Starr would like to return to the comforts of a prestigious law firm or the tranquillity of academia. Lately he’s even wondered aloud to colleagues if he’s damaging the independent counsel’s office by staying on. In all his remaining four cases, the defense strategy is to put Starr himself on trial. Last week two of his targets joined forces: Julie Hiatt Steele, indicted by Starr for false statements, was a defense witness in Susan McDougal’s criminal-contempt trial. Both women allege that they are the victims of vindictive prosecution, a charge Starr denies. “Ken doesn’t want to be the issue,” says an associate. “He’d rather bow out gracefully.”
But that’s not so easy. Starr’s concerned that he has no deputy with the background and experience to succeed him. And he’s worried about the public reaction if he bails out now. In 1997, when he announced he was quitting to become a dean at Pepperdine University, the criticism–from liberals and conservatives–was so fierce he abandoned the plan.
A spokesman at the special prosecutor’s office insists Starr is going “full steam ahead.” But in recent weeks, sources say, Starr has begun talking to advisers about laying the groundwork for his departure. A key part of the planning: a media blitz to minimize negative publicity and refurbish his tarnished reputation. Robert Bork, whose 1987 Supreme Court nomination fell victim to a well-organized campaign by liberal interest groups, has told Starr to hit “Larry King Live” and other TV talk shows. “He needs to tell his side of the story,” says Bork. “He’s a fair-minded guy, not a right-wing zealot.”
The longer Starr waits, the fewer options are open. The Pepperdine job now seems out of reach. Both of the positions he was offered have been filled. Friends say Starr is considering a book. He’s signed up to teach his usual constitutional-law seminar at New York University School of Law next spring. And he’s always welcome at his old law firm, Kirkland & Ellis, says managing partner Jack Levin. Daniel Klaidman
TELEVISIONThe Eye and the Storm
A new soap opera may be debuting at CBS. Last week CBS agreed to buy King World’s syndicated shows (including “Oprah” and “Jeopardy”) for $2.5 billion in CBS stock. The deal ignited speculation about who’d emerge on top at CBS: current CEO Mel Karmazin or Roger and Michael King, who control King World. Karmazin, a hard-driving corporate cost-cutter, ascended to the throne in January. His rise was inevitable after CBS bought his radio company in 1996, making him the largest CBS shareholder. In no time he had reportedly helped oust the CBS president. Now Karmazin must embrace the Kings, who together will own more of CBS than he. Unlike the no-nonsense Karmazin, they are… colorful. Roger has been busted on charges of car theft (he pleaded no contest) and hoisting a Las Vegas card dealer by the throat (the victim collected $66,000 in damages). Like the entrepreneurial CBS chief, they’ve been their own boss. But all parties play down the prospect of a boardroom war. “The [corporate] titles really don’t matter,” Michael King said. But if things ever get tense, they could talk it out on “Oprah.”
ANIMALSAre You From Out of Town?
If there’s one thing that’s out of place in city parks, it’s raw nature. Last week a coyote spotted in New York’s Central Park was promptly tranquilized and removed to the Bronx Zoo. Days later, beaver traps were set near Washington, D.C.’s, Tidal Basin after a cherry tree was gnawed down. In Denver, meanwhile, park officials are fighting nature with nature: 100 goats, penned in and tended by two herders, have been brought in to combat unwelcome vegetation like cheatgrass and bindweed.
WEDDINGSGet Me to the Church on Time… in a Sleigh
Hitching season looms. we talked to wedding planners around the country (Kemper and Cowie in New York, Pfeffer in Chicago, and Demby in Atlanta) for the lowdown on tying the knot in style. And we mean high style: Cowie charges up to $5,000 per guest.
Shon Demby New Trend: “Men having best women and women having men of honor.” Best Theme: “Elizabethan: knights, jugglers, mandolin players and everyone in costume. They sent the invitations on scrolls.” Tough Request: “Eighteen bridesmaids’ dresses, from size 3 to 28.”
Robyn Pfeffer Strange Request: “They wanted a fire-eater. I said no, too hazardous.” Disaster: “A guest sculpted a huge bride and groom for the cake. It fell, gouged the cake, and rolled onto the dance floor.”
Collin Cowie Lavish Details: “We chartered a 727 to fly guests to Beaver Creek, then brought them in sleighs to the mountaintop.” Disaster: “One groom never pitched up. The bride married the limo driver to save face.” Job Desciption: “Like producing a Hollywood movie, live, in one take.”
Wendy Kemper Key Job: Talking down the father of the bride. “Sometimes he shakes so bad he can’t put his own cuff links on.” Disaster: “A storm. Trees crushed three cars and I carried the bride through mud in my good shoes.”
AIR TRAVELHow Late? How Loud? How Jammed?
Summer vacation is just a few months away. Go ahead and daydream about the perfect getaway. Just don’t think about the flying part. Planes, after all, are sure to be packed, and there will probably be unhappy little fliers on your flight. A travel tip: airlines are cracking down on oversize carry-on bags, so check them if you can. There is some good news, though: chances are low of a labor dispute like the recent pilot sickout at American. Which airline should you pick for the cheapest fares and best service? Sorry. No guarantees.
TRANSITIONThe Jazz Singer
“I been gone, and now I’m comin’ back,” sang Joe Williams in one of his signature numbers. But the great jazz singer, who died last week at 80, was never gone. From cleaning the john in a Chicago club and singing for tips, he reached the top with Count Basie’s band in the ’50s and stayed on top into the ’90s. He brought a city sophistication to the blues. Like Ella Fitzgerald, he synthesized jazz and pop styles. And millions dug him as Grandpa Al on “The Cosby Show.” Jack Kroll
Sammy & Mark Show
Homering every five at-bats this spring, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire start the season on a 100-homer pace. Preseason homers: McGwire: 9 Sosa: 11
FANSOmigod! It’s… Wilmington
What’s Dawson’s Squeak? In Wilmington, N.C., where the WB hit “Dawson’s Creek” is filmed, it’s the sound of teens encountering a spot frequented by Dawson and his friends. “It’s all shrieking Omigods!” says Liz Edwards, owner of Screen Play Video, where the rakish Pacey works. Pilgrimages to Wilmington, which began last summer, include stops at The Icehouse, an on-screen hangout, and EUE Screen Gems studio, but the shrieks are welcome all over town. Says a local official: “It’s definitely had a direct impact on retailers.”
VITAL STATSAnniversaries for $500, please, Alex
