Chief of Staff

This book, Chief of Staff: Twenty-Five Years of Managing the Presidency, provides a unique exploration of the inner workings of the White House, offering both anecdotes and professional insights into the role of senior aides who have shaped the presidency over the past quarter-century. From Eisenhower to Carter, the perspectives of eight former chiefs of staff reveal a shared sense of professionalism that transcends administrations and political affiliations. These senior aides, though not always starting as seasoned professionals, emerge from their tenure deeply transformed by a shared sense of duty and adherence to a set of unspoken rules that define their roles. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the demands and pressures of managing the presidency, showcasing a professionalism that has shaped modern White House operations. The book, which combines lively discussions and personal anecdotes, serves as a primer for aspiring White House staff and an insightful narrative for the general reader about the evolution of presidential management.

Through a televised symposium and roundtable discussions moderated by John Chancellor, the participants recount their experiences, shedding light on key moments in U.S. history from 1953 to 1981. They discuss the unique dynamics of their roles, including their relationship with the president, the intricacies of policy and politics, and the challenges of navigating crises like Vietnam and Watergate. The discussions highlight the centrality of the chief of staff role, a position that has grown in importance as the White House staff expanded and assumed greater control over administrative and policy matters. Reflecting on their time in the West Wing, the participants underscore the indispensable balance of loyalty, discretion, and leadership required to support the president effectively. By documenting these perspectives, the book not only captures the pivotal role of the chief of staff in modern governance but also offers timeless lessons for anyone entrusted with managing power and influence at the highest levels.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.