Not long ago Republicans believed Clinton would be forced, by the same popular wave that carried them into office in November 1994, to accede to their balanced budget and all the rest. Republicans made some tactical blunders, and Clinton, the press at his side, outsmarted them. But the main reason the Republicans failed was that they lost public support. And they lost it because they never really made their case.

Political columnist JAMES K. GLASSMAN, writing in The Washington Post. Mr. Glassman, throughout the congressional budget process, wrote editorials supportive of Republican proposals.

Fatherhood is a powerful antidote to self-centeredness. It educates about responsibility, which can be avoided but not denied. It made me do things-for example, coaching a soccer team-that I never would have considered before. It has connected me more with others, not just my children, because parenthood creates common concerns and conversations. And it has made me happier.

Washington Post economics columnist ROBERT J. SAMUELSON, on the value of fatherhood.

When Bennett debates Al Gore it will be a catastrophic global warming meltdown for the incumbent.

Former Christian Coalition legislative director MARSHALL WITTMANN, in a Washington Times column touting former drug czar and education secretary William Bennett for vice president on the Dole ticket.

Upon review, the government's version is more credible.

New York Federal Judge HAROLD BAER JR., in a ruling April 1 that reverses his own decision in January not to allow police seizure of 80 pounds of narcotics and a videotaped confession as evidence in a drug trial. Judge Baer came under harsh criticism after the ruling from Republicans, including presumptive GOP presidential nominee Robert Dole, who called for Judge Baer's impeachment. Even President Clinton, who appointed Mr. Baer to the bench, joined in the criticism.

Dear comrade shoppers, our great leader Chairman Mao has just entered the store.

Heard over the P.A. system at the Qian Village store in Shanghai as a Mao lookalike worked the crowd. The Wall Street Journal reported that angry customers complained about the commercialization of their beloved leader. A Qian Village spokesman said there will be no more Maos, adding, "The customer is God, and should be obeyed."