Ghost Of Jackson

WHILE BILL CLINTON HAS YET TO BE SEEN CARRYING his own garment bag, a la Jimmy Carter, he seems just as eager to prove that he is Just Folks. Dubbed "American Reunion -- New Beginnings, Renewed Hope," the five-day Inaugural festivities begin on Jan. 17 with the Clintons and Gores riding their tried-and-true bus caravan from Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, in Virginia to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Inaugural organizers have invited the general public to join the motorcade.

And everyone's welcome to that evening's "American Gala," where the price of admission to the outdoor celebration will be a can of soup, blankets or clothing for the poor and homeless. In the tradition of Andrew Jackson, who ran in 1828 as a man of the common people, the Clintons will throw a reception for the public the day after they move into the White House. Taxpayers can only hope the Clintons have better luck than Old Hickory. His guests broke the furniture and spat tobacco juice in the corners.