Hanging On for Dear Life

CIA DIRECTOR ROBERT GATES IS DETERMINED TO HOLD ON TO his job, even if Bill Clinton prevails. Gates has told friends that he’s been staying out of town — on trips to Eastern Europe and Russia — to avoid the Iraqgate controversy. He also reminded them that, after all, predecessor Richard Helms served both Presidents Johnson and Nixon. Forget it, Bob. Clinton insiders say Gates will not be forgiven his agency’s role in withholding from Congress and the Department of Justice information that showed the scope of the scandal.