JANUARY 23, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: Senators' Questions in Clinton Impeachment Case. Impact: The impeachment trial of President Clinton set the stage for a political landscape where scandal became a competitive sport. Fast forward a few decades, and now we have reality TV stars debating in presidential elections. Thanks, Senators!. Fact: Did you know that impeachment trials are like reality shows, but with less drama and more paperwork? Who knew Congress could rival the Kardashians?.
• Headline: G.O.P. Chairman Jim Nicholson Re-elected. Impact: Jim Nicholson's re-election might have saved the GOP from turning into a circus. But alas, here we are today with political clowns running amok. You’re welcome, America!. Fact: Did you know that 'G.O.P.' stands for 'Grand Old Party'? But judging by their antics, it might as well stand for 'Giggling Over Politics'..
• Headline: DirecTV to Buy A Major Rival For $1.8 Billion. Impact: DirecTV's acquisition set off a satellite war that led to binge-watching marathons and the eventual birth of streaming services. Thank you, Hughes Electronics, for paving the way for our Netflix addiction!. Fact: Did you know that before streaming, we used to have to actually schedule our TV time? It was like planning a trip to the moon, but less fun..
• Headline: Byrd's Statement on His Move to End the Trial. Impact: Byrd's statement to end the trial created a ripple of political disengagement, making 'meh' the new standard for civic engagement. The future generations would take one look at this and say, 'No thanks, I'll just binge-watch instead!'. Fact: Did you know that sometimes ending a trial early is just like ending a bad date? Awkward, but better for everyone's sanity!.
• Headline: Case for Clinton Relies on Portraying the Prosecution's Case as Trivial. Impact: The portrayal of the prosecution's case as trivial laid the groundwork for future legal defenses that hinge on semantics. Now, arguing on social media is a fine art, with everyone convinced they have a law degree.. Fact: Did you know that trivial cases often make the best memes? Who knew a legal defense could be so... meme-worthy?.
• Headline: Rehnquist Not Looking at His Watch. Impact: Rehnquist's laid-back approach at the impeachment trial led to a culture of relaxed courtroom decorum, paving the way for the ‘let's take a break’ mentality that now dominates many formal settings. Cheers to procrastination!. Fact: Did you know that Chief Justices are just a few bad coffee breaks away from becoming stand-up comedians? They might as well try!.
• Headline: Sports Of the Times; 'I'm Sorry, So Sorry.' Really, I Am.. Impact: Rhoden's commentary on Sprewell's apologies turned contrition into a marketing strategy. Now, athletes are more likely to apologize on Twitter than actually change their behavior. Thanks, William!. Fact: Did you know that saying 'I'm sorry' is now an Olympic sport? Just ask any athlete caught in a scandal!.