Diary Entry - 03/08/1983
Key Facts
President Reagan travels to Disney's Epcot Center in Orlando Florida.
Opposition leader Joshua Nkomo flees Zimbabwe after attacks on his supporters by government troops.
President Reagan attends the 41st Annual Convention of the National Association of Evangelicals.
In office early 8:30 for staff & N.S.C. daily meetings then a session with Bi-partisan Congressional leaders before leaving for speeches in Orlando Fla. Naturally there is division on subject of aid to El Salvador still I think we gained some points and cleared the air that we aren’t just seeking mil. aid. Off to a warm, sunshiny Fla. First meetings were at Disneys Epcot—their world history center. It was a fascinating place. My talk was to hundreds of bright, young highschool students including foreign exchange students. Then to the convention of Evangelical clergy. My speech was well received—3 standing ovations during the speech. I talked of parents rights (squeal rule) abortion, school prayer and our need for a strong defense. Then a Repub. fund raiser where I did Q&A—they raised $300,000. They were enthused & very supportive. Back to Wash. where it was raining cats & dogs & lots of lightning which doesn’t reassure you on the helicopter ride to the W.H. Lyn N. has evidenced a desire to come back to us. He wants to report directly to me—this of course is upsetting to Jim B. I’d like Lyn back but it’s a touchy thing to work out.
