Meaning: This quote by Chris Matthews, a well-known journalist and political commentator, reflects on a missed opportunity by the Republican party during the Bill Clinton impeachment proceedings in the late 1990s. In order to fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the context surrounding the events mentioned.

In 1998, President Bill Clinton faced impeachment proceedings following revelations of his extramarital affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The House of Representatives, controlled by the Republican party, voted to impeach Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. However, the subsequent trial in the Senate resulted in acquittal, as the necessary two-thirds majority for conviction was not reached.

The quote refers to the possibility of censuring President Clinton as an alternative to impeachment. Censure is a formal reprimand or condemnation of a public official's actions, often issued by a legislative body. In this context, Matthews suggests that if the Republicans had chosen to censure Clinton instead of pursuing impeachment, they could have gained political advantage.

Matthews' assertion that there were 29 Democratic votes for censure in the Senate highlights the potential for bipartisan support for a censure resolution. This suggests that some Democrats may have been open to the idea of formally rebuking Clinton for his actions without pursuing the more severe measure of impeachment. By emphasizing this point, Matthews implies that censure could have been a more politically viable option.

Furthermore, the quote suggests that the Republicans missed an opportunity to capitalize on public sentiment by not censuring Clinton before the 1998 midterm elections. The implication is that a censure resolution, if strategically pursued at that time, could have swayed public opinion in favor of the Republicans and potentially influenced the election outcome in their favor.

Matthews' perspective on this historical moment reflects the strategic considerations and political calculations that often come into play during high-stakes political events. His assessment underscores the potential impact of different courses of action on electoral outcomes and public perception.

It is worth noting that the quote does not explicitly endorse or condemn the idea of censure over impeachment, but rather presents it as a missed opportunity for the Republicans. The quote serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics of political decision-making and the potential consequences of different approaches to addressing presidential misconduct.

In conclusion, Chris Matthews' quote encapsulates the notion that the Republicans could have pursued a censure resolution against President Bill Clinton as a strategic alternative to impeachment. It underscores the potential political implications of such a decision and highlights the dynamics of partisan maneuvering during a pivotal moment in American political history.