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President Bill Clinton’s refusal to agree spending cuts sought by the Republican-controlled Congress results in a government shutdown in November 1995, so interns must staff the West Wing. Which is when Monica catches Clinton’s eye.

During the 1996 election campaign, Monica endures her banishment to the Pentagon press office only because she believes he will bring her back to the White House once given a second term in office. Linda, her own life and career stalled, takes a vicarious interest in young Monica’s troubles, divining that the boyfriend she will not name is part of the administration but little realising who he is. Newsweek journalist Michael Isikoff is doggedly investigating whether rumours about Clinton’s predatory nature can be proven.

Paula Jones is taken under the designer-clad wing of ‘conservative feminist’ Susan Carpenter-McMillan, who gives her a makeover and a higher profile. The sexual harassment lawsuit is just the sort of case right-wing pundit Ann Coulter wants to exploit.