It may seem like a lifetime ago, but just short of three weeks before the September 11 catastrophe, smarmy Congressman Gary Condit squandered an hour of primetime television in his interview with Connie Chung. Agreeing to the interview for the sole purpose of attempting to free himself from the unyielding jaws of the blood-thirsty media, Condit offered absolutely no valuable information, relying instead on obfuscation and repetition.
On at least four separate occasions, he regurgitated virtually verbatim the obviously scripted quote “I’ve been married 34 years. I have not been a perfect man. I have made mistakes in my life. But out of respect for my family, out of a specific request by the Levy family, it is best that I not get into the details of the relationship.”
The much touted “tell-all interview” not only was a giant disappointment for the curious, but it served to solidify the general public’s growing suspicion that Condit was, at least in some manner, involved in Chandra’s disappearance. The congressman’s evasiveness, apparent discomfort, and general worm-like demeanor led to the ensuing media proclamation that his career was in fact over.
Alas, two months have elapsed since that seemingly fateful interview, and the scrutiny once directed at Congressman Condit has rightfully been refocused on the current state of the nation.
However, as a result of this shift in attention, Condit has been granted the reprieve of a lifetime, albeit a temporary one, that he neither earned nor deserved. His penance yet to be paid, this matter is far from over.
In the words of the venerable John Lennon, “Instant Karma’s gonna get you, gonna knock you right on the head.” Mr. Condit, you would be wise to duck.