The Gang of Four Is Back

DURING THE CAMPAIGN, THEY WERE AT THE HEART OF WHAT was known as the War Room, the pressurized chamber in Little Rock famed for formulating rapid political parries and thrusts: James Carville, the raging Cajun strategist; his partner, Paul Begala; media maven Mandy Grunwald; and pollster Stanley Greenberg. When they failed to follow Clinton to the White House, their laser-sharp populist instincts were soon missed. Now Clinton has called them back, though just how much he relies on them remains a question. In room 160 of the Executive Office Building, aides have re-created the War Room. Around a giant table with a dozen or so phones and six television sets (as well as around the West Wing), the four spend time with top Administration aides, helping plot strategy. As one of the quartet explains it, "Room 160 is an organizing force."