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Matthew Greenberg: Hello everyone... welcome to our conversation with Dr. Drew of "Loveline" -- we're here to talk about tonight's broadcast of the first public comments of Monica Lewinsky. So send your questions in. Welcome, Dr. Drew...

Dr. Drew: Thank you.

Matthew Greenberg: It's somewhat amazing -- although she's never uttered a public comment, we've almost seen a public transformation of this woman from confused, innocent pawn to tonight: center of a savvy, coordinated media event. What really happens to people who go through these kinds of public humiliations?

Dr. Drew: LOL. That is certainly not my area of expertise, so we can only surmise that it is a potentially shattering experience. Just because she looks and sounds good tonight does not mean that she is not in terrific emotional pain. Probably a good deal of coaching and preparation went into this appearance. I hope none of us make specific judgments about the emotional experiences of people we see in the media.

Matthew Greenberg: Was her relationship with the President typical of older-boss, younger-employee trysts?

Dr. Drew: Yes, in fact, classic.

Question: Will Chelsea always be predisposed to abusive relationships because of this?

Dr. Drew: Great question! I don't think so. This was not specific abuse perpetrated towards her. Though she may be predisposed to emotionally distant partners, but look, I really can't make specific interpretations about people which I have no firsthand clinical knowledge.

Matthew Greenberg: Another AOL member asks:

Question: Hey, Dr. Drew! After all this is over, do you think Bill and Hillary are going to sit, have a little chat and then a divorce?

Dr. Drew: I have no idea...

Question: What is it in Monica's childhood that developed this pathetic and desperate need for attention? This is "attention seeking" behavior at its worst.

Dr. Drew: They need more than a little chat. It's more then that, and it's exemplary of what our culture has substituted for genuine intimacy. Connection with a powerful symbol in order to feel good about oneself, rather than a genuine human intimacy. Again, since I have no specific knowledge of her history, I'm not sure that I can give you a specific explanation.

Question: Dr. Drew, what do you think of Bill Clinton?

Dr. Drew: Oh boy... I have concerns. LOL

Matthew Greenberg: Is there a kind of person who can walk away from this kind of public scandal and become stronger from it? From what we've learned and heard on the Tripp tapes, Monica doesn't seem like that strong a person....

Dr. Drew: I don't believe so, just from the experience itself. It could compel somebody to seek professional help, and motivate them to make real change, which could have substantial benefits.

Question: Do you believe that Monica's words and actions on tonight’s special are her way of trying to get back in the good light of Clinton? She seems to be rather sugarcoated towards them.

Dr. Drew: I didn't see the interview yet. It's not available on the West Coast, but I do believe that she has very warm feelings towards the President, or at least conflicted feelings which could cause her to be protective. Somebody may have coached her to respond in that light, also, on a more cynical note.

Question: Is there a moral lack in this nation as to attitudes towards sex?

Dr. Drew: There's a media consultant around every corner. There are some very disturbed attitudes about sex, and in the name of casting off oppression, we have lost the ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Moreover, the unhealthy behaviors are those which are more reinforced in our culture. Coincidentally, the unhealthy behaviors tend to be... the ones that people would cast under the category immoral.

Matthew Greenberg: Well this entire episode seems to enforce unhealthy behavior: we're making Monica a star for having an affair with a married man. Are you worried about the message tonight's broadcast sends?

Dr. Drew: I'm mortified by the entire scandal. However, there is a potential to learn something from this, and as long as we maintain a dialogue whereby we can learn about the ill health represented here, there may be a potential to do some good.

Question: What draws a 22-year-old woman to men twice her age? Is it emotional or is it calculated?

Dr. Drew: Oh, it's emotional....

Question: Do you believe that Monica's behavior is characteristic of many young women in today's society, just more extreme?

Dr. Drew: I believe it characteristic of how women are led to believe they should behave. I am constantly amazed at how women have been disempowered interpersonally in the name of female empowerment.

Question: Dr. Drew -- you often talk about women having a "little girl voice" and what that means about their past. Do you hear that in Monica?

Dr. Drew: No... I don't think she was sexually abused.

Question: What are the potential long-term ramifications of these events in Monica's future relationships? I mean how will anyone be able to overlook her past, when it stares us all in the face? I can't think of anyone that could take her home to meet the folks.

Dr. Drew: I agree with you. However, she already clearly has some interpersonal issues that hopefully she is working on.

Matthew Greenberg: Given all we've heard about the President and the accusations from other women, this member asks:

Question: Does Dr. Drew think that Clinton exhibits "predatory" behavior toward women?

Dr. Drew: Well, in general principles, I think it's incumbent in people of authority to maintain appropriate boundaries with the people that they have authority over. Anything else becomes at least very quickly exploitative.

Question: Dr. Drew, do you really believe Monica thinks that Bill is her "soulmate," or was it just a stunt to attract the media? Or is she just really that naive?

Dr. Drew: I think she really believed it and it is totally consistent with a case like this.

Matthew Greenberg: In watching her tonight on TV, are there any body language clues we should look for that might signal a continued love for the President?

Dr. Drew: Not that I'm aware of, though I am convinced that she still harbors some fantasy. I'm sure she was thoroughly coached before this interview also.

Question: Basically what keys into a person’s brain, that having an affair with a married partner will result in a positive outcome? Obviously they aren't thinking about the realistic side of the situation.

Dr. Drew: Although it sounds simple, it's a very complex question, but it is his very lack of availability that creates the attraction.

Question: Dr. Drew, I think that Bill is most to blame because he is married and should have said no. Period. What do you think?

Dr. Drew: This is my personal opinion, not as a professional. I could never do anything that would hurt my family or children. I couldn't imagine not saying no. And keep in mind, that's where this all started.

Question: Do you think Hillary has a self-esteem problem for not leaving Bill?

Dr. Drew: We don't know. She may be codependent, she may have a very rational reason for not leaving.

Matthew Greenberg: Let's end on the big question, Dr. Drew:

Question: Dr. Drew, do you think that Monica Lewinsky really loves Bill Clinton?

Dr. Drew: I believe she did, inasmuch as she is capable for love for someone that is not accessible. But that goes to the very heart of the problem in our culture today. We have lost a facility for genuine intimacy and many of us our suffering as a result.

Matthew Greenberg: We've run out of time. Dr. Drew, thanks so much for joining us tonight. Say hi to Adam and Diane for us. Good night.

Dr. Drew: Thank you very much, it has been my pleasure, and keep the dialogue going.

Matthew Greenberg: Good night everyone, thanks for the great questions.

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