The Senate vote to acquit President Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice charges in the impeachment trial brings this sorry affair to a welcome and dignified conclusion. This is a great relief to all concerned in the United States and to political leaders around the world, anxious that it has diverted the president's attention from pressing international issues. The outcome leaves Mr Clinton in an extraordinarily strong position as opinion polls indicate buoyant popular support. It remains to be seen now whether the Senate decision not to pass a vote of censure and his statement of contrition yesterday will lead to a reduction in his popularity as the partisan and legal pressures recede.
Such will be the hope of moderate and right-wing Republicans alike, who otherwise have precious little with which to console themselves. They are in political disarray in Congress and out of favour with majority public opinion. US voters were never convinced of the merit of impeachment, even if they agreed there was evidence to back up the perjury and obstruction charges.
That this was insufficient to convict on the "high crimes and misdemeanours" specified in the US Constitution became common ground with the Senate and popular majorities alike. This is a clearcut political and legal decision, which conclusively resolves the matter. The decision not to pursue a censure motion against Mr Clinton is unsatisfactory, insofar as it leaves formally unsaid the evident and justifiable unhappiness of senators, including those from his own party, with Mr Clinton's recklessness, misjudgement and dishonesty throughout the course of this affair.
The partisan nature of the trial and the fact that the Republicans could not even muster majorities against him have left that party facing an uncertain political future leading into next year's presidential and congressional elections. It is divided between a fundamentalist right wing with increasingly strong roots in its organisational base and a mainstream congressional party anxious now to re-establish its reputation as a constructive legislative force. Mr Clinton's Houdini-like escape from the affair is in keeping with his formidable reputation as a survivor in the face of political adversity. The Republicans will have to co-operate with him as best they can, in the knowledge that the recent political initiatives announced in his State of the Union address, including proposals on pensions, health and education can set the political agenda and provide a platform for the forthcoming elections.
Mr Clinton's popular standing has much to do with the positive state of the US economy. Unemployment is at a 28 year low, inflation at a 40 year low and growth at its strongest for a decade; Wall Street fully reflects these facts. Voters believe Mr Clinton can legitimately claim credit for them. He has, therefore, an opportunity to end his presidency on a strong and creative note over the next two years. This is also good news for those who value Mr Clinton's international contribution - not least the valuable role he has played in the Northern Ireland peace process.