"I don't pretend to be an academic theorist,"he said.
Gergen said he plans to continue to have a roleat U.S. News and World Report, the NewsHour withJim Lehrer and at Duke University.
"By continuing to have some continualengagement in national politics that will alsokeep my courses fresh," he said.
While at Duke, Gergen said he discovered astrong affinity for students. Several of themcontinue to work for him, he said.
Gergen recalled that his first time in theWhite House, he did not yet have a job and wasthere by invitation of a friend.
Advertisement
When a higher ranking official came into theroom, he had to hide.
"I wound up being locked in the closet," Gergensaid