That Old Familiar Uncharted Territory

Clinton's survival may depend on a combination of forgiveness and boredom

Congressmen and commentators spoke of being in "uncharted territory." They used the term in the way that medieval cartographers wrote "Here Be Monsters" on old maps--meaning that we are in the place where knowledge ends and dread begins.

The future undoubtedly harbors plenty of monsters, hidden from us now and waiting; at the moment, the monsters we see are chimeras of our uncertainty and disgust. But we know enough to make educated projections.

Entering the uncharted territory, we know we will find a solemn official district; there, the high formalities of impeachment will be performed--with circumlocutions that should be hilarious. Adjacent...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!