What was the misconception for why Bill Clinton was impeached?

Answer 1

There are a number of misconceptions about President Clinton's impeachment. The primary myths are:

1. He was impeached for cheating on his wife.
2. He was impeached for having an affair with Monica Lewinsky.
3. He was impeached for sexual misconduct.
4. He was impeached for sexual harassment.
5. He was impeached for making false statements to the House of Representatives.
6. He was impeached for lying to the public.
7. He was involved in a cover-up (a la Watergate)
8. He had committed a felony.
9. His actions (somehow) violated the Constitution.
10. His actions rose to the level of an impeachable offense (debatable).

The US House of Representatives actually brought two article of impeachment against Clinton: 1) For committing perjury*; 2) For obstructing justice in the Paula Jones investigation.

The affair with Monica Lewinsky created a scandal, but wasn't part of the impeachment proceedings against Clinton.

*The perjury charge related to Clinton denying having a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky while giving a deposition under oath for Paula Jones' civil suit. Clinton acknowledged having an "improper relationship" with Lewinsky when testifying before the Starr committee. The conflicting testimony was considered perjury.