Mission: Not Impossible, But No Cakewalk Either

The Clinton presidency has seen the appointment of a number of figures who, it was hoped, would bring focus and discipline to an Administration that has often been criticized for lacking both. A midterm report card:

SAVIOR

ABNER MIKVA

HIRED AS

White House counsel; took over for Cutler (8/94)

OPTIMISTIC EARLY LINE

"He has always been able to motivate and lead people. His position is always thoughtful."

-- Representative Henry Hyde (R-Illinois)

CURRENT STATUS

Still on the job

ASSESSMENT

Almost invisible, which may be a good sign

SAVIOR

DAVID GERGEN

HIRED AS

White House counsel; responsible for improving Administration's communications skills (5/93)

OPTIMISTIC EARLY LINE

"I do think he's a good early-warning system for Clinton -- he's excellent at damage control." -- Patrick Buchanan

CURRENT STATUS !

Relegated to post as "special adviser" in State Department; takes up teaching this month at Duke

ASSESSMENT

Initially successful in improving Clinton's image but clashed with liberal advisers, including the First Lady, and steadily lost influence

SAVIOR

HAROLD ICKES

HIRED AS

Deputy chief of staff; portfolio included handling health care, Whitewater and midterm elections (12/93)

OPTIMISTIC EARLY LINE

"Known as a tough political dealmaker."

-- Washington Post

CURRENT STATUS

Still on the job

ASSESSMENT

No three-strikes rule here: after health care, Whitewater and '94 election, Ickes could still move over to run '96 campaign

SAVIOR

LLOYD CUTLER

HIRED AS

Acting special counsel; replaced Whitewater-tainted Bernard Nussbaum (3/94)

OPTIMISTIC EARLY LINE

"No one is better suited to the job of White House counsel."

-- C. Boyden Gray, Bush White House counsel

CURRENT STATUS

Left office after seven months as originally planned

ASSESSMENT

Brought temporary relief to the White House's handling of Whitewater but couldn't undo most of the damage

SAVIOR

LEON PANETTA

HIRED AS

White House chief of staff (6/94); replaced courtly but ineffective "Mack" McLarty

OPTIMISTIC EARLY LINE

"I think he really will substantially improve the Administration's understanding of Capitol Hill. He's someone who knows when it makes sense to make a deal."

-- Representative George Miller (D-California)

CURRENT STATUS

Still on the job

ASSESSMENT

Clinton gave him carte blanche to hire and fire, then took it away. Still, he's brought more discipline to the White House