Diary Entry - 01/04/1984
Key Facts
President Reagan conducts a meeting about the 1985 budget for Education with House Republicans.
President Reagan learns that the Soviets are interested in setting up communications.
President Reagan meets with Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Mermie’s birthday. Big day at the office, too. Jesse Jackson, his family, Lt. Goodman (released by Syrians) & his family came to Oval office. Jesse’s debriefing on his hours spent with Pres. Assad was most interesting. He believes (& so do I) that Assad could be sending a message. J.J. said he talked at length about wanting to establish a relationship with me. We all trooped out to the Rose Garden for photos etc. It was a good day. A string of meetings followed—with Congressmen re the proposed budget for ed.—we aren’t too far apart. Then a budget meeting on possible alternative tax structures. None of them looked good to me. Then a meeting with George S. & Bud M. The Soviets have indicated they would like a back door set up for private communications (as we proposed). Things may be looking up.
