As to her continued affiliation with thefeminist movement, however, Whitman said, "I'vewritten my last check."

Whitman also spoke out against Clinton for hisfailings as a moral leader, particularly forchildren. As an example, she told the story of anine year-old child who, when her father was awayon business, asked her mother, "How do you knowhe's in New York? How do you know he's notcheating?"

"The impact of this situation will be felt foryears," Whitman said. "It will be hard to holdchildren accountable if we can't hold thePresident accountable."

Whitman concluded by emphasizing the importanceof the current debate over trust.

"This is going to determine our future as anation, the way no single off-year election evercould," she said.

While the reactions of the audience, composedof undergraduates, Kennedy School of Governmentstudents and community members differed over thespeech's content, most agreed that it was"well-delivered" and "powerful."

"She was a good speaker, but I resented thefact that she condemned feminists as a group,"said Roona Ray '02. "There's a lot of diversity inthe feminist movement, not only in demographicsbut in political thought."

On the other hand, Erik A. Beech '02 agreedwith much of what Whitman said. "I agree with themain points of her address and I wonder why morewomen haven't spoken out against the actions ofthe President," he said.

Jessica A. Bowen '01 respected Whitman's rightto speak her mind. "I don't think that ifpolitical figures come to the Forum they shouldwithhold their partisan opinion," she said. "Idon't expect to agree with everything that's said.

While Jeffrey M. Weinshenker '00 did not agreewith all of Whitman's policies, he respected hercall for serious discussion.

"It's important to stir up dialogue aboutpersonal responsibility," Weinshenker said. "Whatbetter way to stir up dialogue than discussingthis at a national university.