All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings
Page 33
Another reason, Mr. Aiden, is that I’ve been all over this country of ours, meeting people in their living rooms and neighborhood cafes, so I have a strong idea of what the people want. They want an end to inflation, to unnecessary government spending, and to America’s weakness in the world. These are things I would correct as President.
I hope you will decide to support me for the Republican presidential nomination. Thanks again for writing me.
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 1, 1980
Honorable John A. Berman
State House
Hartford, Connecticut 06101
Dear John:
Many thanks for your letter of March 18th and for your great work on my behalf in the Connecticut primary a week later. It was just what the campaign needed at just the right moment.26 I’m glad it provided the chance for us to see each other.
The problem you addressed in your letter—that ‘people cannot figure out what (I am) for’—is one that frankly puzzles me. I have not been deliberately vague on the issues and indeed have published specific statements on all the major ones (foreign affairs, defense, the economy, energy, etc.) as well as on the extremely controversial ones . . .
What is happening is that the press, operating under the ‘pack journalism’ ethic that is particularly virulent during a presidential campaign, has simply decided I am not specific on the issues. The Reagan and Anderson people have, of course, picked up on this with relish and do their part to spread it. Thus, the fact that I have been specific on the issues is unimportant; what is important is what conventional wisdom says is true, not what actually is true. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 23, 1980
Ms. Bessie Z. Aldrich
Dallas, Texas 75217
Dear Ms. Aldrich:
. . . I think you are quite right in condemning the foolish talk this year about my being an ‘elitist’. For one thing, the word itself is wrong. It’s undeniable that by God’s will I was born to a family of comfortable means and given many opportunities. I suppose this makes me one of the elite. But an ‘elitist’ is a person who wants to associate only with other elites; in other words, a snob. I assure you I would never have moved to the oil fields of West Texas if I were an ‘elitist’. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
P.S. I hope you’ve recovered fully from your back injury.
April 28, 1980
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Cannon
San Antonio, TX 78217
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cannon:
. . . The victory in the Pennsylvania Primary gave my campaign a terrific boost and caused the political “experts” to rethink their weeks-old conclusion that Governor Reagan is a shoo-in for the Republican nomination. I’m in this fight through the final ballot of the national convention, and I am optimistic of winning. Poll after poll shows that the American people do not want a choice this November between Reagan and President Carter.
So, don’t get discouraged. I’m not! . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
April 28, 1980
Mr. John P. Hoyt
Lancaster, PA 17603
Dear John:
. . . I have supported the admission of refugees from communist tyrannies into our country. This is in the richest tradition of our country, the United States, to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity to the world. But we have been rewarded for this hospitality because the Cubans, Hungarians and Indochinese—to name the major groups—have become some of our finest, hardest working and most productive citizens, building business, raising patriotic American families and paying taxes. Yes, they may use social services when they first arrive, but the record shows they quickly get off welfare and onto their own feet. The rebirth of Miami under Cuban entrepreneurship is the best proof of this. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
May 8, 1980
Mrs. Sara K. Kerr
Cheverly, Maryland 20785
Dear Mrs. Kerr:
. . . It will please me to have your first registered male boxer named for me. May I suggest you stay in the business and when you come to the “P” litter—the male will hopefully be President Bush.
I liked the spirit of your letter and appreciate your good humor. Thanks for writing and for your support.
Sincerely,
George Bush
May 15, 1980
Mr. William F. Gorog
McLean, VA 22101
Dear Bill,
Thanks for your cheering note after the Texas primary. Although we missed a victory in the popular vote, it was a sizable moral triumph, for Texas was long considered an impregnable Reagan bastion.
. . . Yes, a “break” would be useful right now, but throughout my life I’ve been a believer that luck come to him who makes sure he’s in the right place when the right time comes. That’s what I’ve been working my heart out all year to do.
Sincerely,
George Bush
May 19, 1980
Mr. Richard C. Murphy, Jr.
Napa, California 94558
Dear Dick:
Thanks for your recent letter and candid advice.
I am in this race to win the nomination, but I don’t want to say anything that would cripple our party’s ability to win the November election.
That is why I have very carefully campaigned by emphasizing the differences between Governor Reagan and me on the issues, rather than on sensitive subjects such as his age. I have made the distinction between us on that too by jogging three miles every day, but the voters have been uninterested in the so-called age issue. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
On the day I won the Michigan primary—a big upset—Ronald Reagan won the much smaller Nebraska primary. But it gave him the number of delegates he needed to win the nomination. Given advice from Jim Baker and other trusted advisers, I decided the best thing to do for the party and for my friends and supporters was to get out.
May 22, 1980
I can’t think toward ’8427 . . . I have got to go back to work for a living. But, I’m lucky to be able to take the time, to spend money to come out right personally, to do my best. And, that is about where we stand on the 22nd, having come close, close, close to where I wanted to get, not in terms of total delegates, but in finishing with style. . . .
What is it going to be like? Driving a car, having C. Fred, being lonely around the house? It’s kind of fun thinking about all of that—back to the real world. . . .
Here are excepts from the statement I issued on May 26:
. . . I have never quit a fight in my life. But throughout my political career—as a precinct worker, a county chairman and national chairman—I have always worked to unite and strengthen the Republican party.
. . . In that spirit, earlier today, I sent the following message to Governor Reagan:
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUPERB CAMPAIGN FOR OUR PARTY’S 1980 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION. I PLEDGE MY WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT IN A UNITED PARTY EFFORT THIS FALL TO DEFEAT JIMMY CARTER AND ELECT NOT ONLY A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT BUT REPUBLICAN SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN AND STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WHO WILL WORK TOWARD OUR COMMON GOAL OF RESTORING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT AND OUR NATION’S FUTURE.
. . . Am I disappointed in not achieving what I set out to achieve on entering this race?
Of course I am, not simply for myself but for Barbara and my entire family and friends and the thousands of workers—especially those dedicated volunteer workers—who made personal commitments on my behalf and whom I’ll never be able to fully repay for all they’ve done.
Was it worth it? Did we achieve anything?
Yes, we did. I entered this race because I have a vision of America as a strong, purposeful, compassionate nation in need of new leadership for the decade of the Eighties. I have addressed the issues facing our country as I saw them and as a res
ult I believe our political process has been strengthened. . . .
Barbara and I will see you in Detroit in July.28
May 30, 1980
Dear Hank,29
No one died but it feels like it.
Your letter and your loyal support makes it all O.K. Barbara and I are so grateful.
We’re going to Maine soon—then to Detroit—then regroup.
We’re OK.
Love to all,
George
June 14, 1980
Mr. Nicolas Biddle, Jr.
Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072
Dear Nicolas:
. . . I am complimented that you want me to be the vice-presidential nominee, but I hope you understand that I am not interested in seeking that position. I will work hard to unite the party and to help defeat Jimmy Carter in November.
Barbara and I and our entire family thank you for your faith and loyalty. We will never forget it.
Sincerely,
George Bush
June 30, 1980
Mr. G. David Kelly, Jr.
Mt. Berry, Georgia 30149
Dear Dave,
Your terrific letter just caught up with me in Maine where Barbara and I are getting some rest in between fund raising events to pay off the campaign debt. The loyalty and support of people like you and Kay mean so much.
The Vice Presidential speculation is flattering, and of course I’ll do what’s asked of me, if anything. I really feel it should be Reagan’s call, though, uninhibited by pressure. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
I went to the Republican convention in Detroit knowing the vice presidency was a possibility, but I did not expect it. Rumors were flying that Reagan would ask President Ford to join the ticket, and in fact the two did discuss it in Detroit but could not reach an agreement. No one was more surprised than I was when I answered the phone in my hotel suite and Ronald Reagan was on the other end of the line. One of my first congratulatory calls came from the man I wanted to defeat, Vice President Walter Mondale, for whom I have great respect.
July 19, 1980
Vice President Walter F. Mondale
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
Dear Fritz,
Thank you for your courteous call. It was most thoughtful of you to call all the way from Africa.
I do believe a debate such as you suggest would be useful and I heartily accept.
Barbara joins me in sending both you and Joan our best regards.
Sincerely,
George Bush
July 22, 1980
Mr. Ray Zauber, Editor
OAK CLIFF TRIBUNE
Dallas, Texas 75237
Dear Ray:
Thanks for your note and the copy of your fantastic open letter to Governor Reagan.
All I can say is that he must have read it, banged his fist into his palm, and said, “By George, it’s George!”
Seriously, I appreciate all the help and friendship you’ve shown me over the years. I know Governor Reagan and I can count on you in the months ahead, too.
Sincerely,
GEORGE BUSH
(Dictated but not signed)
7-29-80
Dear Mr. President [Nixon],
That was a most thoughtful note you sent me on July 19. I am pleased to be on this ticket. We can win, but I’m one who feels it will be a very tough race—Pr. Carter is a no-holds-barred guy—
. . . My love to Mrs. N and the girls—
Most sincerely,
George
One of the first things Reagan asked me to do was travel to Japan and China and meet with leaders there to discuss our views. I wrote this letter upon my return:
September 15, 1980
To: Republicans Abroad
I took a week of precious time early in the campaign and went to Japan and China because of the great importance a Reagan-Bush administration would attach to the entire Pacific Basin, and the vital role U.S. relations with Japan and China would play in establishing peace, stability and economic growth in the area. I went there in order to meet directly with the leaders of these two great countries, to talk with them freely and candidly, and just to learn more. . . .
In Japan I had the extraordinary opportunity to be the first candidate in the campaign to meet Key leaders in the new government . . . We exchanged views on a wide range of international and bilateral issues and I found this personal exposure invaluable in terms of getting a first-hand account of how Japanese viewed such crucial issues as trade, Soviet expansionism and defense. At the same time I was able to explain Reagan-Bush policies to the people that mattered. I left Japan sensing there was a strong enduring relationship between our two countries but that a great deal still needed to be done—to increase Japanese confidence in the U.S. credibility and to develop a more fruitful and equitable trade relationship.
In China I saw at length the men I came to see and I explained directly to them our world view, our constructive approach to U.S.-Chinese relations and our position on Taiwan. I was not seeking agreement or approval. I have known these men for years—we are old friends and we can therefore talk frankly to each other. My relations with Vice Premier DENG Xiaoping and with Foreign Minister HUANG Hua (Just promoted to Vice Premier) go back a long way—in HUANG’s case almost ten years. I am sure that a Reagan-Bush administration will have strengthened relations with China, built on a solid base of shared objectives and interests, but not at the expense of our old friends. Integrity is not divisible.
. . . Clearing the air does not necessarily result in a love-fest. Relations with Japan and China will improve during a Reagan-Bush Administration because we in America will be perceived by them as strong, credible and honest. This, I hope, saw its beginning in my brief trip.
Sincerely,
George Bush
9-26-80
George Thompson Corp
Monterey Park, California
Gentlemen:
I am a coarse ground pepper lover. Tonight, on the campaign trail, I used a Thompson pepper mill. The pepper came out in large chunks (coarse ground).
Will you please send me an Olde Thompson pepper grinder that grinds the pepper coarse. Send it to the above address and I’ll pay promptly.
George Bush
I made the big mistake of telling a reporter that the vice-presidential debate was minor league stuff. “It’s the Toledo Mud Hens. It’s not the big league,” was my exact quote. I received a reprimand from our good friend Lud Ashley, whose congressional district included the home of the Mud Hens, Toledo, Ohio. My reply:
10-5-80
Dear Rep. Ashley,
Surely your baseball career—no field, no hit—fast yes, but no field, no hit—should make you wise enough to understand that my reference to the Mud Hens was adulatory. Yes I know the hens lost to Columbus, but gosh, gee, let’s face it—the Astros they’re not. Mondale may be bigger than the Hens . . . but me—I ’m a Mud Hen at heart—comfortably slipping into the role. If I offended any Mud Hen fans please straighten them out—go out there, dance around second base and tell em’ “I, Lud Ashley, was wrong. I maligned G/Bush. I recall him as a .345 hitter, a man of class with the glove as well! Unlike my leader Jimmy Earl30 when I make a mistake I will apologize—so now right here near first base, the very base that Bush immortalized, I want to say I am sorry. . . . I wronged this great heavy hitting first baseman.”
Lud, this will win for you—maybe not for Jimmy but you.
We miss you, darn it.
George
10-5-80
Alan Wolfe
Potomac, MD 20884
Wolfgang—
Your note received and digested. Life is now hectic—pushed here & there. I think we’re going to win it.
But underneath everything—the balloons, the cheers, the good stories & the bad—underneath it all is friendship. Thanks for your vote.
GB
October 25, 1980
; Mr. Albert Showfety
Joe Mill Hosiery Company
Hickory, NC 28601
Dear Mr. Showfety,
Thank you so much for the socks with REAGAN/BUSH on them. They are very nice and I’m quite sure few people have a pair just like them. . . .
Sincerely,
George Bush
Ronald Reagan defeated President Carter on November 4 in a sweeping victory. After a tumultuous two years, I suddenly was Vice President—elect of the United States. One of the first notes I wrote after the election was to Vice President Mondale:
11-8-80
Dear Fritz—
You & Joan have been most thoughtful & courteous. Bar looks forward to her visit with Joan in 10 days or so. I’d love to sit down with you. Thank you for your wire, your call, your just plain decency. I’ve lost—plenty— I know it’s no fun—
My best to you—
George
November 10, 1980
President-elect and Mrs. Ronald Reagan
Los Angeles, California 90045
Dear Ron and Nancy,
Barbara and I are unwinding in Houston—off to the Florida Keys tomorrow for 4 days—then to D. C. on the 17th.
This is just a quick thank you—thanks for making us feel so welcome, thanks for the joy of working with you, thanks for those little touches of grace and humor and affection that make life sing.
Please know that we both want to help in every way possible. I will never do anything to embarrass you politically. I have strong views on issues and people, but once you decide a matter that’s it for me, and you’ll see no leaks in Evans and Novak bitching about life—at least you’ll see none out of me.
I will make some suggestions (attached are 2 memos) but again I will respect your final judgment. Call me if I can lighten the burden. If you need someone to meet people on your behalf, or to turn off overly-eager office seekers, or simply someone to bounce ideas off of—please holler.
Thanks for the great opportunity to serve and to help make things a little better here and abroad.
Respectfully and with friendship.