After being gone for ten years, Barbara and I moved home to Houston. I was sad to leave the CIA, a job that I loved. But it was great to get back to Texas. Now my main challenge was to figure out what came next in my life. Suggestions came from everywhere.
January 24, 1977
Mr. George Champion31
Economic Development Council of New York City, Inc.
New York, New York 10016
Dear George,
I don’t know if I can write a book or not and I have not been overly enthusiastic about the “kiss and tell” post-Watergate trend.
On the other hand, as you point out, I have had a fascinating series of assignments and maybe there is a story there. In any event, the CIA has been the greatest of them all and I wouldn’t mind letting the world know what the institution really is like—a vast contrast from the gore and lies that I read in the press. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
Mr. James S. McDonnell
McDonnell Douglas Corporation
St. Louis, Missouri 63166
Dear Mr. Mac,
I was deeply touched by your phone call. That you would consider me for membership on the Board of McDonnell Douglas is a high compliment and honor.
Mr. Mac, I have been thinking about it and it is with great reluctance that I have decided I should not be considered further. Frankly, I worry about conflict of interest. Your firm has done fantastic work for CIA and, given the extraordinary climate that we are living in, I am afraid my joining your Board would work against the good relationship that now exists. It would be unfairly alleged that I had capitalized on CIA business in order to get on your Board. Normally I wouldn’t worry about the critics, but I just don’t want to do anything that would bring more notoriety to CIA, nor would I want to do anything that would work to your detriment. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
February 14, 1977
Mr. Bayless Manning
Council on Foreign Relations
New York, New York 11220
Dear Bay,
How does a guy who is: (a) blessed by having had fascinating government assignments, (b) now going back to Houston as a private citizen, (c) has not lost his interest in national politics, and (d) has been spoiled as DCI with the totality of the information available to him—how, from Houston, does he informationally on foreign affairs, stay alive?
I am going home. I have made enough broad contacts to make a living, but I would welcome any suggestions from you as to how to stay informed. I hope this is not an imposition on our friendship.
Yours very truly,
George Bush
Dear Gerry [Bemiss],
. . . I thought I would be returning to boredom and quietude—not so.
There have been a lot of little speaking requests before small associations of one kind or another—I’m doing a few.
There has been getting settled in this little office—one at the 1st Int. Bank in Houston where I will spend 1 day or so a week.
There have been offers of Boards which require sorting and contemplation. I will do 4 or 5 so I can a) pay our bills b) move around the US and to some degree abroad.
There has been some politics—a meeting with among others Simon, Connally, Baker, Mosbacher, Brock . . .1
There has been moving—selling a house . . . and moving into our new neat house.
There has been withdrawal symptoms. I’ve been tense as a coiled spring hopefully not a shit about it, but up tight.
There has been the joy of seeing old friends here but the pain of leaving old friends there.
Today I went back to CIA. I saw our President swear in Stan Turner as DCI. The President, who I think is doing darn well, dwelled too much I thought on past abuses—and I found myself thinking Mr. President, these are great people, they have been through all this bad stuff, now lift them up and lead them.
There is a missing of stimulating talk. I just get bored silly about whose daughter is a Pi Phi or even bored about whose banging old Joe’s wife. I don’t want to slip into that 3 or 4 martini late late dinner rich social thing. There is too much to learn still.
I think I want to run or at least be in a position to run in ’80—but it seems so overwhelmingly presumptuous and egotistical; yet I’ll think some on that.
I am going on the Trilateral Commission2 and will attend the fall meeting in Bonn.
We will go to Maine for most of August. I may even try to write there.
I write this on the plane heading home.
I feel warm inside—my return to CIA made me feel this way. The future, though uncertain looks OK . . .
There’s a lot I’ve left out. Bar’s great job on our house—The joy of our grandson,3 the normalcy of things.
But, somehow I will churn until I can find the formula to be involved, to be doing. It’s not the need for the head table or the Washington protocol. It’s a funny feeling that we’re running out of time and I don’t want to spend what’s left of it learning to putt—
Poppy
March 25, 1977
Mr. H. Ross Perot
Electronic Data Systems Corp.
Dallas, Texas 75235
Dear Ross,
. . . I went on Bobby Stewart’s Board4 and the Board of two of his subsidiaries. This is a part-time commitment. They pay me as a consultant and I give about two days a week. I am also on the Board of Eli Lilly and Texasgulf. I have decided not to get back in the oil business; though I may participate in a deal or two from time to time.
I do want to keep up my foreign affairs interest as best I can and also my interest in the national political scene. I will be doing some speaking for the national Party from time to time. I do not have politics out of my system (I guess I never will); but I do not want to make a run for governor here in Texas in 1978. . . .
Thanks, Ross, for your interest in me. You called when I was kind of down. Though things didn’t work out, I will always be grateful for your interest. Needless to say, if I can ever be helpful to you or your people down here in any way, please don’t hesitate to call.5
Love to Margot, in which Bar joins me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
George W., who was living in Midland working in the oil business, decided to run for Congress. I wrote this note to GOP political consultant Eddie Mahe Jr.
Eddie,
George is off and running in Midland. The Party poohbahs are not thrilled,6 but the guy is energetic, attractive, he grew up in Midland and has lots of friends. I’d say he’s an underdog now, but he’ll acquit himself well I’m sure. I’m tickled pink about this.
Other political churning going on—nothing definitive yet.
Stay in touch.
Best ever,
George
November 8, 1977
Mr. Richard A. Moore
Washington, D.C. 20036
Dear Dick:
I saw that Yale story and I’ve told them on several occasions that I am not interested. I must confess such consideration is flattering.7
Mother is here as I dictate this letter and she keeps telling me that she wishes I would take this. I think she thinks that my other plans for politics in ’80 will be backbreaking and killing.
We’ve got lots to talk about. I will be up soon. In fact, we are going to be there on the 8th but you probably won’t have gotten this letter by then. It’s just for a quick dinner. . . .
Let’s stay in touch. Thanks for your great letter.
Warmest regards,
George Bush
A man named Michael Randall Hewitt wrote and asked if I could write his one-year-old nephew, David Robey, a letter. He planned to give David a scrapbook of letters from “leaders” on his twenty-first birthday, in 1997.
Dec. 11, 1977
Dear David,
Your uncle asked me to send you this note—what a guy he must be to think in these terms.
Anyway, what does the future hold. I can’t see too far down the road, but I have been Ambassador in China, I have headed the CIA and the Republican Party, and I’ve been in Congress and Ambassador at the U.N. I also built a business. So, you can see I’ve had lots of exciting things to do.
All of them lead me to the conclusion that our Country is unique. We care about ourselves and about the rest of the World. I’m convinced that when you get to be 21 we’ll still be going strong.
I’d like to think that we’d reach agreement with the Communist Powers under which they would not try to impose their system on the free world. I doubt that will happen. We must stay strong, David, so they will not attempt to impose their values on us by force. Right now they are moving, predominantly the Soviet Union, to achieve military superiority over the U.S. We must not let that happen.
The future holds in store for you great treasures, the greatest of which is freedom. Before you get to be 21 we must do all we can to preserve our freedom, to guarantee that you can live in a country unequaled in its fairness, its greatness, its measure of freedom.
I am optimistic. I see enormous problems at home and abroad but they can be solved by 1997. I wish I were a little guy 1 year old. There is so much to do, so far to travel, so much happiness to live and to give.
Good Luck, kid.
George Bush
Jeb, Columba, George P., and the newest Bush—our first granddaughter, Noelle—had moved to Venezuela where Jeb worked for Texas Commerce Bank.
April 24, 1978
Mr. Jeb Bush
Caracas 107 Venezuela
Dear Jeb:
. . . I am dictating this prior to leaving on our around-the-world trip. Attached are some copies of my schedule and some recent articles from the columnists . . . We are not doing any of the things that one should be doing if he wanted to attract columnists’ attention; but, nevertheless, there seems to be a credibility to my effort that is reassuring.
We get back to Houston the day before George’s primary; and we’ll all be keeping our fingers crossed. Reports from out there are pretty darn good.
We really miss you, Columba and those two kids. We miss you an awful lot.
Hang in. Just know that we think of you with pride, all the time.
Devotedly,
Dad
Among my and Barbara’s many stops on our business/speaking tour was Iran, where I had a long visit with the Shah. He was a fascinating man who had a good grasp of the international scene. Ironically, in January of 1979, he fled his own country as supporters of the Ayatollah Khomeini seized power. I typed this memo:
Audience with the Shah
April 29th, 1978
I met with his Imperial Majesty at 10:30 a.m. Meeting lasted about 40 minutes. Just two of us were in room. There was brief interruption when TV camera and photographers were ushered in and out for shots—no sound. . . .
The Shah was most gracious and immediately put me at ease.
Subjects covered were:
1. Afghanistan. His Majesty is most concerned about recent developments, citing coup as one more example of the Soviets’ grand design. He had warned Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter about Afghanistan.8
He cited his concern about Gulf States—run by “bunch of bedouins.” They have no plan; they are no match for forces determined to overthrow them.
He sees Iraq and Syria as real menace. He is unsure of Pakistan now.
2. He questions will of USA to stand up against USSR’s long-stated plan to conquer world. “I will fight”. “No matter what happens, I will fight and the Soviets will know this.” He gave distinct impression that we are not properly concerned about Soviet intentions. He is clearly concerned about increased KGB activity around the world.
3. The Shah repeated his oft-stated concern about what the U.S. is doing to itself—continued attacks by the left plus such media as N. Y. Times, Washington Post, TV notoriety on our intelligence agencies and on Iran and himself concerns him enormously.
4. Though discreet about it, his concern about our human rights policy came through. (I must confess at this point that I told him of my own concern about our human rights policy and further that I had been speaking out in the USA expressing my concern on certain aspects of this policy, namely our selectivity and my further concern that some of the results were weakening or straining traditional U.S. Friendships. End of confession.)
5. China. Relations are good with China. The Shah may go to Peking. I encouraged him to go, suggesting that in wake of Afghanistan’s apparent fate, visit would have special significance. He felt we had an opportunity to do much more with China now.
6. The Shah suggested that, given U.S. dependence on imported oil and Russia’s designs on Gulf States, that Europe and Japan could eventually be compelled to make deals with Soviets if their grand design materialized.
7. He expressed his concerns about Europe, citing his fears that threats would materialize through underbelly—Italy, Spain and Yugoslavia. He expressed his concern about Algeria and Libya and his fear that Soviets would quietly move back into Egypt if “you let Sadat9 down.”
8. Continuing theme was concern about what the West was doing to itself by attacking its own national security agencies; by failing to keep commitments; by underestimating determination of USSR to vanquish West by whatever means necessary.
I asked some close friends to come to Kennebunkport that summer to talk politics, issues, and my future. This letter went to Congressman Bill Roth of Delaware:
July 12, 1978
Dear Bill,
On August 18-19, I am inviting a handful of people to come to Kennebunkport, Maine to chat informally about the economy and some domestic issues.
The group will consist of a few economists, several Members of Congress, some business people and a liberal representation from the Bush family. . . .
The idea is to chat on Friday afternoon on the big issues. It won’t be high structured with formal presentations, et cetera. I’d rather have a lively, informal discussion.
Friday evening, I’ll talk my family into having a good seafood dinner for everyone. On Saturday, we’ll chat again in the morning or afternoon, taking some time off to get out on the water. . . .
We will not seek any press coverage. The Fund for Limited Government will pay for travel and living expenses. The Fund is a political action committee with which I am associated (James A. Baker, III is the fund’s chairman). We may print up some general conclusions from the meeting which can be shared with various candidates for the U.S. Congress or which can be supplied to spokesmen who are out speaking for candidates. I am doing speaking like this under the Fund’s sponsorship.
Please let me know if you can come. I will send along more details as the day approaches. Try to do it! I’d love to have a chance for a good visit with you.
Most sincerely,
George
George W. won the GOP primary in his congressional race but it was a tough election. A friend and editor of the Lubbock newspaper wrote and said I should be proud of George, that he had showed “a lot of class.”
July 14, 1978
Mr. Charles A. Guy
Lubbock, Texas 79413
Dear Charles:
I just can’t tell you how much your letter meant to me (and to Barbara). It was typical of you—a thoughtful, constructive, helpful letter—written from the heart.
You know how close our family is; and therefore, you know of the pride I have in my own son.
He kept his head high in the face of some tough, bitter, mean little ultraright attacks during the primary. I think his opponent got slightly desperate. Reagan endorsed Reese, which obviously didn’t make me happy;10 and then this nutty Clarence Warner from Oklahoma came in assailing George, because I am a member of the Trilateral Commission. I was proud of my boy. No one likes his father to be attacked; George did not overreact nor did he panic. He beat a good vote-getter and beat him rather soundly.
Your observations about the need for balance in the Congress and the need for independence from good ole Tip11 was very sound.
I hope our paths cross before long, Charlie. In the meantime, though, let me tell you again, you have my gratitude.
As I get older, I realize that friendships are what it’s all about.
When I do see you, I want to tell you of my ambitious plans for ’80. I honestly believe I can do it. . . .
Sincerely yours,
George Bush
Mr. Charles Bartlett
Washington, D.C.
Dear Charley:
. . . The “tough enough” theme is getting fed by some of the adversaries. It does not bother me; I’ve had tough jobs, made tough decisions, and emerged with the respect of people whom I worked for and whom I led.
We’re putting together some material for interested feature writers, based on interviews with people I work with in various jobs. This material will be emphasizing tough decisions, leadership, etc. Down the line I think it can be extraordinarily helpful. . . .
I continue to travel. Here is a copy of our fall schedule. Please keep it confidential. There’s a helluva lot happening. I am not discouraged. Indeed, I believe I can pull it off, Charley; we’ll see.
Sincerely yours,
George Bush
October 3, 1978
Mr. Alan Greenspan12
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Dear Alan:
. . . The big question I have is how does one, short of major revision, cut back on the built-in increases in payments to individuals. Will any congress go back and cut down on future payments of Social Security, Medicare, etc.? In my view programs should be reviewed and we should not be afraid to reduce the benefits in the future. But I am wondering if it is practical. I would sure appreciate any advice you could give me on this point. I talk about spending cuts. People keep saying, “Where do you cut?” My answer is simply to inhibit, hold the growth to 7 percent, or some such figure, and the dynamic growth in the economy will put the budget in balance down the line. Or, I have resorted to some discussion of the 2 percent across the board cut. If you have written anything on where to cut spending or how to cut spending or in what manner to cut personal payments in the future, I sure would welcome it. It is a tough subject but it is so darn important.
Let me tell you again how much I appreciate your coming by to see me.
Sincerely Yours,
George Bush
12-5-78
Mr. Toby Hilliard
Woodside, Calif 94062
Dear Toby,
You left a few hours ago.
Now I’m home, and I got to thinking—How many guys would come all that way to sit down and help a friend by taking the tough road and bringing up the “not so easy things.”13
I am really grateful. I need help. I need advice. I need criticism. For me this goal is the end all-be all. I feel driven. Hopefully for altruistic reasons. But I do want to succeed, and I can’t do that by hearing only the soft and easy stuff.
Thanks, pal. Keep the cards and letters coming. I want you involved. Sometimes I wake up and wonder what’s a little guy like me doing taking on a project of this magnitude—then I think—I can do it
I have been blessed by birth, by experience, by training. And I have friends. Loyal close friends, men of quality. Thanks for being a part of all this.
Best Ever,
George
January 31, 1979
The Honorable Richard M. Nixon
La Casa Pacifica
San Clemente, California
Dear Mr. President,
That was a very thoughtful note you wrote me on January 9. I am determined to make an all-out effort for 1980. I start with no name identification and I realize that. I will, however, continue to keep a “low-profile.” I am traveling with no press secretary, no advance text and no fanfare. I am determined to organize, and organize well, before escalating the candidacy to high levels of public attention.
I couldn’t agree more about avoiding a massive blood-letting. I know I can campaign so as not to tear down somebody else.
Again, my sincere thanks to you for this helpful advice and my warm regards to Mrs. Nixon, in which Barbara joins me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 6, 1979
Dr. James L. Jablonowski
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Dear Dr. Jablonowski,
. . . As to the Mideast, I am terribly concerned. I give Carter credit for getting Begin and Sadat14 together, but I am convinced that peace is not at hand. There are some enormously complicated times ahead. We failed to shape events in Iran, and now we are failing to keep the Russians from mucking around in some of the Gulf countries. Our problem is that our leadership is not generating any confidence abroad, and thus we are seeing a decline in U.S. credibility, and certainly a mounting perception of weakness. The situation is serious. Thank you for your supportive letter.
Yours very truly,
George Bush
A note to my wife, Barbara, on her birthday, June 8:
Happy happy 54th
love you—I love you very much. Nothing—campaign separations, people, nothing will ever change that—
I can’t ever really tell you how much I love you.
Your 55 yr. old husband.
Pop
Mr. L. W. Bankston
Decatur, AL 35601
Dear Mr. Bankston,
Many thanks for your letter and for the sharp comments.
I do not believe in the “trickle down” way of doing anything. I do believe in deregulating industry since small businessmen are hit the worst by excessive Federal regulation. Our country was built on individual initiative and I want to bring that “can do spirit” back into emphasis. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
July 13, 1979
Mr. Roy E. Hardman
Nixon, TX 78140
Dear Dr. Hardman,
. . . I oppose the national health insurance plans of President Carter and Sen. Kennedy. The financial costs of such programs would necessitate higher taxes which I adamantly oppose. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
September 18, 1979
Miss Ruthie Stephenson
Houston, TX 77055
Dear Ruthie,
. . . Ruthie, we live in a regulated, complex society and to comply with the law, it is impossible for me to accept your generous contribution. You see, I can not accept money from anyone under 18 years of age.
I have enclosed a check for $1.79, which is the combined total of your two contributions. I am sending you a George Bush for President T-shirt to let you know how grateful I am that you are one of my best supporters.
When I get back to Houston, I hope I can meet you in person.
Most sincerely,
George Bush
Mr. Gary Hanauer
Oakland, CA 94602
Dear Gary,
Sorry for the delay in responding to your letter, but I’ve been on the road constantly. The answers to your questions are as follows:
1. Handshaking—Yes, it is possible to tell things by a handshake. I like the “looking in the eye” syndrome. It conveys interest. I like the firm, though not bone crushing shake. The bone crusher is trying too hard to “macho it.” The clammy or diffident handshake—fairly or unfairly—get me off to a bad start with a person.
2. Kissing babies—I love kissing babies, but I don’t like the “full courtpress-mandatory” baby kiss—you know, where the baby, screaming and kicking, is thrust forward simply to fulfill a time honored tradition. In addition, babies get a lot of colds this way.
3. Non-political identity—I have always participated in athletics. I love fishing, tennis, jogging and baseball. I enjoy fast boats. I don’t know which one will emerge as my identifying activity, but all will be prominent
I hope this information is useful.
Sincerely,
George Bush
Toward the end of 1979 I began to keep a campaign diary (although I dictated only sporadically), which I mainly used to talk about the rigors of being on the road.
September 29, 1979
. . . I think I’m putting on a little weight. I got to run only once this week, and that was in Iowa. The food varies. . . . What I like are the barbecues. The chopped beefs or chopped pork in Alabama or Georgia; the ribs we had in Iowa and ribs we have in Texas; these kinds of food are much better—chicken once in a while can be all right, but often it is pale or liquid or hard or dreary and I push it away.
. . . I saw Barbara twice this week: once in the middle of the night at Des Moines, Iowa and once briefly in Indianapolis. She’s working hard and getting good press. I am awfully proud of the children and what they are doing . . .
October 10, 1979
I’m so digging in, so tense . . . I have no time to think about relaxation. Just this one goal . . . no time to think at all. That troubles me a little bit. Drive, drive forward. I’m surprised my body can take it. The mind is still clear, although I totally lose track of where I’ve been and whom I’m with. I’ve given up on names. . . . David Bates15 got so tired that he really had to go home. He was just dropping and drooping. I felt the same way but I was just determined not to show it—determined to push on. . . . I don’t want to look back and find that I’ve left something undone.
October 14, 1979
Mrs. Robert Wells Carton
Winnetka, IL 60093
Dear Mrs. Carton,
. . . It is a treat in this strenuous campaign to read something humorous. Your ideas are creative and delightful.
The major problem is cost. We have to spend our resources on our great professional staff and on TV ads which will start running soon in the early primary states.
So, though I love “Secretly, I’m For Bush,” and “Plant a Bush Over a Peanut”16 I’m afraid we don’t have the means to distribute any significant number of these. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
November 26, 1979
Mrs. Ormond T. Johnson
Lakewood, California 90712
Dear Mrs. Johnson,
. . . I must respectfully disagree with your support of SALT II. I, too, have studied the Treaty and don’t believe that it is verifiable or equitable. I firmly believe that the Russians do not seek parity with the United States but superiority. We must have a treaty that insures parity; and then, we can move toward a real strategic arms limitation agreement in SALT III. That would be my objective as President.
Best Wishes,
George Bush
No Christmas shopping. I look at Bar’s schedule and I think it is too intense, too tough. She doesn’t get home enough. We’ve overdone it. . . . Marvin wants to go back to school and Jebby bawls him out, but he should go back to school. We cannot disrupt our lives. On Jeb’s case, [Jim] Baker wants him to go to Puerto Rico and yet, I’m not sure that is right. Georgie is just learning to speak and he is in school and he has his routine. I want to be careful that we don’t disrupt the lives of all of them. . . . God, Jeb is doing so fantastic though. Has such good judgment, good with people, great grasp of the issues17 . . .
We haven’t given proper attention to Neil. He’s engaged, and we’ve really said nothing about that, done nothing about it. The girl must wonder, what kind of family are we. . . .18
Doro has a boyfriend, the first time. Yet, we haven’t taken them out to dinner together—done any of the things that normally we do. Yet, the family is in close, in tight, doing well. George and Laura19 getting along fine on their own. . . .
December 2, 1979
Mr. Ray Zauber
OAK CLIFF TRIBUNE
Dallas, TX 75237
Dear Ray,
. . . My record is sound and strong and these really extreme types will never like me. I want the vote of all. I will get the vote of sound conservatives—not the conspiratorial ones. We are on the move Ray—I think I will beat Connally in some of the early states. If I do, he will be on the ropes if not KO’d. Baker20 must fall early too. Reagan is still tough out there. I respect his strength. You are right that the people want strong leadership. They want principled leadership and integrity and experience. I know I can fill the bill. . . .
This schedule is a real back breaker—96 hours at home in Houston since Sept 30th til Thanksgiving.
I am going to win this thing.
Best Ever,
George
Winging from Puerto Rico to Miami sitting next to a boring guy that recognized me. . . . he’s concerned about things—and I couldn’t be less interested; and yet, I’ve got to smile and sit here as I’m about to eat. “Okay fellow, let’s have your say—you solve all the problems.” Maybe that’s bad, but on the other hand, maybe it’s good. (It’s) bad in the sense that I should have some privacy, but good in the sense of what’s the point of turning off a fellow who says, “Boy, I’ll never get a chance to talk to a Presidential candidate.”
. . . That’s what our system is about; so why shouldn’t I be pleasant to this guy? I’ll drop off to sleep in awhile, and let him do his own number; but I think I’ll have to hear him out and who knows, I may learn something. . . .
12-29-79
relaxed—flying home
Dear Flo & Holt—
. . . I think of all you’ve both done for me over the years and my heart is full. I know this project is tough—but as the year ends I have a quiet confidence that it will work. When it does it will be because of the “asterisk” club. Those who were at my side while I was still an asterisk on the polls21—Consider yourselves “charter members”.
Bushes love Athertons
Gratefully,
George
On November 4, 1979, sixty-three Americans were taken hostage at the American embassy in Tehran, Iran. The crisis gripped the nation all of 1980.
January 12, 1980
Mr. James W. Beasley, Jr.
Beasley & Olle
Miami, Florida 33131
Dear Mr. Beasley,
. . . On the situation in Iran, I firmly believe that all of us, citizens and presidential candidates alike, should stand behind the President in the handling of this extremely sensitive matter. I say this with the conviction of having worked in two presidential administrations in a foreign policy role and seeing the United States weakened in the eyes of the world because potshots were taken at the President for political reasons. To do so in this present crisis might help me as a candidate but would be wrong for our country.
After all our hostage fellow Americans are returned safely from Teheran, we can then examine the decisions which caused the crisis to occur, and I expect to make my voice heard at that time.
Sincerely,
George Bush
January 12, 1980
Mr. R. W. Lundreen
Midland, Michigan 48640
Dear Bob,
. . . Your recommendation on reaching out to the so-called disadvantaged, letting them know that their hopes for a future, free of handouts, lies with the free enterprise system as defended by the Republican Party, is excellent. Too often we Republicans just say the words “free enterprise” and assume everyone knows what we mean; [that we] feel it’s a good thing for all citizens rather than an evil plot to help Big Business. I feel that, having built my own business, I can help articulate this message to precisely these groups. It’s already well received among Hispanic-Americans, who from their personal experience know how much opportunity and hard work can give worth and meaning to human lives, something that being a welfare recipient simply cannot provide. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
My campaign peaked on January 21 when I upset the front-runner, Ronald Reagan, in the Iowa caucuses. Of course we didn’t realize then we were peaking; we thought we were on our way to the White House.
January 28, 1980
Mr. Robert J. Arnold
Northeast Chemical Company, Inc.
Amherst, NY 14150
Dear Bob,
Thanks for your note. The “Sixty Minutes” appearance did not go badly at all, especially since those guys are given to pulling out a piece of paper and asking, “What color necktie did you wear on July 16, 1954?”
The Iowa results were tremendously heartening, but there’s a long way to go yet before the convention. Still, I’m getting more and more confident of winning both the nomination and the election. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
February 2, 1980
Mr. Ethan Allen22
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Dear Curly,
We’re still elated over Iowa but the road to the nomination is still long and difficult. The national publicity has been great, including Mary McGrory23 (her comments about my clothes notwithstanding.)
Sorry you missed seeing Georgie. All the kids are helping us all over the map. Neil is working New Hampshire and is engaged to a girl he met there. Talk about winning the hearts and minds of the people!
Sincerely,
George Bush
February 10, 1980
Mr. Ray G. Goodman
Boston, MA 02109
Dear Mr. Goodman,
Thank you for your advice about emphasizing the word “statesman” rather than “politician” in my speeches and publications.
I want to be—and, as President, I believe I would be—a true statesman. The only reason I shrink from using the word very often is that to many ears it sounds pretentious. But you’re right: “politician” hits other ears as badly, or worse.
Then again there’s the famous definition given by the 19th century Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives, Tom Reed. He said a statesman is a politician who has died. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
Mrs. Eleanor Langley Fletcher
New York, NY 10021
Dear Mrs. Fletcher,
. . . As for my view on gay rights, I believe that the government should not harrass or allow discrimination against anyone on the grounds of their sexual preference. But this principle is rooted firmly enough in law and court decisions that I believe no further legislation is required. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
February 10, 1980
Mr. Robert L. Dixon
Rockport, Massachusetts 01966
Dear Mr. Dixon:
. . . One of the ways we can contain inflation is to balance the federal budget, something that I have pledged to do and will do if elected President. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
The low point of my campaign was February 23 in Nashua, New Hampshire. The Nashua Telegraph newspaper had invited Governor Reagan and myself to debate one-on-one, without any of the other GOP candidates. Both of us accepted these terms. Angry at being left out, the other candidates still in the race—John Anderson, Howard Baker, Bob Dole, and Phil Crane—showed up and insisted on being included. The Reagan camp reversed course and sided with them. I will be the first to admit I looked like a fool, rigidly playing by the rules. I also was angry. I wrote all the candidates this letter. Eventually, I lost the New Hampshire primary.
February 25, 1980
The Honorable John B. Anderson
1101 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear John:
I want to express to you my regrets about the misunderstandings relating to Saturday’s debate. The Nashua Telegraph has issued a strong statement that has clarified some points that you may not have been familiar with. Please let me quote in part from The Telegraph statement.
“There have been suggestions by some candidates—particularly some of those who were not invited to participate in The Telegraph-sponsored meeting—that George Bush was a party to The Telegraph’s insistence that the agreed upon format be observed. That suggestion and/or implication is totally without foundation. At no time did Ambassador Bush or any of his representatives take an intransigent or intractable position on the question of the meeting format. Mr. Bush’s representatives, in fact, made a point of informing The Telegraph that if we chose to change the format their candidate would have no objection whatsoever; that he was there at the invitation of the newspaper and would abide by whatever the paper decided. The Telegraph—the only sponsor of last night’s meeting—insisted that both candidates meet their commitment to participate under the terms of prior agreement.”
It now occurs to me that you might not have been informed of this position held by the newspaper or of the position taken by the campaign. If you did not know of my willingness to have you join the forum should The Telegraph have decided to alter its plans, that is partially my fault, and I express my regrets. I am sorry that in the course of the last couple of days we didn’t have an opportunity to discuss this matter. I wish I had called you and I hope you know that if you at any time had personally asked to see me or speak with me I would have come to see you, or returned your call. You should know that Governor Reagan never contacted me on any of this even though he had been in contact with most of the other campaigns. The first we heard that Governor Reagan might not debate as planned was when the newspaper contacted my New Hampshire manager Saturday afternoon. Confusion reigned until debate time. . . .
Unlike Governor Reagan, I have not ducked joint debates, having joined you on many occasions in joint events in many states. For this one particular occasion I was challenged by Governor Reagan. I accepted his challenge for a one-on-one debate. I was anxious to have that debate in addition to the other debates, past and future, we have scheduled. But the record should show that, as The Telegraph clearly stated, our campaign advised them we were prepared to enlarge the field should the sponsor have determined that was the thing to do.
One last point, twenty-five minutes after the program was to have started I received word to be on the stage. The Nashua Telegraph was anxious to commence the program. On the way to the stage, after this long delay, I was stopped by a prominent Reagan supporter who has been attacking me all across the State of New Hampshire. He asked me to have a joint meeting with you and the others and lectured me on the Republican Party. Now that I realize you might not have known that I was not blocking your participation, I wish in retrospect that I had met with you. A lot of misunderstanding might have been avoided. The producer was signaling me to the stage, the commitment that I had made was on my mind, and the emissary was not exactly the ideal choice. In addition, I felt that Governor Reagan had definitely not played fair with me. I wish we had been in personal touch. I’m certain that much of this unpleasantness could have been avoided.
Sincerely,
George Bush
February 27, 1980
Dr. Bernard M. Barrett, Jr.
Houston, Texas 77030
Dear Barney,
. . . The New Hampshire results were disappointing and I know the road to the nomination will be long and tough. But we’ll pull out of this temporary slump and win the nomination as surely as if the figures Tuesday night had been reversed. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
March 9, 1980
Pastor D. D. Peterson
Faith Baptist Church
Tulsa, OK 74112
Dear Pastor Peterson:
. . . I am a strong believer in the separation of church and state. Government must stay out of the area of religion except to guarantee religious freedom under the First Amendment.
Sincerely,
George Bush
March 10, 1980
Olga Jonasson, MD
Cook County Hospital
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Dear Doctor Jonasson:
I am grateful for your letter on the sort of gunshot cases with which you and your colleagues deal every day.
. . . I have the deepest admiration and respect for the tough job that you perform so well. I wish it were in my power as either a citizen or potentially as President to halt the senseless killing which stalks our land. But after many years’ thought on this question, I have concluded that no law will stop someone from taking a pistol and shooting another human being. We have had laws on this general subject since the greatest of them all was brought down from Mount Sinai, and they have had scant effect.
A law controlling firearms would be no different. What we in this country have is a human problem, infinitely complex in composition and certainly in solution. If the problem were simply one of weaponry, then legislators might well consider steps to control it. But when, for whatever twisted reason, a person intends to kill another, he or she will proceed to do so with whatever tool is at hand. It does not have to be a Saturday night special. It can be a knife, a shovel, or a firepoker. Without even visiting your highly-reputed emergency room I can predict you get a large number of patients who have been stabbed or bludgeoned, perhaps even more of these than you have gunshot victims. Yet no one seriously proposes outlawing every sharp or blunt instrument within the reach of a possible murderer.
I hope you understand, Doctor Jonasson, that I do not oppose gun control because I am insensitive to the sort of brutality you and your staff see every day. I do so because I believe gun control does not work. The actual solution lies far beyond the power of lawmakers and magistrates, in the vast territory of the human mind. There it is either adopted by rational man or woman in moments of anger or thrust aside in the impulse to kill.
Thank you for writing me, and I hope someday we have a chance to meet so I can visit the Trauma Unit.
Sincerely,
George Bush
March 10, 1980
Mr. Edward E. Joiner
St. Petersburg, FL 33706
Dear Mr. Joiner,
Many thanks for your constructive criticism of my speaking style.
I know I’m not a Churchillian orator and that definite improvements can be made in my delivery. It is hard to do a 100% effective job making speeches in a presidential campaign simply because a candidate gets so tired and must think of several things at once. And I suppose we both wish that voters (and, more importantly, political journalists) paid more attention to what a candidate says than to how he says it.
Sincerely,
George Bush
March 14, 1980
Mrs. Mia Grasich
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Grasich:
. . . You asked my views on labor unions. I believe in every person’s right to organize into a union and work together for improved conditions on the job. The problem comes when unions begin to wield political and economic power far beyond the workplace. Our American system works best when all elements within it are balanced: government, industry and labor. When any one sector gains too much power, we all lose. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
After New Hampshire, I won a few primaries but lost many more. I wrote my friend Noel Gayler, former chief of naval operations:
March 14, 1980
Admiral Noel Gayler, U.S.N. (Ret.)
Steamboat Village, Colorado, 80499
Dear Noel,
Many thanks for your kind, cheering note.
The past few weeks have not been the happiest of the campaign, but at least they have sorted out the crowd and given us a better idea of how things might go between now and the convention.
Despite New Hampshire and the southern primaries, my campaign remains strong, with the finances, organization, and top-level support (from people like you) to last through the final ballot. I’m in for the long haul, regardless of what President Ford24 decides to do.
Thanks again for your encouragement. Hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
George Bush
March 31
Superior, Wisconsin and yet another Holiday [Inn] . . . Holidays are all right. The soap is not as thin as they are in some of the other places. When you take a shower, the toilet doesn’t bubble, or you don’t get scalded by that guy next door. The food isn’t bad. The Secret Service25 spoil you. Great Guys! We’re lucky to have them, but they do add to such a ‘big show.’ . . .
April 1, 1980
Mr. A. Reed Aiden
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Dear Mr. Aiden:
I appreciate your frank letter wanting to find out why you should vote for me. I’ll be just as frank.
You should vote for me because of my qualifications for the job: starting and running my own small business, serving in the Congress, representing our country in difficult diplomatic jobs, holding our party together during the Watergate period, and heading our nation’s foreign intelligence arm during a time it was coming under great attack. These jobs give me the breadth of experience needed in a President for the 1980s.
Another reason, Mr. Aiden, is that I’ve been all over this country of ours, meeting people in their living rooms and neighborhood cafes, so I have a strong idea of what the people want. They want an end to inflation, to unnecessary government spending, and to America’s weakness in the world. These are things I would correct as President.
I hope you will decide to support me for the Republican presidential nomination. Thanks again for writing me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 1, 1980
Honorable John A. Berman
State House
Hartford, Connecticut 06101
Dear John:
Many thanks for your letter of March 18th and for your great work on my behalf in the Connecticut primary a week later. It was just what the campaign needed at just the right moment.26 I’m glad it provided the chance for us to see each other.
The problem you addressed in your letter—that ‘people cannot figure out what (I am) for’—is one that frankly puzzles me. I have not been deliberately vague on the issues and indeed have published specific statements on all the major ones (foreign affairs, defense, the economy, energy, etc.) as well as on the extremely controversial ones . . .
What is happening is that the press, operating under the ‘pack journalism’ ethic that is particularly virulent during a presidential campaign, has simply decided I am not specific on the issues. The Reagan and Anderson people have, of course, picked up on this with relish and do their part to spread it. Thus, the fact that I have been specific on the issues is unimportant; what is important is what conventional wisdom says is true, not what actually is true. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 23, 1980
Ms. Bessie Z. Aldrich
Dallas, Texas 75217
Dear Ms. Aldrich:
. . . I think you are quite right in condemning the foolish talk this year about my being an ‘elitist’. For one thing, the word itself is wrong. It’s undeniable that by God’s will I was born to a family of comfortable means and given many opportunities. I suppose this makes me one of the elite. But an ‘elitist’ is a person who wants to associate only with other elites; in other words, a snob. I assure you I would never have moved to the oil fields of West Texas if I were an ‘elitist’. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
P.S. I hope you’ve recovered fully from your back injury.
April 28, 1980
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Cannon
San Antonio, TX 78217
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cannon:
. . . The victory in the Pennsylvania Primary gave my campaign a terrific boost and caused the political “experts” to rethink their weeks-old conclusion that Governor Reagan is a shoo-in for the Republican nomination. I’m in this fight through the final ballot of the national convention, and I am optimistic of winning. Poll after poll shows that the American people do not want a choice this November between Reagan and President Carter.
So, don’t get discouraged. I’m not! . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 28, 1980
Mr. John P. Hoyt
Lancaster, PA 17603
Dear John:
. . . I have supported the admission of refugees from communist tyrannies into our country. This is in the richest tradition of our country, the United States, to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity to the world. But we have been rewarded for this hospitality because the Cubans, Hungarians and Indochinese—to name the major groups—have become some of our finest, hardest working and most productive citizens, building business, raising patriotic American families and paying taxes. Yes, they may use social services when they first arrive, but the record shows they quickly get off welfare and onto their own feet. The rebirth of Miami under Cuban entrepreneurship is the best proof of this. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
May 8, 1980
Mrs. Sara K. Kerr
Cheverly, Maryland 20785
Dear Mrs. Kerr:
. . . It will please me to have your first registered male boxer named for me. May I suggest you stay in the business and when you come to the “P” litter—the male will hopefully be President Bush.
I liked the spirit of your letter and appreciate your good humor. Thanks for writing and for your support.
Sincerely,
George Bush
Mr. William F. Gorog
McLean, VA 22101
Dear Bill,
Thanks for your cheering note after the Texas primary. Although we missed a victory in the popular vote, it was a sizable moral triumph, for Texas was long considered an impregnable Reagan bastion.
. . . Yes, a “break” would be useful right now, but throughout my life I’ve been a believer that luck come to him who makes sure he’s in the right place when the right time comes. That’s what I’ve been working my heart out all year to do.
Sincerely,
George Bush
May 19, 1980
Mr. Richard C. Murphy, Jr.
Napa, California 94558
Dear Dick:
Thanks for your recent letter and candid advice.
I am in this race to win the nomination, but I don’t want to say anything that would cripple our party’s ability to win the November election.
That is why I have very carefully campaigned by emphasizing the differences between Governor Reagan and me on the issues, rather than on sensitive subjects such as his age. I have made the distinction between us on that too by jogging three miles every day, but the voters have been uninterested in the so-called age issue. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
On the day I won the Michigan primary—a big upset—Ronald Reagan won the much smaller Nebraska primary. But it gave him the number of delegates he needed to win the nomination. Given advice from Jim Baker and other trusted advisers, I decided the best thing to do for the party and for my friends and supporters was to get out.
May 22, 1980
I can’t think toward ’8427 . . . I have got to go back to work for a living. But, I’m lucky to be able to take the time, to spend money to come out right personally, to do my best. And, that is about where we stand on the 22nd, having come close, close, close to where I wanted to get, not in terms of total delegates, but in finishing with style. . . .
What is it going to be like? Driving a car, having C. Fred, being lonely around the house? It’s kind of fun thinking about all of that—back to the real world. . . .
Here are excepts from the statement I issued on May 26:
. . . I have never quit a fight in my life. But throughout my political career—as a precinct worker, a county chairman and national chairman—I have always worked to unite and strengthen the Republican party.
. . . In that spirit, earlier today, I sent the following message to Governor Reagan:
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUPERB CAMPAIGN FOR OUR PARTY’S 1980 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION. I PLEDGE MY WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT IN A UNITED PARTY EFFORT THIS FALL TO DEFEAT JIMMY CARTER AND ELECT NOT ONLY A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT BUT REPUBLICAN SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN AND STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WHO WILL WORK TOWARD OUR COMMON GOAL OF RESTORING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT AND OUR NATION’S FUTURE.
. . . Am I disappointed in not achieving what I set out to achieve on entering this race?
Of course I am, not simply for myself but for Barbara and my entire family and friends and the thousands of workers—especially those dedicated volunteer workers—who made personal commitments on my behalf and whom I’ll never be able to fully repay for all they’ve done.
Was it worth it? Did we achieve anything?
Yes, we did. I entered this race because I have a vision of America as a strong, purposeful, compassionate nation in need of new leadership for the decade of the Eighties. I have addressed the issues facing our country as I saw them and as a result I believe our political process has been strengthened. . . .
Barbara and I will see you in Detroit in July.28
Dear Hank,29
No one died but it feels like it.
Your letter and your loyal support makes it all O.K. Barbara and I are so grateful.
We’re going to Maine soon—then to Detroit—then regroup.
We’re OK.
Love to all,
George
June 14, 1980
Mr. Nicolas Biddle, Jr.
Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072
Dear Nicolas:
. . . I am complimented that you want me to be the vice-presidential nominee, but I hope you understand that I am not interested in seeking that position. I will work hard to unite the party and to help defeat Jimmy Carter in November.
Barbara and I and our entire family thank you for your faith and loyalty. We will never forget it.
Sincerely,
George Bush
June 30, 1980
Mr. G. David Kelly, Jr.
Mt. Berry, Georgia 30149
Dear Dave,
Your terrific letter just caught up with me in Maine where Barbara and I are getting some rest in between fund raising events to pay off the campaign debt. The loyalty and support of people like you and Kay mean so much.
The Vice Presidential speculation is flattering, and of course I’ll do what’s asked of me, if anything. I really feel it should be Reagan’s call, though, uninhibited by pressure. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
I went to the Republican convention in Detroit knowing the vice presidency was a possibility, but I did not expect it. Rumors were flying that Reagan would ask President Ford to join the ticket, and in fact the two did discuss it in Detroit but could not reach an agreement. No one was more surprised than I was when I answered the phone in my hotel suite and Ronald Reagan was on the other end of the line. One of my first congratulatory calls came from the man I wanted to defeat, Vice President Walter Mondale, for whom I have great respect.
July 19, 1980
Vice President Walter F. Mondale
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
Dear Fritz,
Thank you for your courteous call. It was most thoughtful of you to call all the way from Africa.
I do believe a debate such as you suggest would be useful and I heartily accept.
Barbara joins me in sending both you and Joan our best regards.
Sincerely,
George Bush
July 22, 1980
Mr. Ray Zauber, Editor
OAK CLIFF TRIBUNE
Dallas, Texas 75237
Dear Ray:
Thanks for your note and the copy of your fantastic open letter to Governor Reagan.
All I can say is that he must have read it, banged his fist into his palm, and said, “By George, it’s George!”
Seriously, I appreciate all the help and friendship you’ve shown me over the years. I know Governor Reagan and I can count on you in the months ahead, too.
Sincerely,
GEORGE BUSH
(Dictated but not signed)
Dear Mr. President [Nixon],
That was a most thoughtful note you sent me on July 19. I am pleased to be on this ticket. We can win, but I’m one who feels it will be a very tough race—Pr. Carter is a no-holds-barred guy—
. . . My love to Mrs. N and the girls—
Most sincerely,
George
One of the first things Reagan asked me to do was travel to Japan and China and meet with leaders there to discuss our views. I wrote this letter upon my return:
September 15, 1980
To: Republicans Abroad
I took a week of precious time early in the campaign and went to Japan and China because of the great importance a Reagan-Bush administration would attach to the entire Pacific Basin, and the vital role U.S. relations with Japan and China would play in establishing peace, stability and economic growth in the area. I went there in order to meet directly with the leaders of these two great countries, to talk with them freely and candidly, and just to learn more. . . .
In Japan I had the extraordinary opportunity to be the first candidate in the campaign to meet Key leaders in the new government . . . We exchanged views on a wide range of international and bilateral issues and I found this personal exposure invaluable in terms of getting a first-hand account of how Japanese viewed such crucial issues as trade, Soviet expansionism and defense. At the same time I was able to explain Reagan-Bush policies to the people that mattered. I left Japan sensing there was a strong enduring relationship between our two countries but that a great deal still needed to be done—to increase Japanese confidence in the U.S. credibility and to develop a more fruitful and equitable trade relationship.
In China I saw at length the men I came to see and I explained directly to them our world view, our constructive approach to U.S.-Chinese relations and our position on Taiwan. I was not seeking agreement or approval. I have known these men for years—we are old friends and we can therefore talk frankly to each other. My relations with Vice Premier DENG Xiaoping and with Foreign Minister HUANG Hua (Just promoted to Vice Premier) go back a long way—in HUANG’s case almost ten years. I am sure that a Reagan-Bush administration will have strengthened relations with China, built on a solid base of shared objectives and interests, but not at the expense of our old friends. Integrity is not divisible.
. . . Clearing the air does not necessarily result in a love-fest. Relations with Japan and China will improve during a Reagan-Bush Administration because we in America will be perceived by them as strong, credible and honest. This, I hope, saw its beginning in my brief trip.
Sincerely,
George Bush
9-26-80
George Thompson Corp
Monterey Park, California
Gentlemen:
I am a coarse ground pepper lover. Tonight, on the campaign trail, I used a Thompson pepper mill. The pepper came out in large chunks (coarse ground).
Will you please send me an Olde Thompson pepper grinder that grinds the pepper coarse. Send it to the above address and I’ll pay promptly.
George Bush
I made the big mistake of telling a reporter that the vice-presidential debate was minor league stuff. “It’s the Toledo Mud Hens. It’s not the big league,” was my exact quote. I received a reprimand from our good friend Lud Ashley, whose congressional district included the home of the Mud Hens, Toledo, Ohio. My reply:
10-5-80
Dear Rep. Ashley,
Surely your baseball career—no field, no hit—fast yes, but no field, no hit—should make you wise enough to understand that my reference to the Mud Hens was adulatory. Yes I know the hens lost to Columbus, but gosh, gee, let’s face it—the Astros they’re not. Mondale may be bigger than the Hens . . . but me—I ’m a Mud Hen at heart—comfortably slipping into the role. If I offended any Mud Hen fans please straighten them out—go out there, dance around second base and tell em’ “I, Lud Ashley, was wrong. I maligned G/Bush. I recall him as a .345 hitter, a man of class with the glove as well! Unlike my leader Jimmy Earl30 when I make a mistake I will apologize—so now right here near first base, the very base that Bush immortalized, I want to say I am sorry. . . . I wronged this great heavy hitting first baseman.”
Lud, this will win for you—maybe not for Jimmy but you.
We miss you, darn it.
George
Alan Wolfe
Potomac, MD 20884
Wolfgang—
Your note received and digested. Life is now hectic—pushed here & there. I think we’re going to win it.
But underneath everything—the balloons, the cheers, the good stories & the bad—underneath it all is friendship. Thanks for your vote.
GB
October 25, 1980
Mr. Albert Showfety
Joe Mill Hosiery Company
Hickory, NC 28601
Dear Mr. Showfety,
Thank you so much for the socks with REAGAN/BUSH on them. They are very nice and I’m quite sure few people have a pair just like them. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
Ronald Reagan defeated President Carter on November 4 in a sweeping victory. After a tumultuous two years, I suddenly was Vice President—elect of the United States. One of the first notes I wrote after the election was to Vice President Mondale:
11-8-80
Dear Fritz—
You & Joan have been most thoughtful & courteous. Bar looks forward to her visit with Joan in 10 days or so. I’d love to sit down with you. Thank you for your wire, your call, your just plain decency. I’ve lost—plenty— I know it’s no fun—
My best to you—
George
President-elect and Mrs. Ronald Reagan
Los Angeles, California 90045
Dear Ron and Nancy,
Barbara and I are unwinding in Houston—off to the Florida Keys tomorrow for 4 days—then to D. C. on the 17th.
This is just a quick thank you—thanks for making us feel so welcome, thanks for the joy of working with you, thanks for those little touches of grace and humor and affection that make life sing.
Please know that we both want to help in every way possible. I will never do anything to embarrass you politically. I have strong views on issues and people, but once you decide a matter that’s it for me, and you’ll see no leaks in Evans and Novak bitching about life—at least you’ll see none out of me.
I will make some suggestions (attached are 2 memos) but again I will respect your final judgment. Call me if I can lighten the burden. If you need someone to meet people on your behalf, or to turn off overly-eager office seekers, or simply someone to bounce ideas off of—please holler.
Thanks for the great opportunity to serve and to help make things a little better here and abroad.
Respectfully and with friendship.
Sincerely,