The affair with Lewinsky, who was 22 years old at the time, not only stained his presidency but also triggered a national conversation about power dynamics and personal responsibility.

Unexpected Questions in a 2018 Interview

In a 2018 interview on NBC's "Today Show," Clinton anticipated discussing his novel co-authored with James Patterson. Instead, he faced unexpected questions about the Lewinsky affair and its context in the #MeToo era.

During the interview, host Craig Melvin questioned whether Clinton would resign if the affair had occurred in the #MeToo era, to which Clinton replied negatively, citing his battle against what he called an illegitimate impeachment.

Clinton's Reflections on Apologizing to Lewinsky

Melvin probed Clinton about whether he had apologized directly to Lewinsky, highlighting her evolved views on sexual harassment amid the #MeToo movement. Clinton acknowledged that while he never apologized personally to Lewinsky, he had made public apologies.

"I fought to contain my frustration as I replied that while I'd never talked to her directly, I did say publicly on more than one occasion I was sorry," Clinton recalled, expressing regret over the interview's tone and his response.

Handling Media Criticism and Personal Reflection

Clinton criticized Melvin's preparation for the interview, noting the host's age during the affair might have influenced his perspective. He admitted the interview was not his finest hour, reflecting on his responses and the public's reaction.

The former president praised Lewinsky for her significant anti-bullying work, recognizing her efforts and impact both in the U.S. and internationally. "Monica’s done a lot of good and important work over the last few years in her campaign against bullying, earning her well-deserved recognition in the United States and abroad. I wish her nothing but the best," he stated.

Evolution of Public Perception and Personal Accountability

Years after the height of the scandal, public perception has shifted considerably, focusing more on the nuances of consent and power dynamics. Lewinsky herself has emerged as a vocal advocate against bullying, transforming her public persona.

Lewinsky stated three years post-interview that she didn't seek an apology from Clinton, yet suggested that he might want to offer one out of a sense of personal ethics. This sentiment reflects a broader societal shift towards understanding and accountability.

As Clinton's memoir "Citizen" hits the shelves, it opens up old wounds but also offers a chance for reevaluation of both his legacy and the lessons learned from his presidency's most tumultuous period.