CLINTON'S TALK: GOOD SPIN, NO CONTRITION

In what must have been a painful admission, President Clinton went on national television and told the nation he had an "inappropriate relationship" with a former White House intern.

But the president stopped short of asking the forgiveness of the American people. He never said he was sorry, only that he deeply regretted misleading people.

His words were chosen carefully. Forever the spin doctor, Clinton never even admitted he lied.

-- While his answers to the Paula Jones proceedings were "legally accurate," Clinton said he did not volunteer information. Did he have sex or not? This is a laughable game of semantics.

-- Clinton said his public comments and his silence about the matter gave a "false impression." Is that the same as lying?

It was the same Clinton we've seen over and over again.

How can people ignore such flat-out denials made by Clinton just a few months ago? On Jan. 26, Clinton emphatically told the country: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

As a result of his recanting, there's no guarantee his four minutes on national television Monday night weren't filled with even more lies.

The president wasted no time in getting in his licks against Kenneth Starr and Paula Jones. The fact remains that Clinton's admission would have never come about without Starr's investigation or Jones' lawsuit.

The president's televised comments may have more to do with legal proceedings than public appeasement. Before someone goes to trial on a charge of perjury, they have an opportunity to say they misspoke -- made a mistake. Clinton did just that Monday night. He opted for a legal maneuver to avoid a potential perjury indictment.

But it may not be enough. Some political leaders are calling for his resignation based on the fact he lied in his Jones deposition and obstructed justice. Others are investigating the possibility of impeachment. Depending on his testimony, Clinton's legal troubles could be just beginning.

Will the American public forgive? They did once before when then-candidate Clinton admitted to his 12-year affair with Gennifer Flowers.

Clinton is right about one thing. His private affairs should be his own business. But his lying about it is a reasonable public concern. It affects his credibility with the American public and his standing as a world leader. It also appears the president could benefit from some professional help for his sexual addictions.

And what about Hillary Clinton? In January, after allegations about Lewinsky became public, the first lady defended her husband on NBC's "Today." Interviewer Matt Lauer pressed Hillary with this hypothetical question: Should the American people seek the resignation of a president who had an adulterous affair in the White House and then lied to cover it up?

Mrs. Clinton responded: "If all that were proven true, I think that would be a very serious offense."

She's right. This is a very serious offense. It is not one that can be explained away by attacking Kenneth Starr or dancing around legal definitions.

If Bill Clinton can't be trusted by the people he supposedly loves the most, how can the American public simply forgive and forget?

Perhaps those political leaders who are suggesting that the president should resign are right. It is time to move on -- to people who can lead this country with integrity and truth.