He and Darman got out their yellow pads and made a list of pluses and minuses—starting with the downside of staying as chief of staff: Stay Downside 1. totally exposed/accountable for any and all “failures.” 2. defense??? soc. sec. reversal perhaps 3. have to re-staff with people won’t really favor 4. everything a repeat, somewhat boring 5. Senate losses in ’86 6. possibility of counter-coup or unfavorable terms if things go sour
