THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
After the bruising election of 1984, I was most interested in going back to being Vice President of the United States. Unfortunately, what seemed to me the far-off campaign of 1988 almost immediately invaded our lives. For the next four years, I juggled politics and my job. I wrote my friend Bob Mosbacher, who was organizing a political action committee on my behalf.
February 14, 1985
Dear Bob:
George and Jeb both want to help on the PAC. George feels that he can bring in a lot of young business people from the West coast . . . Jeb, as you know, is the County Chairman for the Republican Party in Dade County, Florida.
. . . I have not talked to Neil in Colorado, Marvin here in Washington, or Doro LeBlond in Connecticut. Maybe it would make sense to have all 4 boys and Doro on the masthead in order to get the Bush name identified with the PAC—your call.
From this point on, I will keep Craig Fuller, my new Chief of Staff, apprised by copy of everything we do. In the event I am not around, feel free to talk to him on any of this.
Warm regards,
George
In March I went back to Africa—specifically the Sudan, Niger, and Mali—to see firsthand the devastation brought on by a terrible drought. The plan was for me to go from Africa to Geneva, to address the United Nation’s emergency conference on African famine relief. I wrote the President:
7 Mar 85
FM THE VICE PRESIDENT ABOARD AIR FORCE TWO
TO: THE PRESIDENT
Until you hold in your arms a one year old baby weighing 5 pounds or a seven year old kid weighing 14 pounds it is hard to really feel the ravages of the famine.
Our food is helping a lot. The private sector is doing an excellent job.
I leave Sudan with mixed emotions. We have done a lot, there is so much left to do.
The Sudanese leadership in Khartoum and in the rural areas are truly grateful for our help.
Our food aid has literally made the difference as to whether a kid lives or dies. That is impressive. As Lee Greenwood put it: “God Bless the USA!” On to Niger. Warm regards.
George
While in Geneva, we received word that Chernenko had died, the third Soviet leader to do so in less than three years. Once again, I flew to Moscow to attend a funeral and to meet the new Soviet leadership.
March 13, 1985
For the President:
I have had about 8 hours to think about our 1 hour and 25 minute meeting with Gorbachev. . . .
Gorbachev will package the Soviet line for Western consumption much more effectively than any (I repeat any) of his predecessors. He has a disarming smile, warm eyes, and an engaging way of making an unpleasant point and then bouncing back to establish real communication with his interlocutors.
He can be very firm. Example: When I raised the human rights question with specificity, he interrupted my presentation to come back with the same rhetorical excess we have heard before. Quote: “Within the borders of the US you don’t respect human rights” or “you brutally suppress their rights.” But along with this the following, “We will be prepared to think it over” and “Let’s appoint rapporteurs and discuss it.” The gist being as follows—“don’t lecture us on human rights, don’t attack socialism but let’s each take our case to discussion!”
. . . George Shultz made a superb presentation at the very end of our meeting in which he told Gorbachev that you wanted to be personally engaged etc. He did it with great sincerity and warmth and even though it went through translation, I had the feeling Gorbachev responded with the same kind of man to man sincerity—
. . . In his conclusion, though, he came back to human rights but in a way that made his summation positive. The following is almost an exact quote. “It is a good thing we have spoken not in diplomatic but political language. Leave aside, in brackets, human rights, the subject matter was important. If what I heard from the V.P. and Secretary of State quoting the President reflects wanting a ‘normal road’ and if all this reflects a ‘serious side’ we cannot but welcome this!!”
. . . I didn’t get the feeling he had to prove how tough he is.
He seemed self confident turning to [Foreign Minister] Gromyko and chatting from time to time but not being worried that Gromyko might differ or not afraid to show lack of total knowledge in front of Gromyko.
This Gucci Comrade brings the General Secretariat a quantum leap forward in overall appearance. His tailor does not rival Deaver’s1 man at Adler’s but he beats the hell out of the Penney’s basement look that some of his predecessors projected.
He has a large very prominent birth mark across his balding head, but because of his attractive manner of presentation it is not something you notice all the time.
I feel he will want to meet you. He will handle his end well—so well I’d predict that it will help him at home and show the West a much more reasonable face. Having said that the big question will be—will this “new look man” merely be a more effective spokesman for tired, failed policies or will he have enough self assurance and foresight to “start anew”—a term he himself used in expressing hope for U.S.-Soviet relations.
I don’t know the answer to this question but I strongly urge that we try to find out.
I personally would like to see you set up a true back channel totally apart from the wide array of experts upon whom we must depend, but the channel should have a tiny handful of key players whom Gorbachev knew were truly your personal confidants and in whom he would gradually get confidence as he saw there were no leaks.
If one of these key players had to go public in a rhetorical way, Gorbachev should be told as in the early days of our Chinese relationship when one side or the other publicly attacked: “These are empty cannons of rhetoric”.
All normal channels would remain open, but this would be something very special that you could use, in confidence, to establish a truly personal rapport with this new and different leader.
One has got to be optimistic that Gorbachev will be better to work with, a more permanent addition to the scene and hopefully one who truly will “start anew”; but, after 8 hours of contemplation, there is also the possibility that his attractive personality will be used to divide us from our allies and to attract more support for old views and themes. I can just see some of our M.C.’s2 eating out of his hand in wishful anticipation of achieving détente but giving away too much in the process as we try to figure out who this man really is. It will be an interesting trip but as the monkey said when he was shot into outer space “It beats the hell out of the cancer research lab.”
Warm regards,
George
4-4-85
Dear Noelle,
I got a wonderful invitation from you to come to Gulliver for Grandparent’s day on April 21; but I can’t make it and I am very sad about that.
You see if I could come I would, but I have to work. Please tell your classmates that if I didn’t have to go to the White House, I would come to Gulliver.
Do you think they will understand?
Last week Ganny and I went to Maine. It is still cold there, but everything looks ready for you, for “P”3 and for Jebbie. When can you come up there?
I love you very much. A lot of grandfathers don’t have a granddaughter that sends them valentines and invitations. I do, though, and I am lucky.
Much Love,
Gampy,
One of the perks of being Vice President is you sometimes get to throw the ball out on opening day of baseball. In 1985, I did the honors for the New York Mets. I wrote my friend and one of the owners:
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Doubleday
Doubleday and Company, Inc.
New York, NY 10167
Opening day
Dear Nelson & Sandy,
Somewhere down there Gary Carter4 is putting liniment on his hand, but up here there is joy on Air Force II.
It has nothing to do with my ‘fast’ ball that, thank heavens, did not go into the dirt; Rather it has to do with friendship. Who but you two would have given over the big opening to jillions of agents, tons of politicians, a South American President cum entourage,5 Lionel Hampton and us.
The only thing missing was the dog act and the 3 aristocrats; but come to think of it there were a couple of narc dogs . . .
Bushes all have that Walter Mitty streak—but mine really knows no bounds today. Striding through the dug-outs “Hi Whitey [Herzog]”, “Yeah, Dave [Johnson],6 it’s your year”; “Daryl [Strawberry], you’re looking A-OK”; or “Ed [Mayor Koch] you old bastard why don’t you fill the pot-holes, ha, ha, ha” or “Mr. President, isn’t this a great way to conduct diplomacy?” Then to the mound—all the way—my shoe on the Mets real toe plate—The fans not booing, the sun breaking out—then Gary giving me a break—10 feet worth, then the release—the catch—the thrill of having thrown out the first pitch.
Thanks for welcoming us so warmly and giving me a thrill that will rank right up there with seeing Joan Williams naked when I was 8;7 coming back from the war alive; and looking at half grown Sam LeBlond the day after he was born.
Being V.P. is great. Being a friend with Nelson and Sandy is what life’s about.
Love
George
Dear “P”,
. . . I understand you are at baseball camp. May all your swings turn into line drives, and may all your pitches be over the plate; and if you get a bad bounce in life, shake it off and grab the next one.
I love you, you little wiener, and I can’t wait to see you Noelle and Jebby in Maine. I just can’t wait.
Love,
Gampy
September 3, 1985
Mr. Jim Hataway
Pepe’s Barber Shop
Miami, Florida 33156
Dear Jim:
My son, Jeb, passed along your outstanding petition about those Americans still being held in Lebanon.8
We are leaving no stone unturned to gain their freedom, and we will not knuckle under to the demands of the terrorists. To do that would be to jeopardize the lives of many Americans living abroad.
We will continue to work for the release of the “Beirut 7”.
Please thank all your co-petitioners. Your support and understanding mean a great deal to President Reagan and me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
In October we traveled to Asia. My visit to the Philippines was my first since I flew over Manila Bay in 1944, and it was impossible not to look back. I dictated to my diary:
October 12, 1985
. . . My mind races back to forty-one years ago when we covered the landings here in Saipan. I can’t see the exact spot, but I’m high on this hill and you can just picture the carriers, the battleships, the destroyers and all the landing craft laying off-shore shelling the high ground which is off to my left not very far from here. It all comes back . . . as I came across in my torpedo bomber, we had total control of the skies, and I kept thanking my lucky stars that I wasn’t involved in slogging through the dense jungle which now surrounds us. The beauty of the place, the flowers and the kindness of the people were all obscured then by total war.
. . . I remember a little incident where we were all sent out to attack Palau. I remember seeing a small boat, going right down, right next to the water, and strafing it, and actually seeing someone jump over. Our instructions were to wipe out all shipping, but this was a fairly small boat, and last night, as I was enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the people here, some from Palau, I wondered to myself, I wonder if I might have killed this guy’s dad, or one of his family. . . .
Oct. 20, ’85
The Honorable Geraldine Ferraro
Forest Hills Gardens, New York 11375
Dear Geraldine,
We got back at 1:30 AM today from China—and here at home was your signed book. How thoughtful of you.
I’ll read it with avid interest. . . .
George
Neil wrote me a letter, upset about a negative magazine article. That is one of the toughest things about public life—helping your family deal with the inevitable nasty articles that will be written. It was about this time when George Will wrote his famous column calling me Reagan’s “lapdog” because of my loyalty to the President.
3-25-86
Whit9—
I got the article from the Economist—more pack journalism, more piling on; in spite of George Will which attracted the pack like a gorilla in heat, things look pretty good. It is way early, but the figures look good and the vibes outside the belt way are encouraging.
None of this matters though, compared to the joy that Pierce10 brings to our lives.
We can’t wait to see the lad. If he’s as loving as his Ma, and as kind and as thoughtful and as decent as his Dad, then life will be great for him and he will give only happiness to his parents and his friends.
That’s all that really matters, Whit—not politics—not public life but family, kids and now grand-kids.
Love to Sharon.
Love to Pierce.
Devotedly
Dad
The presiding bishop of my own church, for whom I had great respect, wrote me a letter objecting to the administration’s support of the contra “freedom fighters” in Nicaragua, as opposed to the communist-supported Sandinistas, who were in power.
April 3, 1986
The Most Reverend Edmond L. Browning
The Episcopal Church Center
New York, New York 10017
Dear Bishop Browning:
. . . The Freedom Fighters have always made it clear that they will lay down their arms when genuine democracy is permitted again in Nicaragua, as the Sandinistas promised nearly six years ago. The United States Government has supported the struggle of the Freedom Fighters as we support efforts to establish democracy elsewhere. . . .
We have asked the Sandinistas to stop exporting subversion to their neighbors; that they reduce their bloated military apparatus to restore regional military balance; that they sever their military ties to Cuba and the Soviet bloc; that they begin to honor their promises to the Organization of American States to establish a democratic, pluralistic political system; and, that they begin a genuine dialogue covering the entire political spectrum in Nicaragua. . . .
Someday I would like so discuss this with you. I am totally convinced that the moral ground is on our side. I respect the Diocesan views but I disagree profoundly. I hope my Episcopalian credentials are not diminished because I disagree with my Bishop on this.
I hope Democracy will come to Nicaragua with all that means—free elections, free press and yes a free church.
I hate to differ with you on this key question but my view is not simply official it is profoundly personal, stemming largely from what my Episcopal faith has taught me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
None of this mattered much a few weeks later when Marvin fell seriously ill and underwent a colostomy. He became so weak at one point that his mother and I feared for his life. The entire family was overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out a helping hand to Marvin.
May 21, 1986
Mr. Arthur Richman11
New York Mets
New York, NY
Dear Arthur:
There is no way that Barbara and I, or any of Marvin’s brothers or his sister, can possibly thank you enough for caring about Marv and for your friendship.
About ten days ago Marvin literally was at death’s door. He was in great pain, and all of us who love him so very much were scared. And then along you came with your thoughtfulness and your words of cheer. I honestly believe, Arthur, that your kindness and love for Marvin played a major part in bringing him through.
It’s like he was in a tough slump—0 for 6 and hurting. And then came those phone calls. They got him mentally ready for the ordeal of a most serious operation and a painful recovery. All your caring was symbolized by that wonderful picture you sent Marv. Please thank all those involved in that and in the phone calls.12
Arthur, being Vice President means a lot to me, but it is zero—zilch—compared to family. Marvin is doing fine now, physically and mentally. He’s hitting about .485, better than my friend Gary [Carter]; and his ERA threatens Gooden’s. He’ll make it, because when he was down a good friend named Arthur Richman lifted him up. With lasting thanks,
Sincerely,
George Bush
June 3, 1986
Dr. Peter Petrucci
Washington, D. C. 20016
Dear Dr. Petrucci—
A lot of time has gone by since you took our boy Marv from serious worrisome illness and put him back in the sunshine. He went to work yesterday.
Thanks so very much for all you did for our son surgically—it was great; but it was a lot more. Marvin was down and you really showed him the way—His mental outlook, I think, is A-1.
Thanks from a very grateful Dad,
George Bush
In August I took a trip to the Middle East where I had interesting discussions with the leadership there. Here are excerpts from my memo back to President Reagan:
August 3, 1986
I am writing this as I leave Luxor on my way to visit the Sinai Peace Keeping Force. We have sent back lots of cables and phone calls: but before meeting Mubarak later today, I wanted to share a few observations on Israel and Jordan.
I am convinced that [Shimon] Peres really wants peace. He has grown enormously during his time as Prime Minister.
Though I touched on Pollard,13 we both agreed the fundamental relationship was too strong to be diminished by these events. I did tell him there was no “vendetta” against Israel but that we had to follow our laws. . . .
Peres asked that I tell Mubarak they are seriously ready to cooperate on “tourism, high tech, and energy”.
I had several contacts with a much more cheerful, outgoing Vice Premier Shamir. In a lovely pleasant private chat he made some interesting comments.
On Pollard—“Let’s put an end to this, past is past”. He hopes the fall-out will be over—“no duration”. “Let me assure you we respect your laws and will cooperate.” . . .
Shamir said that he has “no doubt Hussein wants peace with us”. “If we can’t solve the peace problem, let’s solve others”, citing water, communications, Dead Sea . . .
In Jordan we were received with great warmth. I had a lot of private time with King Hussein . . . though Crown Prince Hassan did not go to Aquaba with the rest, he did brief us on the economic situation and on a grand plan to computerize Jerusalem’s multi-faceted history. (Oh yes, Prince Hassan suggested a 6:00 p.m. tennis game. He is a little guy in height but he weighs a ton as a tennis partner.) . . .
Hussein spent a lot of time telling me about the Iran/Iraq war, even urging me to meet with Saddam Hussein of Iraq, stating that I would find him much more reasonable than his reputation. Hussein clearly is deeply concerned about an Iran victory—an enormous worry to all the GCC14 states and to Jordan, Egypt etc. . . .
All in all the visits with all the principals have been long, upbeat and fruitful. A visit with a general rather than specific purpose can be helpful. I know the Israeli and Jordanian leaders feel this way. . . .
Though I can’t point to any specific actions to prove it, I do feel the climate is better now for peace between Jordan and Israel. . . .
I have eaten too much and too well in service to country. On the other hand, I have not drunk enough nor slept enough to serve my country well.
I have not missed the “leaks”, the political gossip, the “style section”, nor Congressional intransigence.
I have missed the United States of America and our 9:00 a.m. meetings.
See you Wednesday morning. By the way, I’ll have the full Mexican plate at lunch on Thursday.
Warm personal regards,
George
I asked my good friend and great writer Vic Gold to ghostwrite sort of a “political” autobiography, the kind of book that comes out about the candidate during an election year. Since I was traveling so much, we exchanged a lot of notes as I tried to answer some of his questions. Here is one I wrote on leadership and vision:
Vic:
Leadership is listening then acting. Leadership means respect for the other person’s point of view, weighing it, then driven by one’s own convictions acting according to those convictions.
If you can’t listen, you can’t lead.
Humor brings joy and helps make life sing; but if that humor is mean spirited or hurtful of another the lightness and the laugh give way to embarrassment and resentment.
Vision
On the domestic side jobs, but jobs in an America that is free of drugs, that is literate, that is tolerant. On the foreign policy side—peace, but peace in a world that offers more freedom, more democracy to the people of the world.
We were big fans of columnist Georgie Anne Geyer, who had written a nice column about me.
October 6, 1986
Having just read your column in today’s Washington Times, I’m sitting here trying to figure out how to do this. I don’t write letters to those who write nasty stuff, and frankly there hasn’t been too much of an opportunity to write regarding the other kind of columns—then along comes this column and without being gratuitous, I really want to say “Thanks”.
The Harrington15 piece in my view was, on balance very good. I got to like the guy; but I did argue with him, more than the story tells, about “class”, “privilege”, etc. I told Walt—“Look, yes I was lucky enough in the depression to have three square meals and a Dad that could pay the hospital bills when I got sick; but, Walt, I never felt the world owed me anything—‘class’ in that sense. I never felt superior to some other guy who had less.” I said, “You sound like Soc. 10 or even Soc. 22.” He allowed as how he had studied Sociology. On balance, I have no complaints about Walt’s piece. The “class” stuff said more about him than it did about me, me thinks. But your story told me that some do understand what makes our family tick. It’s funny how some sharp criticism does really sting then along comes a rainbow.
This is a personal letter. Your column meant so very much to both Barbara and me and we are grateful
Sincerely,
George Bush
November 4, 1986
The great question “WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?” And, I’ve tried to write it down. Believe me, even though I know it is not easy. I know I’ve got the leadership ability. I know I’ve got the experience. I want to see an educated America. I want to see a literate America. I want to see a drug-free America. I want to see America with opportunity and jobs. I want to see the emphasis remain on the family values. I want to use our abilities to bring peace, to continue the discussions with the Soviet Union, to reduce the fear of the kids of nuclear weapons, and also to be a beacon for freedom and democracy. I feel strongly on the Sandinistas for example.
But, how do you say all these things and get it into a slogan or a formula—a catch-all. I don’t know. But, this is what I feel very comfortable with—the philosophy. I want to see us do better in terms of opportunity for Blacks, for Hispanics, but again with the emphasis on the private side—private opportunity and education rather than vast government spending programs.
So it is putting these themes together. Getting good people. We are going to have to get into the nitty gritty—like, what we’ll do about the deficits, what we’ll do about the competitiveness and international trade. But I have had enough experience to feel comfortable with the issues. Eight years—six years ago, much less comfortable, much less experience. But, now—knowing the world leaders and seeing first-hand the President’s decision making process and frankly, learning from him a lot about keeping my cool and turning the other cheek and being pleasant and not getting bogged down in a lot of meaningless detail. All of these are good lessons about how one should go about being President. . . .
About this time George and Laura and the twins moved to Washington so George could work full-time on my presidential campaign. Jeb was also very involved in Florida. I dictated to my diary:
Nov. 12, 1986
I think George Bush coming up here will be very helpful and I think he will be a good insight to me. He is very level-headed, and so is Jebby. I think some of our political people are thinking, “Oh, God, here come the Bush boys.” But, you know where their loyalty is and they both have excellent judgment and they are both spending a bunch of time on this project. Neil gets rave reviews out in New Hampshire—both he and Doro going there. I would love to see Neil full-time in New Hampshire, but I don’t think it can work16 . . . they love him there and he does an outstanding job there and elsewhere. Big Marv is not involved in politics at this juncture, but he is a great comfort, having him and Margaret and Marshall here.17 It adds a joyous family dimension to our lives. It puts it in bright colors. It makes me feel that I haven’t lost all sense of priority here. . . .
On November 3, the news broke that the Reagan administration had secretly been selling weapons to Iran. Critics immediately charged it was an “arms for hostages” deal, although President Reagan steadfastly insisted it was part of an overall plan to improve relations with Iran, which would in turn hopefully bring the hostages home. The controversy turned into a crisis a few weeks later when it was further revealed that several NSC staff members had decided on their own to funnel the money from the arms sales to the contras in Nicaragua. This was in direct violation of Congress’s decision that the United States should no longer provide funds for the contra movement. When I dictated this entry into my diary, it was still unclear who knew what and when.
Nov. 13th 1986
The President showing great tension for the first time. . . . The NSC seems to be wanting to hold the line, trying to get the hostages back. There’s tension between the various players . . . a tendency to say everybody knew it when Shultz himself has felt clued out. I am urging being very careful of what is said—not trying to say the whole Cabinet was involved, when they weren’t. Not trying to put the facts beyond where they are. I remember Watergate. I remember the way things oozed out. It is important to level, to be honest, to be direct. We are not to say anything, but the damn gates are open. Everybody is making judgments based on erroneous information and it is a flood of wrong facts coming out. . . .
As the news continued to unfold, there was growing speculation about my involvement. I had known about the sale of arms to Iran. I had not known about the diversion of funds to the contras. Friends began urging me to back away from the controversy and even criticize the administration. I wrote my good friend Norm Brinker:
Nov. 23, 1986
Mr. Norman Brinker
Dallas, Texas 75248
Dear Norm, my friend.
If you were in deep and serious trouble, caught up in a fire storm of some truth and some distortion you wouldn’t want a friend to go out and be on record as ‘known to feel this way or that’ or to even appear to be second guessing.
There’s a lot at stake here—some of it relates to the President’s very ability to govern for two years. Yes, I have a lot at stake politically for my own future, but I have a lot at stake in terms of my own self respect. Thus I must resist any temptation to look good or bright by jumping into the public fray.
I have such great respect and friendship, too, for you; that I hope you understand where I am coming from on all this. I may be wrong, and I may get weakened but I cannot treat this President any differently. I, of course, will not tell an untruth or shade the truth in any way, but having said that I cannot turn on a friend either.
Love to all the family,
George
Dec. 1, 1986
The Honorable Henry E. Catto18
Washington, D. C. 20007
Henry, my friend,
I just saw yours of Nov. 21—postal reform dammit, but then you are two blocks away. (I hope it’s not my vast bureaucracy.)
. . . These are tough times. Tonight we had call from NY Times saying they had it on good authority that Bud [McFarlane] had told the Senate Comm. that he had told me about arms money from Iran going to the Contras. “Explosive” the Times man said. We told him ‘not true’; checked to find that no such testimony had been given. Later found that same NY Times guy had called Regan’s19 office saying he had been named by Bud etc. Regan checked with Committee staff, told “No” this never happened, called Times man back. We’ll see if Times goes with it. I cite this so that you will know what you already know, things are tough out there.
There is a frenzy. My mode, having been through history’s greatest frenzy, albeit as a spear carrier—Be calm. Tell the whole truth, not panic when one’s political opponents spread lies or plant little negatives. Push for prompt revelation of all facts. Get the truth to the American public, suffer indulgently the arrows let fly by a hungry press—do your best and don’t worry about things you can’t do anything about. Give sane advice to the President but don’t talk about it. Do all this and you’ll live to be 100. Maybe your colon will have a kink or two in it from concern, but life’ll go on.
GB
December 16, 1986
Jupiter Island
Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
Dearest mum,
. . . These are not easy times here, but they are times that the things you and Dad taught me come to the fore. Tell the Truth. Don’t blame people. Be strong. Do your Best. Try hard. Forgive. Stay the Course. All that kind of thing.
The President is embattled. Some of our political friends worry about me and what all this will do to me; but you see, I don’t worry—really. I know the President is telling the whole truth. I know I have, too. And I also know that the American people are fair and forgiving.
So don’t worry about middle-size—And besides if all goes wrong (and it won’t) look at all the blessings I have in life. Bar, kids, 10 grandkids. And besides I have the neatest Mum in the whole wide world; and I love her very very much.
Poppy
December 21, 1986
. . . Nobody had any dream that these kinds of things were going on, and it should have been coordinated and reported. . . . The President can’t give advice in private—can’t get advice in private without reading about it in the newspapers. I’ll probably be pressed now on advising him—what I told the President, but I simply can’t do that. One thing I might do is put out a chronology of what meetings I attended and let that serve as a record, cause on these key meetings that they are talking about, the key meetings that are disputed, it appears I was not there. I can not possibly reconstruct events. I can not remember details and nobody can. But, I can only do my best to recall these matters. There is a mood and the White House is totally down. . . .
The hardest thing of all this is to have your honor and your integrity questioned. The kind of doubt and meanness that gets into the faces of the reporters when they simply don’t think you are telling the truth. . . . It is disappointing, but goes with the territory. This is the biggest political test—or test of any kind—that I’ve ever been through. I suppose that one could say that it would end—if it continues like this—it would make it extremely difficult to get the nomination. But, it is far too early to make judgments of that nature.
A note to my wife on our anniversary:
January 6th, 1987
Let’s see Bar—42 years ago this minute I was a nervous wreck—you, too, maybe. Anyway, here we are 42 years later, and I am a very happy guy—the luckiest in the world actually. I have a skinny, miles walking wife; I have a lot of grandkids (so do you) and they all, each and everyone, bring me happiness just thinking about them. Our own kids are great; our dog is in tough shape, but he’s given us joy; our house wasn’t even nicked by the seas or the snow; we aren’t rich, but we are awful lucky. We don’t owe any money and if either of us get sick the other guy can pay the bills. We have a lot of friends—no real enemies tho there are some who aren’t exactly rooting hard for us; we have quiet faith that gives us strength; so—when we count our blessings we’ve got to count on a long long time.
How do I love you? Let me count the ways—one, er, ah, lets’ see—I’m not good at that. But I love you very much. Have for more than 42 years and will for the next howmsoever many lie ahead. I can’t ever say it too well, but you know that, don’t ya?
Love,
Pop
January 11, 1987
Mrs. Prescott Bush
Links Road
Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
Dear Mum,
Loved your post-visit letter; but let me clear up one point. The President did NOT know about the diversion of funds to the Contras. He has stated what his policy was on a limited amount of arms to Iran,20 but he has stated he did not know about the diversion of funds. As a matter of fact there is some reasonable doubt that no funds may have ever reached the contras. More on this after North21 testifies.
Don’t worry about all this stuff, please. I don’t like the constant drum beat on the news, but the total truth will be out soon, and the people will see that the President has told the truth. That’s the main thing. Of course there will be differences about arms to Iran etc., but so be it.
Loved seeing you—all too brief though. . . .
Much Much Love,
George
Feb. 25, 1987
Dear Noelle,
Here is a picture of our new dog.22 Her formal name is Mildred K but we call her Millie. She was named after Mrs. Baine Kerr whose first name is Mildred.
You know what she does?—well when I am asleep she cuddles up right next to me, I mean really close, then she puts her nose in between my cheek and my neck. I mean she is a cuddly warm little pup. She is good on retrieving tennis balls and she follows Ganny everywhere she goes—I mean everywhere, get it?
We miss you. You are my very favorite second oldest grandchild.
Devotedly,
Gampy
March 17, 1987
This being President and running for it—sometimes I pinch myself when I see polls showing me as the leading contender. Of course, it is vitally important, but family, faith, and friends—that is the priority—in politics, do your best, do it with honor, do it with dignity. . . .
It is a terrible climate—awful ugliness of the business. The press—cynicism, shouting and yelling and snide and yet you know you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. The country is so great, I’ve got to make a contribution. We’ll know soon—in just about a year. Tired, dead bone tired the night of March 17.
March 18th ’87
Dear Sister,
. . . It’s going to be a long ghastly year, but mentally and physically I am up for it. Look at it this way, in less than a year I think we’ll know the full story. I am going to go the extra mile, take the extra shot of flak, smile, work hard, not bleed too much, all with the certain knowledge that I can win it and go all the way, but knowing that IF that doesn’t work a great life out there is holding out its arms.
Just being with George P. and watching him face life’s wonders would count for 3 months a year, and that doesn’t leave enough time for the other nine or Bar or Millie (new dog) . . . Anyway life is pretty good.
Poppy
March 31, 1987
MEMORANDUM FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT
FOR: |
Howard Baker Frank Carlucci23 |
I received two calls today, one from Mr. Richard Stethem and one from his wife. I did talk to Dick Stethem, the father of the kid that was killed by Hamadei.24 I told him that the U.S. Government’s policy remains the same in favor of extradition. I said I had seen that same story, but that we were still determined to see this man brought to full justice in the United States in accord with the terms of our anti-terrorism policy.
I guess we can all understand the anxiety that the Stethem family feels on this matter. Should the Germans do anything but bring this man to full justice in lieu of extradition, it would be very, very bad.
George Bush
April 8, 1987
Went out to the National Institute of Health for a very impressive AIDS briefing. Dr. [Samuel] Broder, Dr. [Tony] Fauci25, the head of the hospital, Dr. [James] Wyngaarden and others. Blood supply is being screened and is safe. They are encouraged by some of the vaccines . . . They can keep people alive quite a bit longer. It sounds like the early research on leukemia to me. I sat and talked with a gay man who has AIDS—no visible signs. . . .
Education is important, but I’m troubled by teaching every little kid how to use a condom. Monogamous sex and sex with love is very important. I think that the values should be at the family level, the local school level, the local community level, the church and religious-centered level. I did come out for mandatory testing at the time a marriage license is issued. The papers played it up as being very cautious on this question. Certainly, intravenous dirty needle or infections should be strongly and roundly condemned. . . .
April 12, 1987
. . . Flew late Saturday night to Maine. Had a total non-political day in Maine. Doro came down and left Ellie26 and Sam in my charge when she and Bar went downtown. Ellie woke up, Doro predicting that she wouldn’t. I picked her up, changed her diaper, putting the new fangled kind of diaper on backward and using Sam’s diaper and not hers. Warmed up her bottle in the quick heating deal there and tested it on my wrist, just like the old days and fed her—three enormous burps. Ken Raynor the golf pro was over and he knew less about it than I did. He said, “No, no you don’t have to burp them anymore,” but after she showed a little discomfort about one third of the way through, I put her on my shoulder and up came—right from her toes—the most enormous burp, with some kind of after-wave of formula. It just about knocked me out. She is such a beautiful girl—big eyes and I just love that quiet time with her in my arms. Sam came in, after he got up—his mother had gotten home by then. He’s so sweet. He loves Ellie—no longer jealous. All in all, it is just heaven. . . .
I headed up several task forces for President Reagan, including the one on deregulation, one on terrorism, and the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System. We worked with the Pentagon, the Coast Guard, and local law enforcement agencies in trying to cut down on the amount of illegal drugs flowing into the country. It was interesting but often grueling and depressing work. I dictated to my diary:
May 5, 1987
Big day in Houston. Flew down yesterday on the 4th for drug coordinating meeting in Houston. A lot of flap on drugs, a lot of concern. . . . Customs and other people telling me that Mexico was giving us better cooperation on drugs. The enormity of the problem—It won’t be solved by interdiction. It will only be solved by education, though we’re interdicting enormous amounts. In another year, we’ll have in place balloons that will go all the way across the long border of the Pacific to Brownsville, Texas. It is a tough job. . . .
It was about this time that my friendship with Ross Perot began to sour. I had always been supportive of his efforts to solve the POW/MIA issue in Vietnam. But when he began accusing the Pentagon of lying about whether there were live Americans in Vietnam, I could no longer support him. Also, President Reagan had tasked General John Vessey, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to deal with the POW/MIA and other Vietnam-related issues. General Vessey told President Reagan that Perot’s trips to Vietnam were interfering with his work, and I had to tell Perot the trips had to stop. He was furious and insisted on seeing President Reagan.
May 7, 1987
. . . Ross Perot had been in—flamboyant guy—acting like the President and I had twisted his arm; he was trying to change our whole foreign policy toward Vietnam . . . [He has] no knowledge of the balance involved or what it all means to the surrounding countries. The President was firm, trying to get him out of the mix and Ross blowing up as he walked down the hall with Howard Baker, and then calling Colin Powell again.27 Ross is acting strange. He makes it that we twisted his arm to get in to all of this, and it is simply not true. He’s smeared the character of some good people and I am very concerned about him. There is a certain arrogance that goes with wealth, but in our political system, now with the limits at $1,000,28 his thousand spends like anybody else’s thousand. I’m disappointed in him. I’ve always had him on a high plane, high regard; but, he has acted badly and has not kept his word. For example, he said he would not go to Vietnam unless he saw live prisoners. He said that over and over again, and then he went. He sent an advance team, went, sent people back, and he’s trying to conduct an independent foreign policy. . . . In any event, I think that he now maybe is out as he should be. There’s no question about his intention, but he is just too much . . .
May 24, 1987
Mr. FitzGerald Bemiss
Richmond, Virginia 23209
Gerry,
Today the newly painted Fidelity flew out of the water, conquered the sea, and brought me total R&R. . . .
I am tired, but in spite of an ugly atmosphere out there in the press, I feel good—at peace.
The lessons we learned from our folks still count. Do your best, keep your chin up, work hard, be tolerant—good sense.
Love to all Bemi,
GB
5-27-87
The Honorable Hugh Gregg
Nashua, New Hampshire 03062
Hugh:
Right about the applause lines. Maybe I need to wait longer hoping that someone will get the urge to clap—I am doing a little better on this. . . .
Hectic travel schedule but I am pleased with the way things are going. Our man Felix Rodriguez, the mystery man of the Contras, testified today, totally exonerating me, but I’ll be damned if it got much coverage on the tube. . . . c’est la guerre. Hang in with love to Cay.
George
June 16, 1987
Mr. James A. Thomas, Jr.
New Northern Group
New York, New York 10022
Dear Jim:
Pardon my delay in answering your good letter of May 21. I’m on the road all the time.
I am encouraged about the way things are moving politically and appreciate your interest and suggestions. On Iran-Contra, I have told the full truth to the FBI, and we have turned over all relevant data to the various [Congressional] committees. . . .
On “distancing,” I will remain loyal to the President, but I will be saying, “Here is what we have done, here is the unfulfilled agenda, and here is what I, George Bush, will do in the future.”
On speaking style, I appreciate those constructive suggestions. God knows, there’s plenty of room for improvement.
I hope you will keep the suggestions coming from time to time. I welcome your support and your constructive suggestions.
Sincerely,
George Bush
6-18-87
Dear Jack (and les girls, too)29
Someone from our office down there sent me a couple of vulgar birthday cards, thus making my pristine celebration into something slightly off-color. I know you know how vulgarity offends.
Oh actually there was a nice one or two. That sweet Dot Burghard30 cleaned up her act enough to send me a clean one with a rural theme. Marilyn Gibbons passed muster with her delightful attack on the Pentagon; but oh those ugly ones—bathroom habits etc.
Jack, knowing how you feel on this, please tell those girls down there, those volunteers, that their pay will be sliced if they don’t go the way of the righteous.
Hang in all. Thanks from this 63 year old.
George
July 12, 1987
Dear “P”
Here are some stamps. People love getting your letters from camp.
Camp sounds terrific. I have never heard of so many wonderful activities.
. . . The campaign is going pretty well, but I am a little tired of travel. Today it’s very hot in DC but at high noon we are going to have a pitch off in the horseshoe pit. George W, a pretty fair ringer man, is going head on head with Don [Rhodes] as his partner against me and Senator McClure.31 I think we’ll take ‘em. Yesterday George W and some California teen-ager did us in.
Soon you’ll be in Maine, and then a little later I’ll be there. . . .
Ganny and Millie send their love. Millie brought in another bird and one possum. The possum played dead and when Millie left the possum waddled off.
I miss you but will see you soon.
Devotedly,
Gampy
August 13, ’87
Mrs. James A. Baker, III
Washington, D. C. 20007
Dear Susan,
I loved your letter.
. . . We’re in Maine—Grandchildren are churning twisting, jumping, laughing, singing, crying—growing bigger—discovering life
I watch, Bar too, we smile & love. Love to all Bakers.
GB
September 9, 1987
Mr. William F. Buckley, Jr.
NATIONAL REVIEW
New York, New York 10016
Dear Bill,
Your August 26 letter caught up with us in Maine. We had a good rest there.
I am glad the debate matter has been resolved.32 I would much prefer to have had the debate later on, as you know, but I’ll be damned if I wanted to have what will probably be a pin cushion—have been a real punching bag.
I’m living by the Eleventh Commandment,33 and it’s a great character builder. I hope that I prove to be the “rightwardmost viable candidate.” I do feel confident about the outcome of the primaries. I’ve taken an enormous number of shots for refusing to jump away from the President. I don’t have that luxury, and I don’t want that luxury. But now, things seem to be on track. Reagan did not lie about the diversion of funds, and those who were a little cautious about accepting his word are not going to look very strong, in my view.
All the best, and thanks for your good letter.
Sincerely,
George
Barbara and I headed for Europe the end of September, parts of which trip were very emotional, especially our visit to Poland. I met Lech Walesa for the first time, at a time when his Solidarity movement could still go either way, success or failure. It was an exciting, nail-biting time.
September 29, 1987
Flying out of Poland on our way to Germany. The Poland visit is a blur of excitement, emotion, and sometimes wonder.
. . . Walesa was very interesting. He had several of his people there. Some that had been in jail, some that had gone underground. . . . they talked very openly. Their whole pitch is for pluralism and obviously, for freedom of the elections. They hate the Communists and talk openly about it. If the houses are bugged over there, it doesn’t seem to bother the Solidarity people. . . .
The Church is stronger than I ever would have thought—freer, more able to do its thing. The people are overflowing in their enthusiasm for the U.S. Flags, crying out “long live Reagan,” “long live Bush.”
Other impressions . . .
It’s the meeting with the intellectuals at the Ambassador’s house, talking openly against their government, and yet, are drawn up short because of their inability to really do anything about it.
It is the pleasant nature of the Communist rulers—Jaruzelski,34 at first shy and then relaxing and pleasant, bright. . . .
It is a hospital in Krakow, where you see the little children. We went into the leukemia ward and we saw the kids, stripped of hair, all because of radiation. But it never occurred to me that was leukemia. Then, we saw a sick little guy, sitting in his bed—7 or 8 years old—the nurse saying that this is the one that specially wanted to meet you. I greeted him and I said what does he have wrong. And, they said “leukemia.” My eyes flooded with tears, and behind me was a bank of television cameras—a reporter from TIME, an awful nice guy named Beckwith,35 I think, standing as a pool reporter. And, I thought to myself, I can’t turn around, I can’t dissolve because of personal tragedy in the face of a host of reporters and our hosts and the nurses that give of themselves everyday. As I stood there looking at this little guy, tears running down my cheek, but able to talk to him pleasantly, hoping he didn’t see but, if he did, hoping he’d feel that I loved him. . . .
I get the distinct feeling as I leave Poland that the state is very careful. They know the people are not with them. They know the people have faith in God and are Catholics. They know their history, and yet they control. The police are omnipotent. The union has been beaten to its knees. The leaders tell me Solidarity is nothing, it is dead, it doesn’t exist, and yet, you stand at the cathedral of Father Popieluszko’s Church, the Father, the slain leader, the man who was murdered by the secret police, and thousands, literally thousands of people calling out ‘Solidarnos, Solidarnos’ and cheering Walesa. And, asserting their affection for the Union. It is powerful. . . .
We went to Auschwitz today, on the 29th, and it was moving. The thing that struck me the most was the naked women, trying to cover their bodies as they were led—to the graves dug for them—to be shot. There is something so demeaning, so undignified, and the same was true as men—one hopeless looking, terrified man—covering his privates in a lost gesture of decency, in a world that knew no decency. Murdered, slaughtered by the hundreds, the gas chambers, the pictures of the children . . . How in God’s name could anyone ever be so brutal? Could any people be so sick? God spare the world from this kind of brutality. . . .
I sent this letter to all our Texas friends and supporters, the people who had stood beside me for so many years.
October 6, 1987
Mr. Trammell Crow
Dallas, TX 75021 2997
Dear Trammell,
Next Monday, October 12, I will officially announce my intention to run for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
Barbara and I have just returned from a very successful 9 days in Europe, and I wanted to write you immediately and ask you to join me and my family as I take this important step toward the Presidency.
All of us have worked hard and waited a long time for this day. I want you to know that you have helped to make it possible. Barbara and I could not have come this far without you.
Together, with your help, we can make America’s future every bit as proud and prosperous as her past.
I hope you will be able to join us at the Houston Hyatt Regency on October 12th.
Sincerely,
George Bush
October 10, 1987
I’m dead tired. We’ve been out every night this week. But I leave to go to Maine and N.H. . . . We fly to Fryeburg, Maine, where, we’re greeted by Doro, Sam, Billy and Ellie, along with Gov. McKernan and Congresswoman Snowe.36 A marvelous day at the fair. The leaves were breath-takingly beautiful. The yellows and the bright reds are my favorites, but all of them blended in for a sweeping sea of color. When the sun hit the leaves, it was particularly brilliant.
We walked around the racetrack there at Fryeburg and then had a marvelous Norman Rockwell-like parade with balky goats being hauled by young kids—great big horses—the inevitable old car—the Boy Scouts—the float—the older ladies—great big drawing teams of horses endlessly marching by and crapping all over the things right in front of the reviewing stand—people giggling nervously about that. I said a few words—the band boomed out and the girls chorus singing . . . I shook a thousand hands and my tendon on my right arm began to hurt.
We had a great day there. Little Sam walking along and waving, holding my hand, and then suddenly he decided he didn’t want to do that at all anymore, so he kind of sulked and went through his difficult phase.
We fly to Greenfield, N.H. to the Judd Gregg37 house and there is a crowd in excess of 2,000 people. One of the biggest political crowds, if not the biggest, that I’ve ever seen in N.H. It was fantastic. Judd Gregg, John Sununu38 and I spoke. They were very brief and I was informal. Sununu told me that I had the fire in my belly and it was the best he’d ever heard me give. I’m confused, cause I keep thinking “I’ve been giving that speech day in and day out” but I shook every one of those hands, and it took two hours, walking up and down the rope line, endless pictures, autographs, and literally, by the time that I got finished, just before I spoke, my tendon and arm really hurt. . . .
October 12, 1987—THE BIG DAY
. . . Beautiful clear day in Houston. Margaret Warner of Newsweek is on the plane. George giving her grief about the story we haven’t seen. He asked if on the Newsweek cover, is the word ‘wimp’ on it? Margaret seems a little uncomfortable.39
. . . Supposed to be a good welcoming crowd. Bar looks beautiful. Thirty-four years ago today, Robin died.
. . . The events were terrific. In the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, a crowd of about 2,000 for the speech . . . The press generally received it well. Seeing differences from Reagan, but not in a very negative fashion . . .
Mickey Gilley40 was good. Milo Hamilton of the Astros was good. They had astronauts and ball players and many, many old friends and kids. Neil was there. Marvin wasn’t. George was there, Jeb wasn’t. Doro was there. Pierce and Lauren were there, but Pierce didn’t make it on stage—tired and irritable. Colu was there with Noelle and George P. Johnny Bush came down on the plane and Lionel Hampton, loyal to the end. Loyal, loyal, loyal.
Paul Boesch, the wrestler, was there. Our great office people from Houston were there. They’d done an awful lot of the work.
The balloon drop that started at the top of the Regency was marvelous. For a frightening moment, it looked like a condom drop—raw rubber appearing from the ceiling—balloons that had popped during the night. But, then down came the array of balloons after a short rahrah speech following my main speech in the ballroom. Loyal friends were there. Baine and Mildred Kerr but I didn’t see the Chambers. I didn’t see the Ashmuns and I didn’t get to shake hands with so many of the thousand (2000) people that were in the ballroom itself . . . The press don’t understand that there is strength in all of this. . . .
October 22, 1987
The handlers want me to be tough now, pick a fight with somebody . . . boy, we live in a world of reaction. That Newsweek story was the cheapest shot I’ve seen in my political life. The ‘wimp’ cover, and then everybody reacts—pick a fight—be tough—stand for something controversial, etc., etc. Maybe they’re right, but this is a hell of a time in life to start being something I’m not. Let’s just hope the inner strength, conviction and hopefully, honor can come through. . . .
November 5, 1987
Dr. Charles LeMaistre, President
M.D. Anderson Hospital
Houston, Texas 77030
Dear Dr. LeMaistre:
This is to notify you that I have chosen the M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute,41 along with the United Negro College Fund, to be the co-recipients of the proceeds of my autobiography, Looking Forward. These are two causes that are very important to Barbara and me and I hope that the book sells well enough to make a meaningful impact on your activities.
Sincerely,
George Bush
November 6, 1987
Mr. Harold R. DeMoss, Jr.42
Houston, Texas 77002
Dear Hal,
. . . On “English First,” I cannot change my position. I strongly favor every child learning to speak English, but I don’t think we need a federal law. I worry about prejudice against Hispanics, particularly, and I am afraid that the “English First” debate could stir up prejudice and curtail linguistic education programs that I think are absolutely essential in order to teach all Americans to speak English properly. Please keep me informed on the issue. I do not want to be blind-sided. I know public opinion is on the other side, but this is how I feel.
Warm best wishes,
George
November 7, 1987
Brandon, Iowa. A tiny little town. More people in the middle of the little town than lived in the town. They came in from everywhere. The firemen, dressed in yellow coats, holding the crowd back. Young kids, banners, homemade signs welcoming the Vice President. I go into the Brandon Feedstore, and just before walking in I was shaking hands with all the people and an older woman said to me, “You look younger than I thought.” I said, “A lot of people say, taller.” She said, “No, I say a lot younger.” I said, “Well, I’m 63.” She said, “No shit?” Everybody heard her. All of the people standing next to her looked shocked, looked kind of held back. I laughed and then they laughed like mad. It was absolutely fantastic. One of the great moments in my life politically. . . .
I took time out from politics to help host the Gorbachevs during their state visit to Washington. It was fascinating getting to know them better. Here are some of my diary notes:
December 9, 1987
Gorbachev is amazing in style. In our meeting he’d grab his pencil, write furiously and then put it down and then look with amusement at some statement as it was translated. A couple of times, he’d flare up, but not really like he did when I talked to him about human rights in Moscow. But, he clearly was in command: He would turn to Shevardnadze43 and let him participate, but, he does it differently than the President. The President will make a broad statement and then Shultz will fill in the details. But, Gorbachev was in on all of it, including a lot of details. He has a ready smile, and a clear wit. You feel he wants to communicate when you first see him across a crowded room, he’d wink or smile. No question, he’s tough. I’m impressed with the man, cause it is so different than Malik or so different than Gromyko. . . .
Dinner at the Soviet Embassy. I sat at the Head table with Dobrynin, Obie Shultz, me, Raisa Gorbachev, the President, Gorbachev, Nancy Reagan, Shevardnadze, Bar, Yakovlev,44 and George Shultz. It was an interesting evening. . . . I talked to [Raisa] at length about who she really was; where her family were from, etc. She told me that her mother was from Siberia; her father was a railroad man from the Ukraine; they met as he was coming through Siberia. She told me that she, her husband, their daughter’s husband, grandchild, her mother, his mother all lived in the same house. She is very domineering, self-assured—telling me about her teaching. I asked her, “Who are you really? What are you really like? What are your main interests?” She couldn’t separate them from her duties in the State. I asked if it was difficult [for their daughter] to have a father who is the General Secretary. She didn’t rise to the bait on that, even though I told her that Jaruzelski told me that it was difficult for his daughter. But she was quite a talker and quite good fun. . . . She told me all about the opera singer who was really very good. Kiddingly, I said to her, through the interpreter, “I think I’m falling in love.” There was a long silence, and then she said, “This is an election year, you shouldn’t do that. You might be like Gary Hart.”45 Pretty interesting, pretty up-to-date.
. . . I talked to her about the Jewish question. She gave me the standard line. I said, “Look, I’m not criticizing you. I just want you to understand that this is a matter of great seriousness to all Americans. And to understand the future of relations, what’s required for good future relations, you have to understand that point.”
We had nine courses. Damned good caviar, tons of vodka, white wine, red wine, champagne, and all in all, it was too much. But, a nice, relaxed evening. . . .
Everyone who loved Malcolm Baldrige—and that’s everyone who knew him—was devastated when he was killed in a rodeo accident in July. He was then serving as secretary of commerce. I wrote his wife, Midge:
Dear Midge,
. . . Christmas won’t be easy for you—Bar & I know that. But that special strong sweet guy somehow seems here at my side. . . .
Often in this rugged ugly world of campaign politics—I find myself thinking what would Mac do? How should I react—I wish he could tell me—should I smile? Or should I fight back?
It’s more than the advice department, Midge—it’s the trust, the unquestioned friendship, the humor the joy, the caring. This strong guy more than once picked me up, dusted me off, gave me a touch of his wisdom and sent me back into the fray.
The last time I saw Mac, Jim Baker, Mac & I were sitting in my West Wing Office. Something was up. Some problem facing the Prez. Down the hall beyond the closed door we thought about it, agreed what we’d do or say or recommend—then we reminisced and relaxed. The last time I saw Mac his friendship gave me strength and I’m saying to myself—I love this guy; decency and honor really count.
Bar & I send our love at Christmas. . . .
George
Through the years our great friend Fred Zeder from California was the champion giver of weird gifts. 1987 was no exception.
Dec. 24th ’87
Dear Fred,
How did you know—how could you have known—that what I wanted was a desk top bow and arrow set. I have been firing random shots at daughter-in-law’s behinds—lots of fun at this time of year. Sip a little “Zeder red” or taste a hint of that saucy white, fire your arrow at a passing rump and you have one heck of a Merry Christmas—
Many thanks—Love to all Zeders, Always,
George
December 27, 1987
We drove to Camp David46 in a big motorcade on the morning of the 24th, for a glorious Christmas weekend. We spent the night of the 24th and the 25th there. The first day was warm. We ran outdoors on both the 24 and the 25th. Saw the deer, went bowling, played horseshoes, saw movies, went to the gym and worked out and had a sauna, all three days in a row
. . . The kids were in good spirits. The little ones behaved well. Little Jeb wins the most improvement award. Ellie was smiling and wins the smilingest award—pressed closely by Jenna, who is on stage a lot and is just a joy. Barbara is the serious one. Sam is as cute as he can be, takes an occasional sock at the dog or even a passing cousin here and there. Great little guy. Barbara and Jenna are all excited about going to West Texas. George P. is still very special. He’s got the great form in bowling—loses his temper—but not as much as he used to. Full of competitive zeal. Noelle is very beautiful. Neil’s little family is fine. Pierce, the screamer, adjusted nicely, and ended up winning the short-term improvement award, the 48-hour award. The new guy that came in screaming and went out smiling. It’s tough to jump around and move around that much. Lauren, still beautiful and cozy, and they’re off to N.H. They moved the whole family up there the day after Christmas to work for me. Marvin and Margaret and Marshall are special, unflappable. Little Marshall climbed on her wooden hobby horse and rode and rode and rode. I don’t know what the stewards47 thought at Camp David, seeing the whole gang together—all 22 of them and a couple of screamers in the high-chairs from time to time, but generally compatible. Millie loved it. She ran and ran and ran. Did not chase the deer, but came bounding over falling logs, the leaves—it was great. . . .
December 30, 1987
Grateful for friends . . . Grateful for the peace of mind I get from Kennebunkport. Just seeing a picture of it, as I am now on Air Force II, brings me great relaxation.
Grateful for my health. Grateful that Marvin seems to have come through with flying colors from his operation.
Concerned about the “insiders” in Washington. Recognizing the need for total change, total shaking up of things. The insiders always have a way of ending up on their feet. Insiders in foreign affairs, insiders in staff, insiders in personnel, insiders in whatever it is. . . .
Grateful for the relative peace of mind I have; not fearing the future; not all hyped up with ulcers or sweating what would happen if things don’t go the way I want them to go. I’m confident that I could do the job, recognizing that nobody has the answers to all the problems. Nobody possibly could.
These are just some year end observations as the new year approaches.