In an interview on Monday, with his arms crossed protectively over his chest, former President Bill Clinton used classic perpetrator tactics to fend off questions about what transpired between him and Monica Lewinsky 20 years ago.

In doing so he missed a real opportunity to grapple honestly with his past.

Clinton was asked if he would handle the Lewinsky affair differently if he were president in 2018 in light of how the Me Too movement has changed perceptions of sex and power. Lewinsky herself recently wrote about the way she now sees the affair in light of Me Too.

Do you view [the Lewinsky affair] differently or feel more responsibility? the Today shows Craig Melvin asked Clinton, who was appearing on the show with author James Patterson to promote their new book .

No. I felt terrible then and I came to grips with it, Clinton said offering no thoughts as to whether Lewinsky might have also had to grapple with their relationship.

It got worse. Did you ever apologize to her? Melvin asked.

No. Yes, Clinton said, incomprehensibly, later explaining that he apologized to the nation.

Clinton quickly moved on to painting himself as a victim and attacking Melvin for daring to ask about this: Nobody believes that I got out of that for free, Clinton said. I left the White House $16 million in debt. But you, typically, have ignored gaping facts in describing this, and I bet you dont even know them.

He later lashed out at Melvin more. You are giving one side, he said, pointing his long finger. And omitting facts.