Fighting for Vindication

Richard V. Allen may suffer from a poor memory, a self-admitted lack of good judgment and a reluctance to break off relations with old business associates despite the sensitivity of his position in the White House. But at least the President's embattled National Security Adviser cannot be accused of giving up without a fight. After his surprise announcement that he was taking an "administrative leave" (with pay), the hitherto reticent Allen faced any and all questions of reporters in an extraordinary media blitz (see PRESS).

Amid this saturation campaign, Allen got a helpful boost from the Justice Department, which declared that no...