Reagan’s No-Risk Regimen

Last winter Pat Buchanan, then White House Director of Communications, tried to rally support for his embattled President in a Washington Post column, “No One Gave the Order to Abandon Reagan’s Ship.” Concerned that the Republican reaction to the Iran-Contra affair would erode presidential power, Buchanan urged Reaganites to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them.

Shortly thereafter, Buchanan resigned. Then Reagan unceremoniously, if not uncivilly, relieved Donald Regan of his chief-of-staff responsibilities, substituting Howard Baker, the consummate Washington insider and member of the club.

JM

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John McLaughlin

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Last winter Pat Buchanan, then White House Director of Communications, tried to rally support for his embattled President in a Washington Post column, “No One Gave the Order to Abandon Reagan’s Ship.” Concerned that the Republican reaction to the Iran-Contra affair would erode presidential power, Buchanan urged Reaganites to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them.

Shortly thereafter, Buchanan resigned. Then Reagan unceremoniously, if not uncivilly, relieved Donald Regan of his chief-of-staff responsibilities, substituting Howard Baker, the consummate Washington insider and member of the club.