Episode Summary: Joe Lockhart – "Impeachment Day"

In this compelling episode of The Moth titled "Impeachment Day," Joe Lockhart, former Press Secretary for President Bill Clinton, shares his firsthand experience navigating one of the most tumultuous periods in American political history. Recorded live at The Moth’s main stage, Lockhart's narrative offers an insider’s perspective on the intertwining crises of presidential impeachment and impending war.

Appointment and Early Signs

Joe Lockhart begins his story in [03:01] with his unexpected appointment as the White House Press Secretary. Meeting President Clinton alone in the Oval Office, Lockhart recalls the surreal moment when Clinton states, “I hear you want to be my next press secretary” ([03:01]). Despite the apparent lack of a competitive selection process—Lockhart was the only applicant—he embraced the challenge, motivated by his desire to push his personal limits.

He notes subtle red flags, such as his predecessor Mike McCurry’s unnerving, constant smile ([03:35]) and the absence of other candidates, which in hindsight hinted at the complex environment he was stepping into.

First Day Under Pressure

Lockhart's inaugural day is marked by immediate crisis. As he steps into his role, the House Judiciary Committee commences the third impeachment hearings in U.S. history ([03:35]). Faced with the daunting task of managing media relations during such a high-stakes scenario, Lockhart sets the stage for the challenges ahead.

Adventure in Moscow

During a foreign trip to Russia, Lockhart recounts an ill-fated evening in Moscow. Invited by Bono, the lead singer of U2, to experience the “real Moscow,” he ends up staying out until 5 AM at a venue called the Hungry Duck ([05:45]). Exhausted and without his passport, he falls asleep on his hotel bed, only to wake up at 6:15 AM realizing he has missed Air Force One ([04:30]). The anxiety of missing such a critical flight and being stranded without identification is palpable as he states, “You don’t know anxiety until you’ve woken up as the White House press secretary on your first foreign trip” ([04:30]).

Upon finally catching up with his team, Lockhart faces immediate media scrutiny. When questioned about being the first Press Secretary to miss Air Force One on a foreign trip, he awkwardly echoes the President’s recent apology regarding the Monica Lewinsky affair, saying, “I’m really sorry for what I’ve done wrong...” ([06:15]). This misstep inadvertently draws unfavorable comparisons between his own mistakes and the President’s scandal.

Handling Dual Crises: Impeachment and War

Despite the rocky start, Lockhart navigates through significant achievements, including a historic budget deal and temporary peace in the Middle East ([07:20]). However, the looming impeachment inquiry and the brewing conflict in Iraq cast long shadows over his tenure.

A particularly memorable moment occurs during a tense plane ride on Air Force One. The aircraft is split into two sections: the political team grapples with impeachment strategies, while the national security team discusses potential military actions against Iraq ([10:10]). Lockhart vividly describes watching the political maneuvering as “a game of political bingo”, highlighting the precarious balance between safeguarding the President’s position and managing international conflicts.

The Impeachment Vote and Aftermath

On December 19, 1998 ([13:10]), the impeachment process takes a pivotal turn when House Speaker Bob Livingston resigns, admitting to an affair. This unexpected resignation shifts the narrative dramatically. Lockhart and his team must swiftly adapt their communication strategy to counter the new reality where the narrative simplifies to personal misconduct and resignation.

Lockhart recalls rushing to the Oval Office to capture the President’s authentic response. President Clinton emphasizes the need to move beyond the cycle of personal destruction, stating, “It was a real shame that the Congressman was resigning...” ([14:00]). This genuine moment helps dissipate some of the anticipated pressures surrounding impeachment.

Communication Strategies

Faced with simultaneous crises, Lockhart orchestrates a dual messaging approach. For the impeachment aspect, he leverages a straightforward political narrative aimed at emphasizing partisanship. Concurrently, he addresses the war in Iraq by shifting focus to national unity and victory, stating, “There are no Republicans in this country. There are no Democrats. It’s just Americans, and we’ve won the war” ([14:30]).

This bold and audacious strategy allows The White House to maintain public support and manage media relations effectively, despite the overlapping crises. Lockhart’s ability to juggle these multifaceted communications underscores the complexities of political strategy during a heated impeachment process.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the day concludes, Lockhart reflects on the delicate balance between political maneuvering and genuine governance. Sharing a candid moment with a close aide, he humorously notes, “Except for getting impeached, we had a pretty good day” ([14:40]), highlighting the resilience and adaptability required in high-pressure political environments.

Lockhart’s narrative offers invaluable insights into crisis management, the intricacies of political communications, and the personal toll of serving at the highest levels of government during a period of intense scrutiny and conflict.

Notable Quotes

• “I hear you want to be my next press secretary.” — President Bill Clinton ([03:01])

• “You don't know anxiety until you've woken up as the White House press secretary on your first foreign trip.” — Joe Lockhart ([04:30])

• “Anyone who can handle world affairs, you know, Monica Lewinsky and all that, and still has time to stay out all night drinking, is my kind of guy.” — Bono ([06:45])

• “You gotta be fucking kidding me.” — Joe Lockhart ([13:22])

• “Except for getting impeached, we had a pretty good day.” — Joe Lockhart ([14:40])

Conclusion

Joe Lockhart’s "Impeachment Day" is a riveting account of navigating unprecedented political crises. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes revelations, Lockhart provides a nuanced understanding of the pressures and strategies involved in managing both political downfall and international conflict. This episode serves as a testament to the resilience required in political leadership and the complexities of presidential communications during times of intense scrutiny.