The More Things Change . . .

BILL CLINTON HAS SAID HE IS DETERMINED TO BRING THE BEST people into his Administration no matter where he finds them. Quiet discussions immediately after the election dramatically demonstrate his strategy. According to sources close to the situation, Clinton representatives approached Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to see what he would think if Clinton chose JAMES BAKER as his special envoy to manage the Middle East peace talks. Rabin applauded the notion, especially since Baker would lend vital continuity to the delicate negotiations. Baker is said to be fully aware of the exchange.