POLITICAL BRIEFING

NIGHT FLIGHT--One of those “small world” moments took place at Dulles Airport outside Washington a few nights before the recent filing deadline for the New Hampshire presidential primary. Former Minnesota Sen. Eugene J. McCarthy, whose 1968 crusade against President Lyndon B. Johnson took wing during the New Hampshire primary, was taking a flight to Manchester to file for this year’s primary--his fourth or fifth presidential try, depending on his mood at the time he’s asked. Moments later, Buchanan, who is trying to do to President Bush what McCarthy did to Johnson, showed up for the same flight. The two exchanged greetings and chatted before boarding the plane. Then, in a seating arrangement that might surprise some, McCarthy took his place in first class while Buchanan nestled down in coach.