What did U.S. Rep. Gary Condit accomplish when he finally talked to a reporter Thursday in a nationally televised interview? Not much, according to a range of Tristate residents.

        “The interview didn't really go anywhere,” said Judith S. Trent, a University of Cincinnati professor of communication. “It didn't accomplish very much because he wasn't going to say anything more than he planned. They (ABC interviewer Connie Chung and Mr. Condit) both had different agendas that never matched.”

        Since intern Chandra Levy's disappearance, media eyes have been on the congressman. He broke his silence to try to repair damage to his political reputation.

        But Debbie Ittel, 47, of Hamilton, said the interview was belated.

        “I think he spoke too late, he should have spoken at the very beginning and been honest and forthright then,” Ms. Ittel said.

        The interview itself lacked substance, said Dr. Trent. Ms. Chung repeatedly asked about the type of relationship he had with Ms. Levy. Mr. Condit would not give specifics, saying only that he had “not been a perfect man.”

        “He should tell the truth, if he doesn't he'll probably have to leave office. He did speak on television but it wasn't sufficient,” said Paul Morgan, 30, of downtown Cincinnati.

        Dr. Trent said she doesn't know whether the interview and others on Friday will help Mr. Condit, a California Democrat, with his constituents.

        “He has it aired out in his sort of dignified way and now he can try to move on,” she said.

        The story of the congressman's involvement — or lack thereof — in Ms. Levy's life and disappearance will fade now that he has spoken to the media, Dr. Trent said. “And I think that's what he is expecting.”

        “I think this was a lot of media hype in the first place. I think for now, the story has been played out.”

        That's what Melenie Dinan, of West Chester, is anticipating.

        “I'm so sick of this kind of story. I tuned in (Thursday night) and then turned it off. I thought, no, I don't want to give them the satisfaction of watching. I really feel bad for the Levy family,” she said.

        The only opinions that matter for Mr. Condit's future are those of his constituents, said Dr. Trent.

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