White House Diaries

Thursday, October 6, 1988

View the President's Schedule

First meeting—we spent some time re-hashing the debate. Then got report Sen. Judiciary Committee had voted to send 11 of our judge appointees to the floor. That leaves 14 still waiting. Sen. & House conferees made it easier to close obsolete mil. bases. I was told Helen Thomas wrote a good column about me.

N.S.C.—More talk about closing bases. Then a rumor that our Lt. C. Higgens—kidnaped in Lebanon, is dead. But we cant get any confirmation.

One of Gorbachevs new appointees Medveded is making speeches that sound like he’s pushing for free enterprise.

Then an arrival ceremony—full mil. honors for Pres. of Mali his name “Traore.” After ceremony & inspection of the troops & receiving line Nancy took Mrs. Traore for coffee & he & I went to Oval O. First a one on one & then the cabinet room for plenary meeting. He’s a solid citizen—newly elected Chairman of the Org. of African Unity. He’s redoing Mali’s ec. system making it more free enterprise.

Some desk time—then lunch and after that a meeting with Carlucci. He’s pleased with new Mil. Authorization bill & glad I vetoed the 1st one.

Bob Tuttle—with a list of appointees which I approved.

Then into the Roosevelt Rm. for German American Recognition Day ceremony.

At 2:00 P.M. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg for a brief visit. He was here in 1985 for a State reception & dinner. Bob Dole & Bob Michel came in to get my urging that we get the drug bill before Cong. goes home. And that did it until the State Dinner for Pres. Traore.

Again a wonderful evening. Some old friends on hand but all in all a good mix. After dinner entertainment was Pete Fountain the great clarinet player & his group of 6. Then some dancing & by midnight upstairs to bed.