Kathleen Willey, the Richmonder whose name became
synonymous with the pitfalls
of Clinton adoration, will be host of a local
radio talk show starting Sunday.
Willey's two-hour, after-church drive-time slot
on WRVA (1140 AM) could prove
a powerful companion to unctuous sermonizing
or a frightening bit of deja vu for listeners
who thought the seamier aspects of the Clinton
administration were history.
"On the contrary, I told her to lead with it,"
said WRVA's Randall Bloomquist, when asked yesterday
whether Willey's notorious encounter nine years
ago with the president in an Oval Office anteroom is old news.
[Excuse me, that's "claimed" encounter]
Bloomquist said he hired Willey, 55, after she approached him about a radio show.
"I was really struck by her passionate description
about how you need to keep a sense
of self-worth after you get sucked into the world
of power politics," he said.
Willey's noon-to-2 p.m. debut comes four years
and three weeks after her famous "60 Minutes"
television appearance in which she described
a November 1993 private encounter with the president.
Willey said the president groped and fondled
her. Clinton swore that the allegation was false, but the
allegation did much to buttress similar charges
from other Clinton acquaintances, including Paula Jones.
Clinton was never charged in connection with the Willey encounter.
...because Starr and Ray said, in writing, that she couldn't be believed.
Willey, who had been active in Democratic politics
and was a White House volunteer,
had approached Clinton for a more prestigious
position.
Her story to Clinton of imminent financial ruin
and family problems dramatically heightened when,
a day later, authorities announced that Willey's
husband had committed suicide. His death was not known
to his wife when she visited the White House
and Willey's husband apparently was not aware of the Oval
Office encounter. Edward E. Willey Jr.
was the son of a prominent state legislator from Richmond.
Bloomquist declined to say how much Willey will be paid.
Guests will include various figures Willey encountered
during her tempestuous White House years.
Nicknamed "Irish" for her temper, Willey will
be making in her appearance a full and timely circle of sorts.
One of her first jobs at the White House was helping coordinate the traditional Easter Egg roll.
These money-grubbing Clinton accusers really earn the title, "whore"
don't they?
Remember: The report from the Republican IOC said she was "less
than credible,"
but in today's world of whore journalism - she'll probably become a
starr.