Reagan: The Life (133 page)

CIA director William Casey mumbled, and Reagan was hard of hearing. It was a wonder they communicated. Sometimes they didn’t; Casey kept certain secrets to himself.

David Stockman, who managed the budget, was smart, self-confident, and unable to hold his tongue. His conversations with one reporter reflected badly on the president. But Reagan, who found it hard to fire people, forgave him.

White House relations with the State Department calmed down after George Shultz replaced Al Haig. Shultz had a thin skin but won and held the president’s confidence.

Nancy Reagan watched her husband’s back; Michael Deaver kept Nancy’s secrets, especially the one about Nancy’s astrologer.

Donald Regan and Nancy did not get along at all. They had few dealings during the first term, when Regan was Treasury secretary. But after Regan became chief of staff, they clashed constantly. She finally had him fired. He retaliated by telling the world about her astrologer.

Reagan exits a Washington hotel following a rare speech that left his audience cold. In seconds he will be shot and nearly killed. March 30, 1981.

He charmed almost everyone except Tip O’Neill, the Democratic speaker of the House. Vice President George Bush prepares to separate them if necessary.