THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON

CHAPTER 9

A Heartbeat Away

Even in the beginning, when we were really just getting to know each other, President Reagan always made it clear to me that I would have direct access to him and that he would welcome my advice and suggestions. I didn’t waste a lot of time. Here are the first two memos I wrote him:

November 10, 1980

Memorandum for President-elect Reagan

From:	George Bush
Subject:	Intelligence Community

I feel strongly that the Director of Central Intelligence should be a professional—preferably a person coming up through the ranks of CIA. This will do much to restore the confidence in the Agency and in the intelligence community that has been lacking. It will help with our Liaison Services abroad such as the British, French, Israelis, etc. It will be a signal to all that you plan to have a thorough going professional service.

I am confident such a move would be very well received abroad and inside the Intelligence Community—on the Hill as well.

I have no person in mind but I would be glad to assist Ed [Meese] in searching for such a person if the idea has your approval.

There are several people who have been working for us in this campaign, who if appointed, would demoralize the intelligence community. I will communicate my views on this to Ed Meese1—no need to bother you.

I also favor reinstituting the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. I would recommend a smaller board than before. This move would be particularly appropriate if you go with my suggestion above—appointing a “pro” to head CIA.2

November 10, 1980

Memorandum for President-elect Reagan

From:	George Bush
Subject:	Texas Appointments

I understand that it is traditional that the Vice President be consulted on all appointments from his home state. I would like very much to have this same understanding with you. Needless to say, if you feel strongly about any appointment that would of course override any objection that I might have and I would strongly support your decision.

I can assure you there will be no problems between you and me on this if you instruct your staff to consult me on all Texas appointments. In fact, in some sensitive cases, I can see a good “out” for you.

P. S. When I mention home state, I am not talking about Connecticut, Maine, Ohio or Massachusetts—just little old Texas.³

The transition period was intense. We needed to hire a staff, get ready for the inauguration, and answer the literally thousands of letters that poured into our office from people seeking jobs, airing their opinions, or voicing their concerns. I took some time out in December to do some hunting—and to write a friend:

12-21-80

Dear Gerry [Bemiss],

I’m heading back to the home after 2 relaxing nights in So. Tex.⁴—reminiscing in the back of this long black car. Alone—except for State Police—2 S Service guys in front—Back-up car following but alone with my thoughts. So much has already happened. So much new, and challenging exciting & frustrating lies ahead. And yet I’m sure of one thing—I am lucky to have friends who really count—who have been at my side to help with advice and criticism and the willingness to do tough thankless things—That all counts. Thanks & love at Christmas.

GB

On January 20, 1981, President Reagan and I took our oaths of office. Our entire family—children, grandchildren, my mother, brothers, and sister—everyone came to help us celebrate. I wrote my aunt Mary, Uncle Herbie’s widow.

2-8-81

Dear Mary,

Life has been too darned hectic lately, but it is full and fascinating and Bar and I have never been busier in our lives.

My only regret over the whole inauguration was that we didn’t have a second to really visit with family and friends. I have had so many letters from friends saying they were here—people we never laid eyes on in the crowds.

The house5 is warm and livable and Bar has put in many little family touches. My public life is almost out of control, in terms of complex scheduling but the President is a joy to work with and for; and he and Nancy have both shown us so many courtesies you wouldn’t believe it.

The Point is coming along well,⁶ we are told. Longley Philbrick is the contractor. We have no written contract—just mutual trust; but that’s just fine because he is conscientious.

I don’t know how much of the big House will be ready for summer, but “worry not” is my motto.

The garage will be the Secret Service Command Post. They are fixing up the gates, wiring the House for fire and break in alarms and will be covering the place year round as the law provides.

We want the Point to be as Herby [sic] would want it to be—open to all family to come and go and love it as we all always have. I am grateful to you for your patience and understanding on all the details of transfer. . . .

Our house is your house. Walker’s Point is your Walker’s Point and your kids’ too.

The Secret Service will be there but they will not obstruct family coming and going.

Thanks, Mary, for working all this out. I hope we can give the place the same love Herby did. We want it to keep its character. We want it to be the anchor for all the family.

Much Love,

Poppy

One of the first things President Reagan asked me to do was to head up a special Task Force on Regulatory Relief. Our goal was to eliminate or at least revise unnecessary federal rules and regulations. In other words, get rid of red tape. I sent a copy of this letter to all cabinet members:

February 10, 1981

The Honorable Terrell Bell

Secretary of Education

Washington, D. C.

Dear Ted:

As I indicated at last Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, it would be very helpful to our Task Force on Regulatory Relief if you could designate a representative from your Department who can speak for you in dealing with our Task Force staff. . . . I think this will expedite our joint efforts to reduce the burdens of regulation and facilitate the workings of the Task Force.

I think we are going to produce solid results, and I look forward to working with you and your staffs on these important regulatory issues.

Sincerely,

George Bush

February 23, 1981

Miss Irene Cassert

Starpoint Central School

Lockport, New York

Dear Miss Cassert and Children:

How thoughtful of you to send me one of the folders you made for your parents in honor of the release of the hostages.7 I wish you could have shared with me the wonderful experience I had when I greeted the hostages at Andrews Air Force Base, and felt the outpouring of faith and affection from those thousands of Americans who were there to greet them and also from those millions of people across the country who were there in spirit. It was a moment I shall never forget.

It is young people like you who will be the backbone of our country in the future, who will keep the American dream alive. You must work hard and stay involved. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you.

Warm wishes.

Sincerely,

George Bush

March 9, 1981

Mrs. H. Webster Smith

Hart House

Tenants Harbor, Maine 04860

Dear Mrs. Smith:

I am writing this note sitting in front of a beautiful mahogany secretary bookcase in my office four doors down from the President. As you know, thanks to your enormous generosity this [case] has been used in the White House since 1973. I find it extraordinarily beautiful, and urged the curator, my friend Clem Conger to permit me to have it in my office where many visiting dignitaries would see it.

It just occurred to me that having lent this beautiful piece to the government, you might have a personal interest in where it is. I am attaching a picture. I am the one standing next to your beautiful mahogany piece. . . .

Sincerely yours,

George Bush

On March 30, John W. Hinckley Jr., shot and seriously wounded President Reagan as he left the Washington Hilton Hotel. Three other men were wounded as well: Press Secretary Jim Brady, Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy, and police officer Tom Delahanty. I was about to land in Austin, Texas, when we received word, and I immediately headed back to Washington. Like the entire nation, I was stunned. I jotted down these notes on my Air Force II flight information card. “Murphy” was my chief of staff, Dan Murphy; Ed Pollard was head of my Secret Service detail. You will see at the time I wrote this, we thought Jim Brady was dead.

April 10, 1981

Mr. Frank Osanka

Naperville, Ill. 60540

Dear Mr. Osanka:

Thanks so much for your thoughtful letter of March 31. We were all shocked by the terrible events of last week, but are grateful that the President is now well on the way to recovery.

I understand your feelings entirely concerning the protection the President is receiving, but I am sure you will agree that in a democracy such as ours it is almost impossible to have a 100% success record unless we stopped him from going out in public at all, which I don’t think any of us would want to see happen. You can be sure that all possible measures will be taken in the future to ensure that something like this does not happen again.

Sincerely,

George Bush

Secretary of State Alexander Haig came under terrible criticism the day of the shooting when he announced during a White House press conference he was “in control.” Haig made the comment to reassure both the country and our allies, especially since I was still in the air rushing back to Washington. I wrote this letter to a first cousin:

April 13, 1981

Mr. George Walker

Iuka, Ms. 38852

Dear George:

Thanks so much for your thoughtful letter of March 31. Fortunately, we all came through the tragic events of last week very well. It certainly proved that our system of government really works, and that we can survive a crisis of this kind. We feel that Secretary Haig acted just as he should, and he has the full support of both President Reagan and myself.

The President returned to the White House today, and I’m happy to say he is in very good shape. He is truly a remarkable man.

I’m glad to hear that all is well with you and the family. Life is very hectic for me—more than ever before—but I am enjoying the challenge.

Love to you and Connie from both of us.

[copy unsigned]

April 18, 1981

Mr. Ralph P. Davidson, Chairman of the Board

TIME Incorporated

New York, New York 10020

Dear Ralph:

I have now read the major TIME essay on “American Renewal” . . .

First, let me congratulate TIME Incorporated on its bold project to spark such a renewal. I was impressed that many of the changes for which you called would have been attacked by the liberal establishment (maybe even by TIME) only a short while back as endorsing the Imperial Presidency, a Cold War Strategy, a Powerful Speaker, and Laissez-Faire Capitalism, to use a few epithets. I believe a new national consensus is forming that says, okay, we tried the sackcloth and ashes routine and we’re worse off than before. America is a great country and should act like it. This was the clear message I got on the campaign trail for two years, and it’s certainly the message with which President Reagan won the 1980 election.

A couple more comments: Otto Friedrich’s “To Reform the System” despaired over the vice presidency but made no clear proposal to alter it. He was correct in saying that the most important thing any Vice President can become is “senior adviser with portfolio”. Indeed, to saddle the Vice President with the job of White House Chief of Staff would serve to weaken rather than strengthen him, diluting his prestige as the only nationally-elected official other than the President with decisions over who gets the parking spaces right next to the West Wing. My predecessor, Fritz Mondale, forged an agreement with President Carter which was wholly adopted by President Reagan and me. By this, the Vice President has total access to the President and all his meetings, where his voice can be heard in the highest councils on matters of national policy. Further, the much derided role of being President of the Senate gives a Vice President a unique opportunity to work for the Administration’s programs on Capitol Hill without being considered a crass lobbyist.

As for the changes in the political process listed in Friedrich’s article, I agree that campaigns are too long. Yet, I cannot forget that without hard, steady work at the grassroots, I would probably not be sitting where I am today. Because there are as many minuses as pluses to the question of changing the rules of American politics, the best course is to let matters evolve on their own without some new edict out of Congress. . . .

I really didn’t mean to write a counter-essay. But the “American Renewal” . . . proved quite thought-provoking.

Sincerely,

George Bush

6-1-81

Frederick J. Harrigan

Colebrook, New Hampshire 03576

Dear Fred,

I was delighted to get your letter. My only regret is that you don’t look like me—I could use a surrogate around here.

I do appreciate your offer for the President. Security is such that it would be hard to do what you suggest, but the offer is what counts.8 

Also, it was very thoughtful of your dog George to remember Fred, Fred. Lest George forgets what it is Fred looks like, here is a relatively recent shot. Incidentally Fred is writing a book, immodestly titled preliminarily “Famous People who know Fred”.⁹ It is mainly pictures. Fred has forsaken us at night, finding he likes the raccoon action at the security post near our gate. Besides the midnight shift must be feeding Fred for he has more than his normal amount of stomach gas which regrettably he vents a lot.

I am getting a bum rap on being a preppy, but other than that things are going very well here. It would be nice to get to the North Country—to see you, to run with your fleet footed son, to hear your latest jokes, and to relax. We were in Kennebunkport, Maine for two nights last weekend and I came alive. We are fixing up a house my grandfather built near the sea at the turn of the century.

President Reagan is a great man to work for and with. He gives me plenty of things to do, and he is a guy you can discuss things with without getting your head bitten off. We know the problems are immense, but I believe we can turn things around.

Again, thanks for your offer, and my warm best wishes to you—joined in all of this by Barbara and Fred am I.

Most Sincerely,

George Bush

7-20-81

Martin Allday

1600 lst Nat’l Bank Bldg.

Midland, Texas 79701

Dear Martin,

I loved your newsy letter about Midland. It was just great. I will try to work something out for Midland C of C [Chamber of Commerce] but not sure if it will fit. I have asked Jennifer Fitzgerald in my office to call you on this. It would indeed be great to see booming Midland, to see friends, and hopefully to see our new grandchild10 out there. We still miss Midland, you, our other friends.

Life is full and hectic. I am typing this at home—Bar in Maine moving into new house up there—well rather, an old house that we are doing completely over. It will be winterized and summerized so we can spend a good deal of time there when we retire. Someday you’ve got to see it.

My job is full and fascinating. Not enough hours in the day. Pres. R is great to work with. He is quite a guy—marvelous sense of humor, unthreatened by people or events, a superb person. The top staff are good people too—of course Jim Baker being here is great.¹¹

Better run, but thanks for your great letter. Warmest Regards. Love to all.

George

After Labor Day I finally began keeping a diary again, having quit when the campaign ended in 1980. Despite my best efforts to make note of something every single day, I would sometimes let the diary lapse for weeks, even months—something I profoundly regret today. Most days, the schedule was too busy to reflect on what had been. It was all I could do to keep up with what was ahead. Anyway, I have scattered some diary entries throughout the vice-presidential and White House chapters.

September 7, 1981

My first day back in Washington after a fantastic time in Maine. . . . It’s a great joy being there with the sea pounding into the rocks, the boat, the new [tennis] court, being with Mother, seeing the Walkers and the kids, and our own grandchildren running around the place. It was supreme joy, a physical lift. I ran comfortable and fast, played reasonable tennis, took up golf again, learned to putt, and had two birdies on the front nine against Ed Muskie12 and the pro from Kennebunk Beach, only to clutch on the back nine—minor interest.

. . . The job is still totally fulfilling, and I must say I got that feeling tonight having gotten home after a light run—I’m ready to get back to work again.

October 6, 1980

Today was the day that Sadat was shot and killed. Two days ago, Mubarak, the new President of Egypt, was in our house sitting in the corner of our living room looking out on the porch, wanting to go for a walk, but chatting about Egypt. It was my second meeting with him, and today, he is wearing the crown, and heaven knows how easily or uneasily in Egypt, the turmoil, the killing and the plotting—it gets you down. At the NSC planning group meeting, I made some joke about . . . I hated to leave the room because somebody would vote to send me to [a] funeral;¹³ and then I realized later that maybe the President would take it seriously. So I called him up in the Residence—he had gone home around 6 p.m.—and said, “I hope you understand,” and he said, “No, I don’t think either of us should go. We have three former Presidents going, and I think you should be treated the same as me in this regard.” I told him that I wasn’t worried about it, and if things mounted and the pressures mounted, that I would be glad to go.14

October 14, 1981

Mrs. Sidney W. Davidson, Jr.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Dear Mrs. Davidson:

I was, of course, pleased to hear from you but I must confess I was disappointed in what you wrote about. Thank God we have a President who is trying to get this economy under control after decades of reckless deficits and inflation driven higher taxes.

On foreign affairs we do adhere to human rights. We are not propping up authoritarian governments all over the world, but we are determined to help those who are trying to resist the insidious onslaught of Castro-backed revolution or Soviet inspired mischief. We had better wake up in this country to what the Soviets and its friends are doing. Take a look at Poland; take a look at the Caribbean; take a look at Qaddafi.¹⁵ Don’t you think we should resist this kind of tyranny.

I hate to disagree with you but I think the President is doing a first class job, and I have no difficulty in supporting him fully.

Sincerely,

George Bush

January 12, 1982

The Honorable Richard Nixon

26 Federal Plaza

New York, N. Y.

Dear Mr. President:

I received your warm letter of January 7 and I am very appreciative. A lot of people simply don’t understand the advice you gave me.

A couple of months ago I had a letter from a very prominent Republican Senator, saying “separate yourself from the President”. This was written at the time of some tough budget vote. I have had lots of writers hone in on differences that I may have had with President Reagan during the primaries, trying to get me to highlight these differences now.

I don’t believe a President should have to be looking over his shoulder wondering if the Vice President was out there carving him up or undermining his programs in one way or another. I guess every Vice President has had to endure the annual rounds of “whatever happened to V.P.______ stories”. They don’t bother me a bit. I like my job, I have plenty to do, and I believe I can be helpful to the President. So what else is there?

Thank you so very much for that insightful letter. Barbara joins me in sending our best to Mrs. Nixon.

Respectfully,

George Bush

January 13, 1982

Mr. Stephen Offerman

Amsterdam Color Works Inc.

New York, N. Y. 10461

Dear Mr. Offerman:

. . . The President of the United States, together with Secretary of State Haig and others in this Administration, felt that the sale of AWACS16 to Saudi Arabia was not a threat to Israel but a calculated move to help advance permanent peace in the Middle East.

The question is not simply one of Israeli versus Arab. There are exterior forces at play in the region, supported and financed by the Soviet Union or surrogate states such as Qaddafi’s Libya, who would like nothing better than to destabilize nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Jordan. We are confident of Israel’s strength. We are also committed to Israel’s right to exist within safe and secure borders and in peace.

Honest men approach solutions differently. Our efforts towards peace in the region are as honorable as yours or any other American. I strongly challenge your assertion that the President is a “bully”. There is nothing in his make up that even the most critical observer would charge along the lines you suggest. I respect and support your right to fight for those principles in which you deeply believe. The President of the United States has the same right. . . .

I have been in public life a long time. I have encountered great passions in the arena, and sometimes men of integrity, myself included I hope, realize they have made mistakes and say so. Think about it and write me back, for in spite of my first flush of anger at reading your letter, I have respect for a man who fights for his strongly held beliefs.

Sincerely,

George Bush

March 15, 1982

Mr. and Mrs. William McKenzie

Dallas, Texas 75205

Dear Billy Mac and Sally:

You won’t know me. I look like the guy on channel 4—every hair in place, the natural dry look to perfection. Why? Why you ask—because of my new redkin (?) hair spray. It’s me after all these years—natural yet aggressive—quasi militant but not offensively so. I am very excited about all of this, and am entering the Senior Body contest relying heavily on the judges to ‘think hair’. Many many thanks. And much Love.

George

3-30-82

Dear Miss Hepburn,

We so enjoyed our meeting—too brief of course; but for Barbara and me, a highlight not soon forgotten. We respect you so—and I guess as a little kid I thought you were the meowest of the cat’s meows—Anyway now we’ve met.

But this is about last night’s Oscar too.17 Hooray for you—3 cheers for excellence and style and class and honor and warmth. 3 cheers for your decency—

Affectionate regards from yet another Hepburn fan—

George Bush

Given that I had recently visited China during a trip abroad, and given some recent statements from President Reagan about China, Barry Goldwater wrote me an angry letter, accusing the administration of forsaking Taiwan for China. I had great respect for Senator Goldwater but wholeheartedly disagreed with him.

May 28, 1982

The Honorable Barry Goldwater

United States Senate

Washington, D. C. 20510

Dear Barry:

Your letter about Taiwan and the PRC was, as they say in diplomatic circles, frank and candid, I’m not surprised. I long have known your views on this subject.

I don’t expect you to change your mind, Barry, but I do think I should make a few points.

You think the U.S. stands on two different policies—one for the PRC and one for Taiwan. But in fact, we have one policy—there is one China and we acknowledge the PRC view that Taiwan is part of China, a view that is shared by Taiwan. We respect the sovereignty of that one China. We believe it is best to let the PRC and Taiwan work out their differences peacefully, without outside pressure or interference. We stress a peaceful solution. We remain a loyal friend to Taiwan while we simultaneously try to advance our relationship with the PRC. We believe that good relations between the U.S. and the PRC advance the cause of peace worldwide and that we would be irresponsible to let the opportunity for improved relations pass us by without a principled effort on our part. Note, I say principled. We will not turn our back on an old friend, Taiwan. We will uphold the law of the land. President Reagan and I took an oath on this.

I spent hours telling the PRC leaders that President Reagan is a man of principle. He is a friend of Taiwan. He will uphold the laws of the U.S.A. He wants to improve relations with the PRC but within his principles, commitments, promises, and oath of office. We seek some formula that allows the U.S. to have good relations with the PRC while at the same time maintaining our historic friendship with Taiwan. We know that’s not easy. And it will not be made any easier if you say the things you hint at in your letter.

One last point—every friend and ally we have in Asia . . . all urge that we strengthen our relationship with the PRC. They see it as in their strategic self-interest, and ours as well. The same is true for our European allies.

Barry, you are a highly respected U.S. leader. What you say is very important to the people of America, Taiwan and the PRC. As we search for a way to insure peace in the world—a way to influence and control a very dangerous Soviet Union—we need your help.

Sincerely, and with warm

personal regards,

George

June 2, ’82

Dear Hugh,18

Thanks for the clipping which Don Rhodes¹⁹ handed me along with your note when I arrived home tonight from Colorado.

I keep hearing rumors of early activity up there . . . Majority Leader of the US Senate²⁰ was getting active; then this clip about Jack Kemp.²¹

. . . My problem is that I will do nothing at all of any kind that could even marginally be considered as moving around for ‘84. I am too devoted to the Prez to do this and it would be wrong. Others may have different plans—quite obviously they do. I’d love to get the Gregg advice on this.

Life continues full blast, exciting, frustrating at times—the latter because of the persistent economic problems.

I have learned a great deal and am doing some fascinating things. This week flew in an AWACS to Colorado from Oklahoma—a fantastic learning experience. Doing a lot of travel and speechifying—a lot on pure politics already, but also much civic stuff.

Dying to chat soon—Maine maybe??? Love to Cay.

[UNSIGNED]

I had been exchanging letters with my friend Bart Giamatti, the president of Yale University and later the commissioner of baseball, about the religious right. Here is one in the series:

July 29, 1982

Mr. A. Bartlett Giamatti

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut 06520

Dear Bart:

But what is the difference between the Religious Right and the Religious Left? If I felt that the Religious Right or Left could impose their views on me by use of political power I would be upset; I don’t feel that way. But given your concern, why do you feel a threat from the Religious Right but not the Left?

I’m not sure what God wants of us; but that others think they know what God wants is okay with me. Why is it all right for Coffin²² to urge defiance on Viet Nam, tolerance on Khomeni, or advocate “gay marriages” but it’s not okay for the Right to get together and work against abortion or for prayer in school.

My problem Bart is that until the Religious Right got involved because of their concerns on drugs, decline in family, shifting views on homosexuals or divorce, no one gave much of a damn. We might not have agreed with the more liberal activists when they were (are) up in arms: but we said okay, let them do their thing.

Now the Religious Right is up in arms. Most of them (while believing deeply) are not totally intolerant of the views of others. Most get lumped in with some few that do what you say—namely, refuse to tolerate any difference.

Your letter was great. You say things better than I do—much better; but like you I have been across the country a lot and met with lots of people. We must be careful not to lump all the Religious Right in together. We must understand that in our post-Viet Nam post-Watergate guilt, we have condoned things we should have condemned. Now a decade later a lot of people are concerned. Some of them are totally intolerant, but in my view most are not.

They have seen those espousing different views asked to speak at prestigious schools, or had the Mary McGrory’s do well written editorials about their conscience. They have been deeply troubled as they see religious men of the Left deliberately break laws (Thoreau might say “okay”, but a lot of people worry about that).

Now, clumsily at times, vindictively at others (ask me, some of them took a big bite out of my behind during the campaign), they are trying to stand up for things that fundamentally I believe in. I differentiate between the “extremists” and the Religious Right in general.

I love Billy Graham, I really do; some of the flamboyant money-mad, teary temple builders worry me.

Okay, friend, now where am I wrong?

Best.

Sincerely,

George Bush

P.S.: I think you’re wrong on prayer in schools. It is not just ideologues who want the voluntary prayer in school. Believe me Bart it is much deeper than that. And then there’s the Pledge of Allegiance. The journalists slouch through it, the cynics might look down on Middle America, but Bart it feels good to go to some Rotary meetings in Iowa and say the Pledge—it really does—especially that part “one nation under God”. It’s all winners and no losers. I have a funny feeling it keeps us a little more together. Is it okay to say the Pledge in schools but not to have voluntary prayers [?]

September 19, 1982

Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel23

Congregation Beth Israel

Houston, Texas 77096

Dear Hyman:

You are a thoughtful guy. How kind of you to write me about Doro’s wedding.²⁴ You must have known that it was a very special day for the Bush family and maybe you knew, too, how much I love my daughter and how close to her I feel. I must make a slight confession, I shed a few tears as she and I drove to the Church, but don’t worry! The Secret Service didn’t see them.

Warm regards.

Sincerely,

George Bush

In 1982 I undertook an increasing number of foreign trips on President Reagan’s behalf, representing him and the country in talks with leaders around the world. In the spring, I had taken a huge trip to Asia; in June, I represented the United States at the funeral of Saudi king Khalid; in August, I attended the inauguration of President Betancur of Colombia; and in November, Barbara and I went to Africa. However, the trip was interrupted by the death of the Soviet Union’s longtime iron-willed leader, Leonid Brezhnev. (It could have been about this time that my dear friend Jim Baker penned the saying “You die, I’ll fly.”) Truthfully, these funerals often resulted in many useful bilateral meetings with the incoming leaders. I sent this cable to President Reagan after I met the new Soviet leader, Yuri Andropov.

Nov. 15, 82

FM Vice President Bush Aboard Air Force Two

TO White House for The President

Subject: My visit to Moscow

. . . I am glad you sent us. The Soviets clearly appreciated the gesture and shared their appreciation in several ways.

. . . By way of example: George Shultz²⁵ and I walked to the receiving hall, took off our coats, and went to the rear of the line, when we were halfway up the stairs walking along with the likes of [Pakistani] President Zia, [Japanese] Prime Minister Suzuki and many more. A Soviet protocol officer pushed through the crowd on the stairs and told us to come forward. Reluctantly we obliged, being led obtrusively past all the waiting dignitaries. . . .

There were other little gestures, but the major event was our meeting at 4:30 p.m. with Andropov and Gromyko.26 Soviet watchers were amazed that Andropov received us.

I will not report here on the conversation. A verbatim report is being prepared, but since this was the first known visit with Andropov by Americans, let me convey some impressions.

He seemed sure of himself. He read his three page brief but with ease and self-assurance.

He conveyed strength, but not in a bellicose way.

He dished it out, but did not flinch as I mentioned Poland, Afghanistan, and Human Rights.

He smiled and seemed genuinely warm when I made joking reference to his having been KGB Chief while I was head of CIA.

It is of course too early to predict how things will evolve in Moscow, but for some reason I feel up-beat, opportunity may well lie ahead, though much of the rhetoric was predictable and accusatory.

I am writing this cable as we fly Moscow to Frankfurt—A Soviet navigator up front in the cockpit. The impressions of Red Square and the pageantry of Brezhnev’s funeral fresh in my mind.

We were very close to the front. When the goose-stepping, arm-swinging, Elite Guard marched in I at first saw only hostile troops and hostile power. We had a little wait and I watched the changing of the Guard and looked at the faces and then I saw my sons and yours: George, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Mike and Ron.

I saw a funeral without tears, save for the immediate family, I saw a funeral without God and thought “How sad—how lonely.”

I can’t speak for George Shultz with whom it was a total joy sharing these responsibilities, but let me say two things now: First, thanks for sending us on an unforgettable mission. Second: we must succeed in our quest for peace.

Now back to Africa.

Warm Regards,

George

Barbara and I then returned to Africa to resume our trip. Here are excerpts from a memo I wrote President Reagan about my impressions:

. . . I have been deeply struck by the gravity and extent of Africa’s economic crisis. Many of our best friends are in serious trouble and face a difficult political future unless the world economy turns around. I stressed the vital importance of each getting his economic house in order and discouraged them from expecting increases in assistance from us. They were impressed by what we are going through at home and have a better understanding of the tough decisions we have had to make. . . .

I return confident that we have strong relationships in Africa. Our diplomatic and aid missions are ably staffed and lean; the Peace Corps is making an outstanding contribution. Each of the leaders I visited was impressed by your interest and sympathy. The policies we are pursuing are sound, and we gained increased trust in our purposes. . . . Africa needs us, and all those I visited make it clear the Soviets have little to offer. We will have to be imaginative in finding ways to meet the continent’s many needs.

The day after Christmas, our church in Houston, St. Martin’s, asked me to speak to the congregation. Here are excerpts from my remarks:

It’s great to be back at St. Martin’s. The happy memories come flooding back. I remember teaching Sunday School here, so does Barbara. I remember the sixth or seventh pew from the back, how it wiggled and shook as our four boys and, sometimes, Doro got the giggles or got mad or couldn’t see during the Christmas Pageant. . . .

I don’t want to hold it over the rest of you, but how many of you can say of the Christmas Pageant, “My grandson was a shepherd in 1980 and Noelle, his sister, was an angel.” Imagine both in the same year! Barbara said, “Did it ever occur to you they both may have made it because you had just been elected Vice President of the United States a month before?” No, it didn’t. I still carry the picture in my wallet. I am convinced they made it because, with all respect to you other grandfathers of potential angels, our angel looked like an angel and our shepherd—he was four then—had that dark nomadic look of a real shepherd who knew how to tend his flock by both day and night. . . .

We have done many interesting things. None was more interesting than our recent trip to seven African countries with a detour to Red Square, Moscow. I wish I could share with you my inner feelings about Africa, about their struggle after years of colonialism to find democracy, to build new nations—the handicaps they start with are immense. In Zimbabwe, in the entire country, when independence came, there were one hundred college graduates—only 100.

The thing that gave me hope about Africa, in the face of enormous economic problems, was their adherence to Christian values and to Christianity. The most moving grace I have ever heard was given by an African chief of state. If ever faith offered hope, almost the only hope, it is in Africa. . . .

But it was in Moscow that I was most deeply struck, but in quite a different way. . . .

It is hard to describe emotions or even scenes. Barbara is good at that. I am not. The flowers were spectacular. The setting awesome. The music Chopin, superb. We spoke to the grieving Mrs. Brezhnev and her family. She said, “We must all work hard for peace.”

The next day we stood in Red Square. The funeral procession arrived right on time in front of Lenin’s tomb, just as the clock struck twelve. Impressive timing. Right in front of us young soldiers strutted onto the cobblestones. The elite guard changed every fifteen minutes. We arrived early so we saw several shift changes. At first I saw only the goose-stepping-arm-swinging precision-trained young soldiers. I felt a tinge, not of fear, but of amazement at the power and the discipline. After a shift or two changed, I began to study the faces. They were young and healthy looking. One of them smiled as he almost missed his 90 degree turn. I thought not of hostile soldiers but of my own sons and the joy of being young and strong. I thought of our soldiers lost, and then I thought of young kids like this that died defending their Russian homeland in World War II.

As I stood there near our European allied friends, our African friends, our Latin-American friends—and a little down from Castro and Arafat and Jaruzelski of Poland, my mind thought not of the fallen Soviet leader but of peace, the crying need for world peace.

The eulogies were impressive. Yuri Andropov, with whom I met later, was firmly in control. A marshal spoke, a labor leader, a party boss. They all spoke of Leonid Brezhnev’s role as leader.

He was buried behind Lenin’s tomb in the Kremlin. Then the leaders re-mounted the viewing place atop the Lenin monument. The 300 strings that played so beautifully gave way to a military march. The troops marched by and the proceedings ended.

But you know what. It suddenly dawned on me and on Barbara and on George Shultz throughout all of this, the night before, the ceremony itself—something was missing. There was no mention of God. There was no hope, no joy, no life ever after, no mention of Christ and what His death has meant to so many. It was very different. So discouraging in a sense, so hopeless, so lonely in a way.

I thought of St. Martin’s Church, of our joy all year long, but especially at Christmas. If only their country was one nation under God, If only the kids there had grown up with a Christmas angel and maybe a shepherd in the family . . . peace would be so much easier to achieve.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall inherit the earth!

One of Washington’s big social events is the annual Alfalfa Club dinner, held every January in Washington. For years it was stag only until just recently when Alfalfa saw the light and admitted women. The club has only one purpose: to have this dinner once a year where we put aside all our political and other differences and rib each other. In 1983, I took as my guests our four sons.

Dear George, Jeb, Neil, and Marv,

Before the dust settles, I want to tell you how much this past weekend meant to me. I have had many truly happy moments in my life. Having you guys here this weekend was one of those.

My heart was full of pride when I got to introduce you to my friends at Alfalfa. I was proud—very proud with the way you looked and acted, and responded. You give Bar and me great happiness all the time.

I’m getting a little older. I’m not sure what the future holds. I don’t worry about that.

Win or lose, older or younger, we have our family. When all the politics are behind me, and they will be one day, I’ll be the happy guy around Golden Pond who knows what it is to be surrounded by kids—and grandchildren, too. I may have my racket slightly unused and my running shoes gathering dust, and they may make me go slow in Fidelity,27 but I’ll be surrounded by love—so what else counts!

Devotedly,

Dad  

I took a swing through Europe in early February, touching base with most of our major allies. Here are just some of my notes from the trip:

Feb. 2, 1983

. . . The starkest memory so far is seeing the wall in Berlin with the dogs and the watch tower and the human component of all of that. What an impact it makes to stand up and see the tanks, the guards and the wire and the soldiers looking at you. I wonder how in God’s name anybody could think that the Soviet Union wanted normal relations or share any values on human rights when you see the barbwire, and the stark brutality of it all. . . .

February 10, 1983

. . . The highlight of Rome was the visit to the Pope . . . At one point in the conversation, I was almost in tears—and I hope it didn’t show, though maybe it did—as I tried to explain to him how strongly we felt about peace. It was like a confession in a sense, but all I felt was goodness and strength coming from the Pope. It was wonderful, uplifting feeling . . . there was this strength of the church, the strength of Christ, the strength of his dominating faith, and that made a tremendous impact. I told him about the impact that the Wall had made on me . . . I expect he, having come from Poland, must have wondered of my naiveté; but somehow it felt right to tell him the emotional feeling I had as I saw that closely knit barbwire, so closely knitted, that a person looking for freedom couldn’t put his fingers through it. . . .

March 16, 1983

I love country music, I know the names of some of the big stars, but I couldn’t go through and give you list of all the records and, yet, when I hear them, I know them, and I love them. . . .

I don’t know why country music sticks with me. I like listening to symphonies, and I don’t know the names of them, but I know what I like in it, and I can relax and go to sleep with that music. I love the lyrics of country, and I love the patriotism of the people. One of the Gatlin Brothers is from Odessa, Texas, and he came up to me and said he knew George and it made me feel great. The Oak Ridge Boys—weird looking beards—but they are such warm, wonderful guys, and they sent us two little pink shirts for our twins. They are just terrific—just terrific people. I don’t know what their politics are, and I don’t really care; but they really gave us a thrill, and every time I met one of them or saw one at some reception or something, they were just terrific. . . . I would rather see this country western show, Hee Haw, or the Grand Ole Opry, than go to a ball game—I really would. It’s a great mix of music, lyrics, barrooms, Mother, the flag and good-looking large women. There is something earthy and strong about it all. . . .

4-5-83

Mr. Marvin P. Bush

Alexandria, Virginia 22302

Dear Marv.

I wore this tie for 2 hours today. The reviews, frankly, were not good.

It is an expensive Italian cravate, given to me by Lionel Hampton. Even that impressive pedigree did not dissuade the critics. They remained militantly opposed.

Perhaps, on a younger man the results would be different,

Accept this new (all but 2 hours of its life lay before it) tie. May you wear it with more success than I had. If not, sell it.

Devotedly 

Dad

April 13, 1983

I hurt my tailbone. I’ve got a bruise and nobody is sympathetic. I carried the rubber ring into the Oval Office for lunch on Thursday28 and asked the President if I could blow it up and sit on it; and then he told me a story of how he and Eddie Bracken²⁹ crashed into each other and he hit his tailbone. He’s a great story teller, a great joke teller, and the most understanding human being. It never occurred to me that he would be uncomfortable about my using that silly thing, and he wasn’t—he was just great about it. I do feel close, and he makes you feel totally relaxed. He’s hard to read; he doesn’t ask for advice; he doesn’t say, “what do you think about this,” very much—but the other side of that is, I feel uninhibited in bringing things up to him. When I do bring up something controversial, he might not comment; he might not say anything right there; and he might not look particularly enthralled about it or say, “tell me more;” but I never get the feeling that he doesn’t want me to tell him, so I do and I try not to overdo it. . . .

5-5-83

Mrs. Prescott S. Bush, Sr.

Pheasant Lane

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Dear Mum—

It’s mother’s day on Sunday. But everyday is Mother’s day. I love you—then, now, always.

Middle-size

On April 18, a bomb exploded in the American embassy in Beirut, killing forty-six people, including the entire CIA staff based at the embassy. It was a horrible tragedy. After I attended a memorial service for those who had been killed, I was shocked to get a letter from a family member who felt my “performance” at the service was insincere. It really hurt and shows just how tough it can be to be a “public” person.

6-13-83

Miss Catherine Votaw

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146

Dear Ms. Votaw,

I was deeply disturbed to receive your letter. First, I want you to know how sorry I am that you felt this way. I was deeply moved by the tragedy. I had personally called many families. I received many expressions of appreciation from others for coming there; but that matters not. If I seemed casual and unconcerned and thus insensitive to your feelings—that is what matters. I came there to help not to hurt; obviously in your case I failed miserably when I told your Grandmother “I wouldn’t have missed it”—that did not mean I was enjoying some festivity. It meant the least I could do was to be there to express the sincere condolences of a grateful country. It wasn’t easy for anyone—I know that. One of my good friends lay dead.

I know my own emotions—I know my own convictions—that you don’t though, is clearly not your fault but mine.

I have been raised in the Episcopal Church. It is customary in our Church when one enters a pew—to pray briefly—on one’s knees—This was not done, as you suggest, for some TV appearance.

I am deeply sorry that you are hurt and that I added to this hurt. Please forgive me. I went to honor your Dad and others for their dedication and sacrifice—

Thank you for writing from the heart, as you did; please accept this expression of apology and concern. It comes from my heart.

Sincerely,

George Bush

I went back to Europe at the end of June to meet with European leaders. One of my chief tasks was to reassure the Germans about the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF), the Pershing II missiles, in West Germany where they were controversial. There was a strong antinuclear movement in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, but INF deployment was essential to offset the Soviets’ SS-20s, already aimed at Europe. I ran into heavy protests in Germany.

Jun 27 83

TO THE PRESIDENT

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

SUBJECT: MEETINGS WITH CHANCELLOR KOHL

. . . All in all, the visits to Krefeld and Bottrop were useful. The Germans were deeply embarrassed by the fact that our motorcade had suffered a few dents and broken windows. I downplayed the issue . . .

The violent demonstrators were ugly—their hand gestures, though not new, had real vigor—and their appearance made them likely candidates in case central casting ever had a call for “Radical Left Demonstrators.” The sad part is they ruined the day not for us but for our Krefeld hosts . . .

Kohl is a true friend, who faces real domestic problems as deployment approaches. While keeping absolutely firm on our schedule, we must be sympathetic to Kohl’s problems and do all we can to ease his way through them.

With solid support from us Kohl and the Germans can, I believe, be counted on. But difficult days lie ahead—Krefeld might prove to be the Iceberg’s tip.

5 Jul 83

FOR THE PRESIDENT

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

President Koivisto of Finland was pleased to receive your invitation and accepts.30 The September time frame is agreeable. He is particularly pleased since he has met Soviet leaders four times in last year.

He took me aside to tell me of Andropov’s health. He thought it was better than the original report out of Finland but still Andropov had to be carried down the stairs to greet Koivisto.

. . . The high point was a genuine Finnish Sauna at the finest Sauna Association. I felt a little self-conscious at first sitting around stark naked with four Finnish guys I’d never laid eyes on before. We all did the whole treatment including jumping in the ice cold ocean. We saw less of each other after the jumping in that ice cold water. . . .

Warm regards.

On October 23, 1983, 241 Marines, sailors, and other members of a multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon were killed when a suicide bomber blew up Marine headquarters near the Beirut airport. President Reagan asked me to go quietly to Beirut to bolster the morale of our remaining troops and to observe firsthand what had happened. It was one of my most difficult and emotional assignments.

26 Oct 83

PLEASE PASS TO THE PRESIDENT, SECSTATE, DCI & SECDEF

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

SUBJECT: VISIT TO GEMAYEL IN LEBANON

1. After an emotion packed visit to the carrier, Iwo Jima, where I had the privilege of pinning the Purple Heart on two wounded Marines, and a visit ashore to the pile of rubble that was once our BLT Headquarters and a chat with our Marines and Sailors on duty at the airport, I flew by chopper to the Presidential Palace to see [Amin] Gemayel.

2. Gemayel’s analysis of things in Lebanon was disturbing and disappointing. Here are some of his points:

A. When I asked him how he saw the upcoming reconciliation talks in Geneva all he would say was he would try to make them successful—but he showed no enthusiasm and certainly no optimism.

B. Pointed out he controlled as President only 15 percent of the land and the people and said he was performing miracles accomplishing the things he was for Lebanon.

C. Noted that as fast as the U.S. trained the LAF some would leave the Army under pressure from Syria. . . . He added that these same forces might some day turn and fight him.

D. He described four Armies fighting in Lebanon. Namely, Syrian, Iranian, Libyan and Israeli. Combined they control over 80 percent of his country.

E. He sees the U.S. Marine presence as essential to his survival. Without the Marines he suggested the Soviet backed Syrians would be sitting in his office.

F. Suggested that the answer was more pressure on Syria and Israel by the U.S. to get out of Lebanon. He could not say how.

G. Said he realized the MNF31 would not stay forever but saw no way to let them go home. And he expected more, similar terrorist acts in the future.

In short he painted us into a quagmire with little hope for the future.

I’m not in a position to explain his feelings today. Maybe he was on a downer. But his analysis, following on the heels of my visit to our brave dedicated troops, is very disconcerting. I was particularly disturbed by his talk about possibly more defections from the LAF along religious lines. I’ll bring you more on our great Marines and Sailors when I get back. They support you 100 percent.

Another grandchild, John Ellis Bush Jr., was born December 13th.

December 14th 1983

Dear Jeb and Colu,

Last night’s phone call brought us true happiness. Nothing else matters. The birth of JB Jr. put everything that is important into perspective. The birth of our boy, family, love, whatever.

That kid has a running start. He has two great parents. He has a wonderful brother (even though the guy does give me grief on the football teams).

He has a beautiful sister who will hold him and play with him and love him.

. . . Hug the little guy and tell him that even though he is a tiny little fella, he has already enriched our lives.

Devotedly 

Dad

Andropov died February 9, and I returned again to Moscow for a funeral and to meet the next Soviet leader.

15 Feb 84

FM:	THE VICE PRESIDENT
TO:	THE WHITE HOUSE, THE PRESIDENT

I’m sending you this message from the plane following my meeting with [Konstantin] Chernenko. We will be sending a detailed report shortly, but I want to give you my first impressions of the new Russian leader. Impressions shared by Howard Baker who was great to have along.

Despite reports that he might be ill and lacks the intellect and authority of Andropov, Chernenko seemed in command of the situation. He seemed alert, in good health, with a sparkle in his eye, and somewhat younger than his years. He did almost all of the talking on the Soviet side and what he had to say was, in my view, encouraging. He asked me to tell you that we can have better relations. That he believes it is possible to do so. He said that it is by no means certain we will have a fatal confrontation; that we are not inherently enemies. I told him that we, too, were ready for dialogue and progress.

Chernenko is no pushover but he does seem open and treated us graciously. He gave the clear impression that there is somebody at home in the Kremlin with whom we can do business. . . .

I’ll have the small Mexican plate if lunch is on Thursday.

George

2-16-84

Dear Jenna,

. . . We love you so very much. I just wish your Mum and Dad would let you come stay with us here in Washington. I would come home early from the office and we three could play and do fun stuff.

We love you both and we love your Mother and Dad.

Devotedly,

Gampy

And another grandchild was on the way:

3-26-84

Mrs. Dorothy LeBlond

New Canaan, CT 06840

Dear Doro,

. . . Names are important. If I were you I would not go for “Herby”—that’s a nickname normally and though I would of course be pleased personally, it isn’t right to put the emphasis there.

Walker—well maybe. I was called that when they first shipped me off to Country Day at age 5. Mum thought it was better than Poppy. It lasted about 10 days—then it shifted over to Poppy—a burden I bore heroically until, thank God, we went to war with the Japanese and I went to the Navy and I left Poppy pretty far behind. No, Walker Leblond32 is a little formal somehow—though don’t rule it out entirely.

George. I see your point. George W is one of a kind and it wouldn’t do at all to have George L be under the undue influence of Uncle “W”.

Wait a second—is it worth another try—have you thought of Poppy Leblond only this time have it be his real name. Poppy Richard Leblond—nice ring somehow.

Oh well I’ll keep working, firing the ideas in for better or for worse. I’ve just begun to think.

Hey, Doro, we’re going to love the kid no matter what you call him/her. I for one can’t wait.

Devotedly—with love to Bill,

Dad

In April I went to Geneva to represent the United States at the disarmament conference. I went specifically to ask for a treaty banning chemical weapons, an issue I spent a great deal of time on as Vice President and President.

April 17, 1984

MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION

Conversation with Ambassador Viktor Israelyan

USSR Ambassador to Committee on Disarmament in Geneva

Attendees:

The Vice President His Excellency Prince Sadruddin Khan33 Ambasador Viktor Israelyan

The meeting lasted about an hour and a half. Prince Sadruddin Khan joined us. It was very informal and very relaxed. Viktor’s main theme is that to eliminate the lack of trust the USA should take some specific action. It wouldn’t have to be a big action—it could be on bilateral relations, but there should be something visible.

He referred several times to the fact that the Soviets had come a step forward on verification in terms of destruction of chemical weapons. He made the point that this was his initiative and that he had talked them into it back in Moscow. He further alluded to my speech of tomorrow saying, I don’t know what’s in it, but if it is not forth coming, I could be in trouble for recommending the above step.

I made a strong pitch to him about our President’s desire for progress and arms reduction telling him I could understand from public statements and other ways that a lot of people wouldn’t believe this. Speaking to him as an old friend, I knew President Reagan better than most now and I knew what his heartbeat was on all this. . . .

All in all, it was just a very frank, very friendly discussion in which we both agreed that relations weren’t good and should be improved. . . .

I told him . . . there had to be a bold step forward in terms of openness. Viktor told me that their objection to openness was not hiding but was based on decades of concern from foreigners coming into their country, 20 million lives lost, etc., etc.34

I said that that was fine, but that now we were in a nuclear age and we had to think all these positions anew and as we reached out for more verification, we ourselves would have to be opening facilities that had heretofore not been opened and that they would.

He did not jump on the proposal though I had an idea that he already had his instructions.

Not much else. He inquired warmly about Barbara. Talked to me about my former UN colleague Jacob Malik at the time of Malik’s having lost two of his sons and his wife dying. Malik came to Israelyan in tears saying what could I have done that God punishes me in this way. Interesting from a hard line Russian Communist.

In May I traveled again to Asia where I had a fascinating visit with Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. Tragically, she was assassinated that October by two of her bodyguards, one of whom I know was there the day of our meeting.

18 May 84

TO: THE WHITE HOUSE, EYES ONLY FOR BUD MC FARLANE³⁵

SUBJECT: VP’S PRIVATE MEETING WITH MRS. GANDHI

. . . We talked about the elections, both in the US and India. I asked her if she had any feeling that we were trying to intervene in her election in any way. She said that I know you and President Reagan would never do this, of course, but yours is a large Government. Sometimes people do things that others don’t know about. I asked her if that meant that she felt the intelligence community was involved. She was not clear in her denial. My gut feeling is that she thinks that there had been some monkeying about with support for opposition parties. I told her that if she ever had the feeling that we were working against her in her own elections, I hoped in frankness she would contact me so that I could convey this to the President. I referred to the fact that there were various politicians in India who used “The Foreign Hand” argument during the campaigns in India; that we in the United States knew that “Foreign Hand” meant the US.

I told her that I was a politician and that if being anti-American was good politics, I might not like it, but I would understand. However, if the people who used that expression really meant that the US was intervening in the election process, then we would be very much concerned about that.

She said she appreciated that and there was no direct evidence. . . .

I would say that if the visit accomplished anything, it was establishing a very good personal rapport with Mrs. Gandhi. The conversation was totally relaxed, totally frank—no tensions, no bristlings, no sticky points—nothing purposefully avoided that I could detect. I was determined to make her understand the heartbeat of the President and frankly, I hope and feel that she may have a better knowledge of what makes the President tick at this point.

20 May 1984

FM:	THE VICE PRESIDENT ABOARD AIR FORCE TWO
TO:	THE PRESIDENT WHITE HOUSE WASH DC

Dear Mr. President,

We have just left Oman heading home.

Our ranks have been severely weakened by the usual gut problems, but the trip has been worthwhile with the top leaders of Japan, Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Oman all giving the visit first-class attention. I will share some observations when we meet, but because of its potential for real trouble I wanted to comment on The Persian Gulf. Sultan Qaboos, a wise man and a good friend of the U.S., strongly urges that we stay cool.36

Incendiary statements about what we might do, or what we are planning militarily, would be especially provocative he feels.

He clearly appreciates our commitment to keep the straits open, but he points out the straits are open, and that a lot of public speculation about U. S. military cover for tankers and stepped up U.S. Military pressure is genuinely counter-productive. . . .

In summary, I feel we should generate support for what we do both with the Gulf Cooperation Council States and with the Japanese and Europeans. We may well have to act militarily at some point, but it should not be the USA sweeping in alone, dictating to the Gulf States and without the key Europeans and Japan on board.

Flamboyant statements from our bureaucracy really have an unsettling impact on our friends in the Gulf area. They are grateful for our interest but they don’t want to be smothered or crowded by us.

Except when the goat was slaughtered before our eyes to welcome us in Lahore, I conducted myself with decorum and dignity on the entire trip. Barbara did too, but we’re glad to be heading home.

Best,

GB

It was the year for grandbabies. I wrote this letter to Neil and Sharon’s first child shortly after she was born:

6-28-84

Dear Lauren,

You’re just a few days old. Already you have made your old grandparents very very happy. We saw that picture of you in the Daily News and in the N.Y. Post. That’s pretty good coverage for a 3-day old. You were smiling right out there in front of all the world, just like your wonderful Dad has done all his life—even when it hurt.

You are a lucky girl. You have a loving Mother who is always thoughtful and nice; and you have a Dad who his brothers and sister named “Mr. Perfect”. (Even when he bet your Uncle Jeb that Jeb couldn’t survive 30 minutes in the steam bath, only to chicken out on payment when Jeb did it—even when Jeb was chasing him about to exact either payment or flesh your Dad was smiling—running fast, but smiling.)

Anyway, Lauren, we can’t wait to see you. We want to see you smile, to hold you, to love you.

It’s a funny thing—when you get older, even if you have an exciting life surrounded by interesting people and having a chance to meet all the world’s leaders—even with all of that—what counts is family and love.

We love you already, more than tongue can tell.

Devotedly,

Gampy

Nineteen eighty-four was of course an election year. Since President Reagan had no primary opponents, politics did not really start dominating our schedule until that summer. Walter Mondale, the Democrats’ nominee, picked New York congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, the first woman picked by either major party. I will confess that I was a little apprehensive to be the first man to run against the first woman. It was uncharted territory. But I sent her a note of “welcome.”

July 12, 1984

Dear Geraldine,

It is a good job.

Congratulations on your selection. Good luck—up to a point.

Sincerely,

George Bush

July 15, 1984

I get sick of Vice Presidential jokes, but everyone really does want this job if they can’t have the number #1 slot; and, yet, the political satirists and commentators continue to downgrade the job even though it’s taken on vast new dimensions like the funeral going, and all of that. But what they overlook is the substance of attending funerals and inaugurations, and the diplomacy that goes with it, the showing of the flag, and the meetings with the Chiefs of State.

There are frustrations at 31/₂ years. You’re not making a lot of a decisions, and you have to hold back more than I would be used to if I were running a company or something of that nature; but it’s the best place in the world from which to have access to information, and to be able to be in direct daily touch with the President, to confer, and to be able to give your opinion, particularly the way this President operates. . . .

I’m beginning to think a little in my heart of hearts of the Presidency. Working with Ronald Reagan these years has made it much clearer to me to stay with some fundamental principles; keep the United States of America strong; resist pressures to compromise all the time; be willing to talk, but do it from strength; and now we’re getting in a good position on that. Then at home, the economy, prosperity, and do what is necessary to keep this economic machine going. . . . I do believe that we’ve got to keep trying to get government spending under control, and I’m much more concerned than some about the size of these deficits. The President remains concerned, and I think he’s right not to want to dramatically raise revenues; but only through a compromise in ’85 are we going to get the restructuring of the entitlements that is necessary for the future solvency of this country. There will have to be more revenues raised, and it’s going to be a bloody, gory year.37

The publication of C. Fred’s Story not only made our dog famous, but helped highlight Barbara’s fabulous work with literacy. She had been working hard for years, but it wasn’t always easy to get the word out. A friend of my uncle’s not only sent a fan letter to C. Fred, but a check for $25,000 for Literacy Volunteers of America.

July 20, 1984

Joseph Uihlein, Jr.

Milwaukee, Wis.

Dear Joe,

O.K. consider me demoted!

C. Fred has already taken over and he has given up chasing cars. He is now chasing Geraldine Ferraro.

As for me, my ego has accepted my new status, but I don’t like Ken-L-Ration twice a day.

Joe, Bar & I were deeply touched by that most generous support for Literacy Volunteers. Barbara is devoting a lot of her life to helping wipe out illiteracy. She just couldn’t believe this fantastic generosity.

We Bushes are so grateful and a lot of other Americans will be as well.

I accept the nomination (oops that’s next month)—I mean, the demotion.

Thanks, Joe, from 2 friends who are very very appreciative—

Sincerely,

George

For me, the 1984 election was tough and sometimes bitter. I wrote my sister Nancy:

10-25-84

9 campaigning days to go not counting today.

Mrs. Alexander Ellis

Lincoln Center, Mass 01773

Dear Nan:

Tensions are very very high. I am totally convinced (I hope not conspiratorially so) that we are up against many in the press who hate to see the demise of Ferraro and the defeat of [Mondale]. In any event it has been very rough going, tons of nits to pick—not that I haven’t made mistakes; but when we get lumped into the tax question in the same way as Gerry there’s something wrong.38

 . . . Anyway not long to go and then I have some serious thinking. I am not sure I could, in my sixties, undergo this ordeal again—however—not make a decision when one is bone tired.

. . . Soon this madness will be over. In a way it has been good for me. We have really felt the pulse of the country—from the groves in the San Joaquin Valley, to the bottom of the mines in Kentucky, to the yards on both the West and East coast—to the campuses, to the factories and farms. It has been exhilarating in lots of ways; but the press part has been ugly. I mentioned this to a close friend and he helped put it in perspective by saying ‘true GB but what about the bashing the Prez gets every single day—much worse than you get.’ . . .

We are going to win. Then let’s sit and chat.

Love

GB

Geraldine and I had one debate, which I thought went well. The day after the debate, I was visiting with some longshoremen in New Jersey, and they were congratulating me on the debate. One guy followed me with a sign that said, “George, you kicked a little ass last night.” As I was getting in the car to leave, I repeated his statement back to him. Big mistake. Unfortunately, a TV boom mike, which I did not see, picked it up.

October 26, 1984

Mr. Alex Burton

c/o KRLD Radio

Dallas, Texas 75247

Dear Alex:

. . . You editorialized about a comment that I made in private—at least I thought so—to a person on the docks in New Jersey. I have been in politics a long time, and I guess I should have learned that if someone can eavesdrop electronically or otherwise, you are fair game.

I never used the words that offended you in a public way—and no matter how hard the press has goaded me to state the words in public, I have not done so.

I have not become cynical, but neither, I hope, have I become the prime hypocrite. I do use that expression in competition. It is not sexist and in sporting vernacular at least, it is not offensive.

I expect each of us, maybe even you, has said things in private that he doesn’t regret but that he would not say in public. Such is the case with my remark.

I do appreciate your very kind words about Barbara. She too has come under unconscionable fire.39

I just want you to know I had read your commentary, have taken your comments to heart, but cannot be hypocritical by trying to weasel out of what happened. I have not changed, believe me.

Sincerely,

George Bush

We won the election, but I was exhausted. I wrote my friend and former House colleague:

11-8-84

Barber Conable

Member of Congress

Dear Barber,

The dust is setting. Time now to say thanks for being at my side. . . .

I’m glad it’s over. It got ugly—you saw vestiges of that ugliness.

But, worth it?

You bet—

All the best, with heartfelt thanks,

George