The United States Senate now decides the fate of President Bill Clinton. There are 55 Republicans and 45 Democrats in the Senate come January 1999. There are four distinct possible outcomes: 1) the Senate votes to drop the matter, with a simple majority, 2) the Senate votes to convict Bill Clinton, a 2/3s vote, 3) the Senate makes some kind of politically correct deal, and 4) the Senate votes to acquit Bill Clinton, anything less than the 67 votes needed for the 2/3s to convict.

SIX

You may have noticed that the Democrats have 45 votes in the Senate. The Whitehouse needs only to have it's minions convince 6 Republicans to go along with a vote to drop the matter, with full Senate Democrat compliance. On the surface, this would seem to be the easiest to get. The question is, which Republicans would it be? The recent converts, Campbell and Shelby could be beginning targets.

TWELVE

The Republicans control 55 seats and a 2/3s majority is 67. So, Republicans would need 12 Democrats to go along with all of them, to vote for the conviction of Bill Clinton. The Republican leadership or the facts themselves, would have to convince 12 out of the 45 Democrats to desert their fearless leader, in the name of decency and justice. Byrd and Kerrey could be early targets.

DEAL

Some legislators may want to just sweep this matter under the rug. A deal for some meely-mouthed censure will undoubtedly come up. To me, this is the least comfortable outcome. First, the censure and any associated penalties could be expunged in the future by a simple majority vote. Second, a censure is just a slap on the wrist. Even if the censure included a fine, it would just be paid by liberal ultra-rich Hollywood types who donate Bill Clinton the money!

ACQUITTAL

Barring the deal scenario, not getting the SIX or TWELVE votes, would insure the trial and acquittal of Bill Clinton. I think any outcome including a complete trial, is the best for the country. This way, we would get to see who voted which way and for what reasons. I am quite anxious to see who is partisan or not!

If I had a crystal ball, I would let you know right now. In my humble opinion, I think the DEAL and ACQUITTAL scenarios are the most likely to occur.

- Bongo ( Whichever way it goes, Clinton's place in history is that of a philandering adulterous slimeball! )