1998:The year of the intern

Admittedly, it was with a reluctant eagerness that I made the move to Monicaland, in an effort to learn by doing and put "intern" on my resume and law school applications. Now though, as the time has arrived to head home, I know I will always cherish this once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity.

I was able to witness the historic vote of impeachment of the President of the United States, see Ken Starr testify before the House Judiciary Committee and be present when Speaker Gingrich told his staff of this plans to resign.

Through it all, I learned lessons that could never be realized within the limiting parameters of the classroom. I suppose most importantly, as a student of political science, I learned about politics. I found within this small word the endlessness of different worlds. On one hand, the marble pillars, the black Suburbans, the glory. The ultimate chance to make a difference. To do what is right. To have the power.

But all is not pretty within the political trenches atop Capitol Hill. Once within the spin, I saw this place for what it is. Washington is a cold, thankless town, one which emotion and loyalty are hard to come by. A genuine sense of right and wrong? Not really.

The politicos who run this town are professionals - it's a business, a job. I need not look further than my own office, to the Speaker's aides for evidence of this.

President Clinton's accusations of wrong-doing and even Newt Gingrich's departure seemed to effect this lot little. Impeached or not impeached? Ah, who cares.

After the initial shock of Newt Gingrich's resignation wore off, it was back to business as usual.

But in fairness to this group I once called "jaded," such is the nature of this beast. Much like how a medical doctor must be separated from the emotion of the job in order to be effective, so must this business be faced.

Most importantly, I learned that in Washington, one never knows what will happen. It is a place where, from one moment to the next, anything is possible. Simply put, you never know.

So I have come to not invest much into predictions. Seldom are they correct, and more often than not we political know-it-alls eat our words. But, oh well, just once more for fun:

President Clinton will most likely survive the Senate trial, however it's farfrom cash in the bank. The White House seems terrified of this trial for avery good reason - no one knows what else will be discovered. With reports flying around Washington about other Jane Does and sexual assaults and illegitimate children, who knows what's next. While I wouldn't touch this one with a ten-foot pole, one thing is for sure: The FDR-like legacy Bill Clinton had dreams of is history.

As for Hillary, she'll get revenge for the humiliation and leave her morally-challenged spouse once he can no longer provide her access to the White House.

As for a run for office herself, I wouldn't hold my breath. Besides, who knows what skeletons are in her closest? My advice to Hil: Quit while you're ahead.

The new century will bring a new team to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Look for the two George's, W. Bush and Pataki, to leave the ranch and Big Apple respectively for the White House.

And Pataki may not be the only New Yorker heading to Washington. Perhaps he and Mayor Rudy can carpool down to D.C. after Giuliani fills the seat of retiring Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

While the GOP will once again discover presidential success in 2000, don't be so sure about the Congress. They gave Newt the boot because they thought they could run the show better. This ungrateful bunch and a higher, more polarized turnout, will likely lead to more Democratic gains, and likely, a Speaker Gephardt.

As for Newt, he'll leave Washington and make a gazillion dollars speaking, teaching and writing, and the whole time wonder what he was doing here all along.

So I guess that's it. And now, as I make my way back down this Hill, I will take with me more than with which I arrived. Most precious, I shall take the lessons I have learned and the friends I have made. Sure I'll miss it, but who knows, perhaps I'll be back another day.

But for now, just like Newt, it's time to go home.