Wistful Clinton prepares to hand over keys to White House.(Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON _ President Clinton, speaking to the congregation of the church he attended in the nation's capital, mused recently on what life will be like after he leaves office.

"I anticipate that my Christian bearing will be tested by a return to commercial air travel," Clinton joked. "I anticipate that for some several months I will be disoriented when I walk into large rooms, because nobody will be playing a song anymore."

After this reference to "Hail to the Chief," Clinton added, "I look forward to finding out whether John Quincy Adams was right when he said there is nothing so pathetic in life as an ex-president."

Despite his grueling impeachment and near-constant controversies, …