One afternoon in January of 1986, I arrived at the White House for a meeting with the President, as a member of a bi-partisan group of 11 congressmen assembled to plot a strategy for getting aid to the Nicaraguan Democratic Resistance. Congressman Jack Kemp, my colleague and good friend, was already in the Cabinet Room, trying the President’s chair on for size, just as I and many others have done over the years. President Reagan wasn’t due for ten more minutes, so I knew this was the right opportunity to tell Jack about a decision I had made. I felt uneasy and a bit sad at what I had to say.
“Jack,” I began, “I believe that one day you will be sitting in that chair; but I don’t think it will be in 1989. I want you to know that I’ve endorsed George Bush for President.” Momentarily taken aback, Jack said quickly: “Bobby, don’t do this, they’ll just use you. They’re not really conservatives like us. Don’t do it.” But it was already done. About a month earlier, on December 17, 1985, in the Oval Office, I had privately told a very pleased President of my decision to go with his Veep.
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