Final answer:
The investigation into President Clinton by an independent counsel refers to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, for which Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives but not removed from office by the Senate. The independent counsel, Kenneth Starr, initially investigated the Whitewater real estate dealings but the investigation expanded to include Clinton's affair with Lewinsky. In contrast to the Watergate scandal, which led to Nixon's resignation, Clinton remained in office post-impeachment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Investigation into President Clinton
The investigation into President Clinton by an independent counsel revolved around the Monica Lewinsky scandal. This scandal overshadowed not only world events and domestic policy during its time but also marked a period of intense national scrutiny of presidential behavior. Clinton faced impeachment not for the extramarital affair itself, but for lying under oath and obstructing justice. Despite being impeached by the House of Representatives, the Senate did not convict, and Clinton remained in office. The affair, and the lengthy investigation by Kenneth Starr that followed, led to widespread disillusionment with the political process and key figures involved.
The Role of Kenneth Starr
Ken Starr's investigation began with the Whitewater real estate dealings but expanded to include the Lewinsky affair. While many Americans doubted the motivations behind Starr's relentless pursuit, President Clinton's admittance of lying under oath turned public opinion. The scenario led to Clinton's impeachment, but not conviction, reflecting the nation's ambivalence about the personal indiscretions of their leaders and the implications for public office.
Comparison to Other Presidential Scandals
Conservatives hoped the Lewinsky scandal would mirror Nixon's Watergate scandal, the infamous event where Nixon resigned after a cover-up of illegal activities emerged. Comparatively, the Lewinsky scandal did not impact Clinton's presidency to the same extent. The Watergate scandal had profound implications for the American political landscape, showcasing a president using the powers of his office against political rivals, and it ultimately led to Nixon's resignation to avoid certain impeachment and removal from office.