Crisis of Authority: Defeat in Indochina
The North Vietnamese launch a full-scale offensive against the South in March of 1975. Thieu appeals to Washington for assistance. As the North Vietnamese offensive gathers momentum in March and April of 1975, Ford breaks with Kissinger and announce...
Remembering Ronald Reagan
Former Secretary of State James A. Baker looks back on his eight years working in the Reagan White House. Secretary Baker explains that one of President Reagan's greatest strengths was his ability to make those around him feel good about themselves.
Gerald Ford: The Underrated President
Former Secretary of State James A. Baker talks about former President Gerald R. Ford, whom he describes as being tremendously underrated. Secretary Baker explains that President Ford believed in doing what he thought was right, even if the political...
White House Staff, The
Presidential advisor, political analyst and university professor David Gergen talks about the evolution of the White House staff. He notes that the staff was very small and not especially important back in the time of Lincoln. But beginning with the...
White House Chief of Staff: Challenges (Part One)
Former Secretary of State James A. Baker notes that he held the position of White House Chief of Staff longer than most, and managed to complete his tenure, "...with my dignity and credibility somewhat intact. And that was a major accomplishment."