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Diary Entry - 10/14/1981

Ronald Reagan's white house diaries for the day of 10-14-1981

Key Facts

  • President Reagan presents Representative Eugene Atkinson to the press after the Representatives switch to the Republican Party.

  • President Reagan meets with Members of Congress individually to discuss the sale of AWACS planes to Saudi Arabia.

View the President's Schedule
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Another busy day. I’ve discovered I hate those days where I have one meeting right after the other with no time to collect my thoughts between meetings & I’m supposed to make remarks or a short speech at every one. The best such meeting was before the press where I announced (and introduced) Congressman Eugene Atkinson, Pa. who became our 193rd Repub. in Cong. without a single vote being cast. He switched from the Dems. to the Repub. party. Lunch in the East room to meet with our task force on the Arts & Humanities. Rest of the day was 1 on 1 with Sens. trying to get votes for the A.W.A.C.S. sale. Got a few. Sen. Harry Byrd is pondering switching from Independent to Repub. He’s not fully decided. Called Dan Terra—he’s just learned his wife is terminal—cancer. They are such a devoted couple and so nice. It just doesn’t seem right. Quiet (welcome) night at home.

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