White House Diaries

Thursday, September 24, 1987

View the President's Schedule

What turned out to be a hectic day started with staff meeting. I have decided I must sign the debt extension bill but with a hard statement to the effect that it’s probably the worst legislation ever sent to me. But I must sign to keep us from defaulting on $24 Bil. worth of Bonds. Then N.S.C.—most of time taken up with a stop by of Egyptian Foreign Minister.

At 10:30 A.M. Repub. leadership came by, they agree about the nature of the bill but strengthened my belief I must sign. I didn’t tell them yet but will probably Sat.

A good meeting with about 30 honor students from Historically Black Colleges & U’s. plus Pres’s. & some faculty. I signed proclamation making this Historically Black College & U. Week.

Our new Conn. congressman Chris Shays came by—he won special election with a 59% majority in what is usually a Dem. district.

Lunch with the V.P. he’s off to Europe tonight. Then a[t] 1:15 P.M. met in Rose Garden with our Olympic Hockey team & the Capitals—prof. team. They are playing some exhibition games for a worthy cause. I shot a goal past a uniformed goal keeper on my 3rd try.

Then met with Dick Wirthlin—my ratings are moving up. Then a Cabinet Briefing on Canada fair trade meetings. The Canadians walked out of the meeting yesterday. We have evidence they always intended to walk out. Then some desk time followed by Tuttle & Personnelle time. We still haven’t decided on a new Sec. of Transportation. Then came admin time & a long busy one—the Asthma poster child from Neb., the officers of the Associated Builders & Contractors, the Leadership of “Order Sons of Italy in America,” Lord Plumb—European Parliament President for next 2 years, Photo with 2 individuals who have loaned us the 2 Russell paintings I have in my study.

Day ended & upstairs.