Clinton loses temper on BBC

2004-06-20 10:05

London - Bill Clinton lost his temper while being questioned over whether he was truly contrite over his affair with Monica Lewinsky, in an interview to be broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation this week, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Questioned repeatedly by BBC interviewer David Dimbleby, the former US president becomes visibly angry and rattled, the British newspaper said, quoting a BBC executive.

Clinton's anger at the line of questioning during the 50-minute interview to be broadcast on Tuesday night, lasts several minutes, according to the report.

The interview took place in a New York hotel on Wednesday.

"He is visibly angry with Dimbleby's line of questioning and some of that anger gets directed at Dimbleby himself. As outbursts go, it is not just some flash that is over in an instant. It is something substantial and sustained," the BBC executive said.

"It is memorable television which will give the public a different insight into the president's character. It will leave them wondering whether he is as contrite as he says he is about past events. Dimbleby manages to remain calm and order is eventually restored," he added.

Clinton agreed to speak to Panorama as part of the publicity campaign for his autobiography My Life.

British journalists have a reputation for persistent, and even rude, questioning. Many British journalists see their US counterparts as overly respectful towards figures of authority. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA