Final answer:
President Bill Clinton admitted on national TV to having had an "inappropriate relationship" with Monica Lewinsky after previously denying the affair, which eventually led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Monica Lewinsky scandal, President Bill Clinton initially denied any wrongdoing. He memorably declared on national television that he "did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky." However, evidence uncovered by independent counsel Ken Starr contradicted his denial. Eventually, Clinton admitted to having had an "inappropriate relationship" with Lewinsky and acknowledged that his earlier statements were misleading. This admission of lying under oath was a pivotal moment in the scandal and led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. Although the Senate acquitted him, the event remained a significant blemish on his presidency.
In a historical context, television played a role similar to that during the Checkers speech by Richard Nixon; it became a tool for politicians to directly address the public regarding accusations of improprieties.