Against the backdrop of the war in Iraq, terrorism and the credit crunch, the Clinton era can seem a golden era of peace and prosperity. But today, writes David Williamson, is the 10th anniversary of one of the most dramatic moments in the history of American Government when senators put the president on trial
TEN years ago today the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton began in the US Senate, with the leader of the world's most powerful country was accused of perjury and obstruction of justice.
The President's second term spiralled into crisis when lawmakers chose to pursue allegation that he had lied under oath about a sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
The trial took place against the backdrop of a booming economy and a dotcom bubble that had yet to burst. Al-Qaeda had not become a household name and the two towers of the World Trade Centre stood tall on the Manhattan skyline as symbols of American confidence and prosperity.
Republicans leading the attack failed to win the necessary support of two-thirds of senators and the impeachment effort failed. The acquitted president would complete his term of office with his reputation as one of the most popular world leaders in living memory intact.
Clinton was only the second president to face impeachment proceedings, sharing this place in the history books with Andrew Johnson who faced an attempt to oust him in 1868.
It is unclear whether efforts to impeach presidents will become a more common phenomenon in the years ahead.
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