"This crisis goes right to the core ofchallenging Reagan's linkage to the public. Lossof public opinion may have the added impact ofweakening President Reagan's relationship withCongress," Peterson explained.

Commenting on Reagan's precipitous decline inpopularity polls, Assistant Professor ofGovernment Henry E. Brady, an expert on thepolling of American political opinion, said,"There's never been as great a drop in publicopinion...not even during the Nixon years."

Brady said another less scientific index--"theJohnny Carson indicator"--also offered evidence ofthe president's slide. "When Johnny Carson startsmaking jokes and the people are laughing atReagan, you know he's in trouble," Brady said.

Regarding possible criminal action withinthe Administration:

Bennis Professor of International Law Detlev F.Vagts said at least two separate legal violationsmay have occurred in the Iran-Contra connection.

"The transfer of United States government moneyto a Swiss bank account instead of the U.S.Treasury and its appropriation to Central Americawithout Congressional approval constitute a veryserious legal matter," Vagts said.

That transfer could constitute amisappropriation of money that apparently belongedin the U.S. Treasury, a crime that can carry ajail sentence, Vagts said.

That offense might be in addition to aviolation of the Boland Act, which enjoined thegovernment from forwarding military aid to theContras for a period of time, Vagts said.

Assistant Professor of History Alan Brinkleysaid he perceived a certain level of criminalityin the entire affair which he felt was "a verysobering reminder of how routine it has become ingovernment to operate fast and loose with thelaws.