has never felt so loaded. But suddenly, Clinton gives her a sheepish look. A raps run a hug. Monica, you know I cherish the time we spend together. You cherish our time? I do. Lewinsky wrinkles her nose. Cherish. That's a strange way to say it. I just don't know what we're doing. I know you're the president, but if you want me to treat you like a man and keep this up, then I need more give and take. I need to know where I stand. Monica, you have no idea what a gift it is to spend time with you. To talk to you, it's really lonely here. And people don't understand that. I mean, today, I found out that the first American soldier died in Bosnia. And sick over it. On the commander in chief, he died because of my order. Clinton stops, overtaken by emotion. Suddenly, all of Lewinsky's frustrations, her feelings of being stung and neglected, all disappear. Because the president is opening up and sharing himself. This is about more than just sex. The president values her. Lewinsky takes his hand. I'm sorry, hands. Can't imagine how that feels. It was all Lewinsky needed to hear. Some expression of vulnerability, of honesty, proof that the two of them have something special. So taking the president's hand, Lewinsky leads him into the inner office. And as soon as the door closes, she leans in for a kiss. It's deep and searching. The whiskey almost can't believe she risked losing this. And without saying a word, she gets down on her knees. The president looks down on her. His eyes tend her and hungry. A flood of warmth overcomes Lewinsky. It's then she finally realizes she loves this man. No matter what happens, she'll do anything to protect him. American scandals sponsored by Sachi Art. I'm lucky. Not only is my wife beautiful, funny, and smart, she also has great taste that matches mine, which has made decorating our home together a delight. But how do we go about finding the art for our home? Well, we agree on that, too. Sachi Art. They have artworks from thousands of emerging artists around the globe in all styles. So you're guaranteed to find art that fits your style, space, and budget. Their view your room feature lets you visualize the art on your walls. And my advisor, Satin, was instrumental in finding our newest piece. Get 15% off your first order with promo code podcast. Just go to sachiart.com and enter code podcast at checkout. Find art you love today. And then, hour until your favorite show premieres, time to get some snacks delivered through Instacart. Okay, let's get some popcorn, seltzer, chocolate covered almonds, and... Wait, did they release the whole season? Better cart some ice cream for the two part finale. When your day should be ending, but a new season is starting, the world is your cart. Visit Instacart.com or download the app and get free delivery on your first order. For valid for a limited time, minimum order $10 additional term supply. From wandering, I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is American Scandal. In the summer of 1995, 21 year old Monica Lewinsky arrived in Washington, ready to serve as an intern in the White House. She was looking for a fresh start after tumultuous affair with a married man. But when Lewinsky first saw President Bill Clinton in person, she was overwhelmed by a powerful physical attraction. The feeling was mutual, and after months of flirting, Clinton and Lewinsky began a sexual relationship. That relationship would soon take on a larger life. Clinton was facing a series of mounting political scandals, and his opponents were becoming more dogged as they attempted to bring down his presidency. Soon Lewinsky would find herself at the center of a political storm, one that she would struggle to navigate. This is episode two, Secret Records. It's early April 1996, and Evelyn Lieberman is marching through the West Wing of the White House. Her short, wavy hair bounces against her neck, and Lieberman ducks her head low as she passes by a tour group. She can't afford to be roped in by a tour guide and taken away from her duties, because Lieberman has a stopp a crisis that could upend the presidency. Lieberman is President Clinton's deputy chief of staff. It's an all consuming job, and as one of the key members of Clinton's inner circle, her professional decisions can have ripple effects across the country. Lieberman also has a special distinction. She's the first woman to be any president's deputy chief of staff. She's a trailblazer, and a mentor for women who are trying to make it in Washington. All of which explains why she can't just stand by and let Clinton sink his own presidency, while tarnishing the reputations of everyone around him. Lieberman has to put a stop to the madness. So a moment later, she arrives at the office of Timothy Keating, the director of legislative affairs. When he looks up, Lieberman launches right into it, explaining the reason she wanted this meeting. There's a staffer who Keating needs to transfer out of the White House right away. Her name is Monica Lewinsky, and she's a clutch in Keating's department. Keating sets down a pen, and he blinks his sleepy eyes. Clutch is a word coined by senior staff in the White House. It refers to a young woman who spends too much time trying to get close to the president. Given Bill Clinton's alleged affairs, it's imperative to keep these women out of his orbit. Even the appearance of impropriety could kick off a scandal. Keating considers the request. But he tells Lieberman that this could be a mix up. Lewinsky works in the correspondence department. Those staffers spend a lot of time delivering documents from Congress to the White House. It's possible that Lewinsky is just doing her job, and not actually trying to get close to the president. Lieberman bites her lip and an annoyance. She hates being questioned, but as a woman in Washington, you can rarely show your anger. It only makes things worse. So Lieberman composes herself and politely assures Keating, and she wouldn't be here if she weren't certain. She's not saying that anything has happened between Lewinsky and the president. But every time Lieberman turns around, she finds Lewinsky hovering near the Oval Office with a goofy grin on her face. It's a serious concern. Keating leans back in his chair, mumbling curses under his breath. He tells Lieberman that this is a terrible thing. The correspondence department has barely caught up with the backlog from last year's government shutdown. As the director of legislative affairs, Keating's workload is overwhelming. If he has to hire and train someone new, it's going to set them back even further. Lieberman is sympathetic to his concerns. Everyone in the West Wing feels stretched in. At the same time, they've been hit with one crisis after another ever since Clinton took office. First, there were corruption allegations over whitewater, a failed real estate deal in Arkansas that the Clintons were closely involved in. Then Vince Foster, Clinton's friend and fellow whitewater investor died by suicide. But the tragedy didn't end there. Some in Washington began to circulate the idea that Foster had been murdered as a way to cover up the Clintons involvement with whitewater. Those rumors were compounded by all the women back in Arkansas who said they'd had affairs with Clinton. Another woman, Paula Jones, claimed he sexually harassed her. It's been one mess after another, and as senior White House officials, Lieberman and Keating are fully aware they can't afford a new crisis. Not with Clinton running for re election. A new scandal could jeopardize his chances and derail everything that Lieberman and her fellow Democrats want to accomplish. So looking Keating directly in the eyes, Lieberman says that they can't take any risks. Monica Lewinsky could be explosive. She needs to be transferred. She needs to be transferred now. Keating sighs as he agrees to the request. He'll transfer Lewinsky out of the White House. They'll find another federal job for the former White House in turn. Lieberman straightens her wiring glasses and gives Keating a curtain on. That's one more crisis averted. But as deputy chief of staff, she has a long checklist in front of her. There are more fires to put out, and any number of crises that Clinton could still stumble into. A few days later, Monica Lewinsky sinks into a striped couch in the Oval Office and stares at the soft lights billing in through the windows. She dabs at her eyes with a tissue and glances over at President Bill Clinton, who's pacing back and forth, looking furious. Lewinsky can't believe the situation they're in. On Friday afternoon, her boss told her she was being transferred out of the White House and sent to the Public Affairs Department in the Pentagon. It's only four miles from the White House. But for Lewinsky and her relationship with the President might as well be Siberia. They won't be able to see each other, to kiss and look into each other's eyes, to feel that immediate, burning, passionate love. The thought is devastating, which is why Lewinsky needed to talk with Clinton. See if he could somehow fix this. Clinton just paces back and forth, shaking his head and disbelief. He says he doesn't understand why she's being taken away from him, and it's not right. Lewinsky leans forward, waiting for him to say that he'll make a call and end this nonsense. But he doesn't. Clinton just sits down next to Lewinsky and puts his arm around her, and he repeats that it's just unfair. A cold pit forms in her stomach, as an unbearable thought crosses Lewinsky's mind. Maybe he requested the transfer. Maybe Clinton wanted her far away, so he wouldn't be tempted by her. Suddenly, a new flood of tears comes rushing down her cheeks. And with a scowl on her face, she demands that Clinton stop the transfer. He's the President. He can do anything. Clinton pulls back, and with his sheepish smile, he places his hands on both of her shoulders, like some kind of father figure. Lewinsky tenses up at this strange and uncomfortable gesture. With a calm voice, Clinton explains that he can't override the transfer. There's too much controversy swirling around him right now. If he personally got involved in the transfer of a beautiful junior staffer, there'd be too many questions. It could become a huge scandal and harm his reelection. Clinton tucks a strand of Lewinsky's dark hair behind her hair, and he makes a solemn promise. As soon as he's reelected, he'll bring her back to the White House. She'll have the choice of any job she wants. The whiskey sniffles, as she wipes away the last of her tears. And with a smirk, she says she does have a job in mind, once she's back in the White House. She could be the Assistant to the President for Blow Jobs. Clinton throws his head back and lets out a deep guttural laugh. And for the first time in the last 48 hours, Lewinsky feels like everything might be okay. They can get through this. But then with a sly grin, Clinton suggests that she interviewed for the job right now. And suddenly, another way of disappointment passes over Lewinsky. What she wants is to be held by him, comforted, not servicem. But Clinton looks so eager, she can't let him down now. Not when she won't see him again for months. So Lewinsky nods and kneels again. And even though it's not exactly what she wanted, she loves that she's the one making the most powerful man on the world feel this way. She'll have to survive the next seven months, and it won't be easy. But soon enough, she'll be back in the White House, and back together with President Clinton. It's mid April 1996. Inside the Pentagon, Monica Lewinsky yanks off her headphones and tosses them onto her desk. In her new job, Lewinsky has been transcribing a briefing about defense policy. She still finds politics dull, and defense policy is the most boring topic imaginable. She's going to lose her mind if she has to transcribe one more word from this event. So Lewinsky gets up and heads to the coffee machine at the back of the office. A little caffeine might help her through the drudgery. As she walks, she stares miserably at the beige walls, the cheap furniture, the man in military uniforms roaming the hallways. It's like she's in prison. She's only been working at the Pentagon for a few days, but already Lewinsky hates everything about it. She misses the glamour of the White House, the fine art, the well tailored suits, and of course, she misses Bill Clinton. Lewinsky fills her cup of coffee, but as she walks back to her desk, she stops in her tracks. Because right there in front of her is Bill Clinton, beaming at her. His blue eyes, his dimples, his thick, wavy hair. All at once Lewinsky feels lightheaded. Though of course it's not Clinton in the flesh. She's gawking at four oversized photos of the president. They're all propped up on a coworker's desk. Lewinsky gets a faint glimmer of hope. She's been so lonely at her job. But this coworker seems to admire the president. Having a friend chat with at lunch, someone else interested in the president? That could make all the difference, as she endures the next seven months. Smoothing her shirt, Lewinsky makes her way to this coworker's desk. The woman continues typing her broad shoulders hunched over the keys. Lewinsky decides to interrupt. Excuse me. I love your decorations. They're very patriotic. Thanks, they're from an event. That one on the left. Such a great photo. I'd love to have that in my desk. The coworker doesn't look up from her computer. Have you ever seen the president smile in person? It's amazing. It literally lights up the room. I worked at the White House for four years under both President Bush and Clinton. Very, very different men. Well, really, I transferred from the White House too. But the woman ignores the comment and keeps typing. For a moment, Lewinsky feels deflated. She looks around desperately trying to find a way to connect with her coworker. Her eyes land on a small music box on the desk. That music box is beautiful, is it antique? The woman pivots in her seat, looking at Lewinsky for the first time. She's in her late 40s and has blonde bangs and large round glasses, which are perched on a sharp nose. She reminds Lewinsky a little abroad. Oh, you've got a good eye. It is antique. Got her for a steal though. Well, nothing's better than a good bargain. I used to love going antique, back when I was in Portland. The woman looks Lewinsky up and down. You said you transferred from the White House? Well, I bet the president loved you. Just the type of girl he go crazy for. Lewinsky grins as the woman sticks out her hand. I'm Linda Trip. Good to meet you. Monica Lewinsky, good to meet you too. I'm new here, but maybe we could go to lunch? Tomorrow? I don't know anyone here. Monica, it would be a pleasure. I'm excited to get to know you. Lewinsky flushes with excitement. For days, she's felt nothing but despair, a sense that the world was spinning out of her control. But now, with a friend in the office, the walls at the Pentagon are looking a little brighter, a furniture a little less shabby. Maybe things will get better. Maybe these next seven months won't be so bad. Lots of people don't know it, but autumn is an ideal time to plant. shorter days and cooler nights create ideal conditions for the plants to get established. If you're looking to spruce up your home, proven winners color choice shrubs has an amazing selection of flowering shrubs and evergreens for planting and gardens and landscapes. 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And Monica Lewinsky is pacing inside the office of Betty Curry, President Clinton's personal secretary. As she steps back and forth, Lewinsky's heels leave marks in the carpet. And her navy blue dress brushes against her legs. Lewinsky trembles with anticipation as she glances at a clock. For the first time in almost a year, she's going to see the president up close. In that time, the two have had foam sex, but that's almost torture. Reminder of everything she's left behind when she was forced out of the White House. But any moment now, Clinton's secretary will appear and take Lewinsky back to the president. And soon the door creaks open and Curry enters the office. Without making eye contact, she tells Lewinsky to follow her. So Lewinsky walks behind Curry and when the secretary opens the door to the inner office, Lewinsky sees him. President Clinton leaning against the desk like James Dean. It's almost like there's a glow all around him. Lewinsky can't look away. Even when his secretary clears her throat, it slams the door shut. It doesn't seem real. Lewinsky has daydreamed about this moment for the past 10 months. She's imagined a deep, compassionate kiss with Clinton. That he'll take her face in his hands, tell her that her days in exile are over, that she's coming home to the White House. And with Clinton now standing in front of her, Lewinsky can't wait a second longer. She stretches out her arms, backening the president to come toward her to kiss her. But Clinton appears reluctant. And Lewinsky's heart starts racing even faster. Is he about to end the relationship? But then Clinton turns and grabs a pair of gifts in wrapping paper. He smiles and explains that they're a Christmas presents. The whiskey's breathing slows down, as she opens the gifts. One is a blue hatpin. The other is a copy of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Lewinsky looks back up, her chin quivering. These presents are sweet. They're a reminder that this man understands her, that what they have is real. And then, finally, they kiss. It's hard and passionate, just like she dreamed about. But suddenly, Clinton pulls back, cutting the kiss short. And playing the part of the father figure once again, he puts his hand on her shoulders, and tells her they have to be very, very careful. Lewinsky doesn't understand they have been careful. That's why she's been working at the Pentagon. That's why she hasn't seen him in almost a year. They waited. He won reelection. They're in the clear. But Clinton shakes his head, explaining that he's under even more of a microscope than ever. The Republicans are out for blood, and the situation is too serious to ignore. Then it hits with stunning force. After all the waiting, all the months at the Pentagon, he's not bringing her back to the White House. Lewinsky shakes her head. She can't go on living like this. But she knows that words aren't strong enough. She needs to take action. So she kneels down, and starts to unzip his pants. Minutes later, Clinton finishes, and drops of his semen, land on her navy blue dress. It's a new dress, and this will leave a stain. But Lewinsky is not upset. Because in all of their times together, Clinton has never once finished. Today is a first. And for Lewinsky, it's a sign. Their relationship has reached a new level. Clinton has given her his trust. And while she'll still have to go back to the Pentagon, she's sure that any day now, she'll get noticed that there are orders from above, that she's being transferred out of the Pentagon, and back to the White House. It's the spring of 1997 in Arlington, Virginia. In the food court of the Pentagon City Mall, Linda trips its eating lunch with Monica Lewinsky, her coworker at the Pentagon. Trip is trying to talk about an antique shop that she recently discovered, but Lewinsky looks sullen and withdrawn. She doesn't seem to be listening. And then, in like almost every one of their conversations in the last four months, Lewinsky begins talking about Bill Clinton, and her feelings of being rejected. Trip manages a sympathetic nod, but inside she wants to scream. She and Lewinsky used to have a good friendship. They had lively conversations about fashion and celebrities. Trip thought she could rekindle that friendship, go out to lunch, talk about something fun, like furniture. But Lewinsky is clearly too hung up. She continues harping on Bill Clinton's rejection, and the fact that he won't bring her back to the White House. Lewinsky is pounding. Trip gasses at her, thinking back to the day when her young friend first confided in her about her affair with the president. It was shortly after Clinton won re election in November. At the time, Trip was hardly surprised. She'd heard plenty of stories about Clinton's womanizing. She even witnessed it when she worked at the White House. The Lewinsky's revelation only confirmed everything Trip had already felt about Clinton. Man's a selfish creep. Trip is a proud conservative, and while she disagrees with Clinton's policies, the issue runs deeper. Trip is a long time civil servant. She spent some 20 years working secretary jobs at Army bases, where her husband at the time was stationed. She went on to find a job as a White House secretary under President George H.W. Bush. Trip established herself as a hard worker, and when Bill Clinton was elected president, she remained working at the White House, before transferring to the Pentagon. With her long career as a civil servant, Trip has an abiding respect for American democracy, and that's a large part of why she has so much trouble with Bill Clinton. Trip doesn't think someone so crass and immoral should be running the country. She hated how Clinton and his buddies from Arkansas would sit around in their shared sleeves and drink beer in the Oval Office. They treated it like a frat house. While Lewinsky is hung up on the president, Trip doesn't believe that Clinton ever cared much about other people. He's fired long standing civil servants on a whim. He flirts with anyone wearing a skirt. The president just seems to think the rules don't apply to him. It's galling, to say the least. And last year, Trip almost wrote a book about her experiences. She even found an agent, not wanting to lose her job. Trip changed her mind at the last minute. But Clinton's affair with Lewinsky crosses the line. She's young enough to be his daughter. So in the food court, as she watches Lewinsky fall apart yet again, Trip starts to come up with a plan. It could stop Clinton from abusing his office and taking advantage of young women. Maybe you could even generate a hefty paycheck for a book deal. So keeping her voice casual, Trip reminds Lewinsky about her date book, the one where she recorded all of her encounters with Clinton. What if Lewinsky started cataloging those entries, detailing everything in a spreadsheet? Trip could help her with all the work. Lewinsky raises a eyebrow, asking why she would start cataloging her private records, putting them in a spreadsheet. Trip doesn't tell Lewinsky the real reason, because the truth is that she's going to write a book that takes down the president. She needs proof, concrete details about his affair with Lewinsky. So Trip gives her friend a different explanation. She says that if Lewinsky starts organizing her records, she might see patterns she hasn't noticed before. When Clinton is loving and when he's more distant, it could help her navigate the relationship going forward. Lewinsky frowns, says it would be too painful to go back through the affair. She doesn't want to do it, but Trip isn't ready to give up. She tells Lewinsky that it might be painful, but it could also be empowering. Reviewing the events of the past could give Lewinsky a sense of control and a feeling of resolution. The Lewinsky is silent for a moment, but then she nods her head. Okay, she'll look at the records of all her meetings with Clinton, and she'll start cataloging them. Trip can even help. Maybe she'll see something that Lewinsky missed. The two then rise and begin making their way out of the food court. As they walk back to the Pentagon, Linda trips sneaks a private grin. She can already picture the president's misdeeds, typed out in black and white. Incontrovertible facts about his abuses of power, his mishandling of the presidency, and if all goes according to plan, these records will take him down. It's September 1997 in Columbia, Maryland. Linda trips sits on a large sofa in her living room holding her phone in her lap. She's about to call Lucianne Goldberg, a book agent in New York, but the call could be tense. Last year, Trip wrote a book proposal about what she'd seen inside the White House. President Clinton's flirting with women is his unpresidential conduct. She'd worked with Goldberg, the agent, to sell the pitch, but had the last minute trip backed out. She was nervous about money. If the book were published, she would almost certainly lose her job. And Trip worried that the proceeds from book sales wouldn't be enough. So now, Trip hopes that Goldberg isn't still mad at her for backing up, and that the agent is willing to collaborate again. Trip dials Goldberg's number, and a familiar nasal voice answers on the other line. This is Lucianne. Lucy, Hi, it's Linda Trip. Linda, to what Toyota the pleasure? Well, first off, I want to acknowledge that we left things in an uncomfortable place, and I feel bad about that. But look, I've something new has come up, and I think you'll be interested in it. Okay. Last fall, a young lady who will remain nameless for the time being took me in as a confidant, and as it turns out, she became a girlfriend of the president. Okay. And she still is, and she was only 21 when it started. What they do is they meet in the Oval Office, and she performs oral sex on him. Really? And you know this for a fact? I have a whole spreadsheet from her with the dates and times they met, including phone calls. The president is a big fan of phone sex, apparently. I'm thinking I could write a book, show the world who Clinton really is. Well, you know me, I'd love to expose Clinton. Sounds like there's definitely a book there, but it would be an even bigger book if your mystery woman went public. Do you think she'd be willing to talk to Paula Jones lawyers? I've heard they're looking for other staffers who've had sexual encounters with Clinton. They want to establish a pattern of behavior. Trip pauses as she considers the question. She knows all about Paula Jones in her stunning accusation. Jones has claimed that President Clinton sexually harassed her back when he was the governor of Arkansas. She filed a civil lawsuit against the president, and if other women came forward with similar stories, it would help her case. But it's unlikely that Lewinsky would go public. Now, Lucien, I don't think she'd do that. She's very loyal to him, despite how he's treated her. I see. Still under his spell, huh? Well, a book like this... It could destroy her. Are you sure you want to do that to a kid? Ah, she's not any kind of victim in this. She's had a very privileged upbringing in Beverly Hills. She's had affairs with married men before. She's not naive. All right, then. Let's do this. But the only thing is, I don't think your notes will be enough. What more do I need? You need... You need to tape recorder, telling you about the affair in as much detail as possible. You want me to secretly record her? Is that even legal? Yeah, yeah, it's fine. I do it all the time. I don't know. Taping someone. Look, Linda, you're on to something really big here. But you need solid proof if you want to have the impact that I think you do. All right. I guess I'll go to Radio Shack tomorrow. They'll have a recorder, right? Excellent. And Linda, don't forget. This could be history making if we do it right. Well, that's my intention. Trip hangs up the phone and leans back on her couch. It pains her to think of betraying Lewinsky who secretly record her like she's some kind of criminal. But for Trip, it's all in service of something much more important. The world needs to know the truth about Bill Clinton. People have to know that he's a snake and he abuses his power and takes advantage of young vulnerable women. An expose will, of course, be painful for Lewinsky or it could protect other women in the future. Maybe even help Lewinsky move on from her trouble to fare with the president. What if your family was the victim of a home invasion or you woke up in the morgue or you were seriously injured miles from help? What would you do? This is actually happening. Asks our listeners this very question while we bring you captivating real life stories of trauma and perseverance. This is actually happening brings listeners extraordinary true stories from the people who lived them. You'll hear stories about conflict, turmoil, or threats that dramatically alter the course of someone's life. Each episode is an exploration of the human spirit and how survivors manage to overcome hardship and move on with their lives. Even thriving afterward. The new season of this is actually happening is available ad free only with Wondry Plus. And if this new season isn't enough, you can listen to more than 120 exclusive episodes available only to Wondry Plus subscribers. Join Wondry Plus on Apple Podcasts or on the Wondry app. It's November 13th, 1997. Monica Lewinsky is standing in the Oval Office by herself with the lights off. She's freezing cold and shivering, but she's not going to leave, not until President Clinton finally shows up. Lewinsky gazes across the Oval Office. It's completely dark with the gray afternoon light blocked by thick curtains. Lewinsky would turn on a light but Clinton's secretary Betty Curry has ordered the lights to remain off. She doesn't want anyone asking who's in the inner office. Making matters worse, Lewinsky was caught in the rain on her way over and her clothes and hair are still damp. She's been here for over two hours, waiting in the dark, and still no word from the president. It's taking all of her willpower not to scream. Lewinsky wasn't supposed to be standing here shivering in the dark in the Oval Office. Clinton told her to come by today. They were supposed to talk about her job prospects. In recent months, it's becoming increasingly clear that Clinton isn't bringing her back to the White House. Lewinsky knows that it's time to move on and to get a fresh start. Her mother recently moved to New York. Lewinsky wants to join her in the city, but she needs a job. Clinton offered to help, and Lewinsky's done her part. She's written reminders for the president, giving him copies of her resume. But so far nothing has happened. She remains stuck in hell, a place otherwise known as the Pentagon. And as she stands shivering inside the Oval Office, Lewinsky is once again waiting on the president, a man who doesn't seem to keep up with the president. He doesn't seem to keep his word. Lewinsky knows how to get him to take action. She reaches into her purse, feeling the cool metal tin of altoid mints. Clinton doesn't respond to anger, but he does respond to sex. So when he shows up, she's going to remind him about the connection they had. Then she'll push him about finding her a job. Meanwhile, the minutes continue to drag by. When suddenly the door swings open and Clinton strides in and turns on the light, Lewinsky squints at the sudden brightness, and even though she's been fuming, her anger melts away. The president is just so magnetic. Clinton starrows when he sees Lewinsky. He asks how long she's been waiting here in the dark. He didn't know she was here. Lewinsky almost makes a cutting remark, then remembers her goal. So she smiles and tells Clinton it doesn't matter. She has something she wants to try. Lewinsky slowly pops an altoid into her mouth, making sure to accentuate her lips with her fingers. Then she starts to kneel. But Clinton stops her. He says he doesn't have the time. There's a state dinner with President Mexico. Lewinsky promises she'll be quick, but Clinton again says no. He has to leave. He'll call her about the job. And then, before she can say another word, Clinton turns off the light and exits the office. Lewinsky's left again, standing alone in the dark. She spits the mint into a trash can, furious as tears start to trickle down the side of her face. She feels hopeless and weak, and doesn't know what to do next. But there is one person she can turn to. Linda Trip has been a real source of support recently. She was even the one who thought Lewinsky should get the president to help find her a job. So when she gets home, she'll call Trip. And her good friend will help Lewinsky figure out her next move. Later that evening, Linda Trip slams down the phone and turns off her tape recorder. She can't take this anymore. She just spent four hours on the phone with Monica Lewinsky. The young woman cried and bummed the state of her relationship with the president. This has been going on for months, with Trip playing the kindly supportive aunt. But Trip is done listening to all the whining. It's time for her book project to move forward, and for the world to know the truth about Bill Clinton. So Trip picks up the phone again and dials the number for Lucy Ann Goldberg, her agent. Trip now has hours of secretly recorded tapes, just like Goldberg suggested. It should be enough material for any respectable book publisher. A moment later, Goldberg picks up the phone. Trip tells her agent that she's done her part. She's got the recordings. Now Goldberg needs to do her job and get the Lewinsky story out into the world. But Goldberg exhales and reminds Trip to be patient. They agreed to a plan. It would be best if a mainstream media outlet broke the story first. That would legitimize Trip's claims before she goes public with the book. And Goldberg says this plan can still work. They brought the story to a reporter at Newsweek. Now they just need to wait for the journalist to dig around. But Trip isn't satisfied with this. There have been endless delays. And this Newsweek reporter isn't certain to publish anything. There has to be something else they can do. So Trip asks about Paula Jones, the civil servant from Arkansas who claims Clinton sexually harassed her. Jones is suing Clinton. Maybe Goldberg could leak word of the affair to Jones's lawyers. There's a pause on the other line. Goldberg then says it could work. But it's a court case. Trip would have to be deposed and go on the record with everything she knows. Trip sinks down on the couch mulling over the possibility. She's not sure what to do. She wants to expose Clinton. But getting personally involved in the lawsuit that feels too risky. Trip is a political and pointy. She can't openly help Paula Jones's lawyers. She'd be fired if it came out she was working against the president. Trip lays out the situation. But Goldberg tells her not to worry. There's another option. They can get Jones's lawyers to subpoena her. That way she's testifying because she has to, not because it looks like she wants to. The government can't fire Trip for doing her legal duty. Trip's still is unsure. This is her livelihood on the line. It's a huge gamble. Goldberg says if Trip really wants to move forward quickly, this might be the best way to testify in public for the Paula Jones case. With Trip's deposition, Jones's lawyers can then subpoena Monica Lewinsky. Then both she and the president will have to answer questions about the relationship under oath. And with that scandal brewing, publishers will be starving for a tell all book. Trip will be in a perfect position to make a fortune. Trip gazes across the room. Her eyes landing on a fold of the American flag is framed on the wall. Trip spent years hopping from one military base to the next. As her then husband worked his way up the ranks in the army. She knows a thing or two about patriotic duty. So Trip tells Goldberg she'll do it. She'll testify in Paula Jones's case. She'll go public. Goldberg says it's the right move. She'll get word to Jones's legal team right away. It's December 6, 1997, inside the Oval Office. Robert Bennett scans a series of documents as he waits for President Bill Clinton to wrap up a phone call. Bennett is Clinton's private attorney, defending the president against Paula Jones's sexual harassment lawsuit. He's built a lucrative practice defending powerful executives. And like his other clients, Clinton will have to speak honestly in their private meeting. Bennett will need all the information he can get if he's going to help the president with his difficult legal situation. Finally, the president will be in the office. Finally, the president hangs up the phone and strides over, flashing his famous smile. Bob, sorry for the wait. Should we get the show on the road? No problem, Mr. President. Let's do it. Now, I'm going to go through each witness that Paula Jones's lawyers plan to call a trial. If you believe any of them possess damaging information or otherwise poses the legal threat, I need you to tell me and tell me why. That's the only way I can defend you. I need to know the truth. You've got it. Now, before we start, though, I know that you and the first lady don't want to settle this case. Of course, we don't want to settle. It's a tacit admission of guilt. I understand that, Mr. President, but I understand that once this goes to trial, the witness list becomes public. The press, the GOP, they'll all have access. I do understand, but we're not settling now. So let's just start going through the list. I'll tell you everything I know. Bennett studies the president's face, trying to judge whether he's being sincere. Clinton is so charismatic and approachable. It's hard to imagine him lying, but as an attorney, Bennett knows that everyone has their secrets. Okay, Mr. President, let's start. First off, Jennifer Flowers. She's fine, no threat. Kathleen Willie. Fine. Dolly Kyle Browning. Fine. Monica Lewinsky. Lewinsky. Yeah, former White House aide. According to Paula Jones of lawyers, you and she had an affair. Clinton scowls. Bob, do you think I'm crazy? I have the press watching me every single minute. The GOP is dying for me to do something like that. Of course, nothing happened. Bennett studies the president's face. It's bright red and his light blue eyes have darkened with anger. But Bennett continues to wait, seeing if Clinton will crack. The smallest movement, the shift of an eyebrow, the quiver of a lip. It could reveal whether Clinton is lying. But Clinton holds Bennett's gaze without wavering. His indignation is evident. So Bennett nods, moves on to the next name on the list. He's satisfied. Monica Lewinsky won't be a problem. And if Clinton continues to tell the truth, the president will survive without incident. From Wondering, this is episode two of the Clinton Lewinsky affair from American Scandal. In our next episode, Monica Lewinsky is forced to speak about Bill Clinton under oath, landing her in the center of a long running investigation of the president. If you like our show, please give us a five star rating and leave a review and be sure to tell your friends. I also have two other podcasts you might like. American History Tellers and Business Movers. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you're listening right now. Or you can listen to new episodes early and add free by subscribing to Wondering Plus in Apple Podcasts or in the Wondering app. You'll also find some links and offers from our sponsors in the episode notes. Supporting them helps us keep offering our shows for free. Another way you can support this show is by filling out a small survey at Wondering.com slash survey to tell us what topics we might come next. You can also find us and me on Twitter. Follow me at Lindsay A. Graham, Lindsay with an A, Middle Initial A, and thank you. Hi, grownups. Bedtime isn't always easy. And winding down after a busy day can feel almost impossible. But we're here to help. Introducing Stories Podcast Sleep Series. All of your favorite stories from classic fairy tales to modern myths, all read in a calm and soothing voice over dreamy soundscapes and gentle lullabies. Snuggle in and turn down the lights. And let us read the bedtime story so you can relax and unwind with your kids with Stories Podcast Sleep Series. Listen exclusively on Wondering Plus Kids and Apple Podcasts or on Wondering Plus in the Wondering app. Stories Podcast Sleep Series. Soothing Stories to Help You Sleep. Available exclusively on Wondering Plus Kids and Apple Podcasts or on Wondering Plus in the Wondering app. Sweet Dreams.