The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency

by Chris Whipple

While credit would go to Nixon and Kissinger, the historic trip to China—a master stroke of diplomacy and publicity—was a Haldeman production.

Jordan’s deputy, Landon Butler, recalls Cheney’s advice to his boss: “ ‘Ham, the chief of staff cannot write in this office. You can’t sit down for three days and work on a memo. Because everything backs up if you do that.’ And that struck me as being damn good advice. Ham never took it.”

John Podesta, the fiercely competitive Democrat, says Baker transcended party differences: “I think if you asked any of us who have served in the role, name two or three of the best White House chiefs of staff, James Baker would be on everyone’s list.”