A fixture on the old television comedy "Rowan and Martin's Laugh In" was the "fickle finger of fate." So far, the fickle finger of political issues that began the year pointed directly at impeachment has swung dramatically. It has moved from impeachment to the conflict in Kosovo, then to the shootings at Columbine High School only to return to Kosovo.
While none of these issues have completely gone away, the chances of any one of them dominating the fall political agenda are down considerably. And while a final report from Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr would certainly cause momentary heartburn throughout the White House, his report last year -- which provided the basis for President Clinton's impeachment and trial in the Senate -- hardly dented the president's approval ratings.
Kosovo remains a powder keg, but now -- with a NATO peacekeeping force in place in the province -- seems less likely to dominate campaign 2000. No doubt Democrats will be sporting new ads in key districts attacking Republicans on guns, just as the National Rifle Association will once again target pro-gun
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