Diary Entry - 12/01/1986
Key Facts
President Reagan announces the newly established President's Special Review Board for the National Security Council.
President Reagan participates in a 1988 Budget Review meeting with a group of his senior advisors.
Ed Meese on hand for 9 A.M. meeting. We’ve decided to name Frank Carlucci as Nat. Security Advisor. Then I’ve told Ed Meese to ask for an independent Council to do an investigation & to see if we can get a joint committee of Cong. to also do one & I’ll announce all these steps hopefully on Wed. My truthfulness seems to have become the issue.
At 11 A.M. I introduced to the press our review board I’ve appointed to look at N.S.C. procedures & recommend any changes needed. They are John Tower, Ed Muskie & Brent Scowcroft.
An issues briefing lunch—then Dick Wirthlin—his polls weren’t happy making. A sample—71% of the people like me & think I’m a nice fellow. But 60% dont think I’m telling the truth.
A Budget review meeting—we’re going to have to sweat $50 Bil. out of the ’87 budget.
Met with Carlucci—he’s on board & will take the job.
Dinner with Mommie, Maureen & Ted Grabor who’s back here to do the Xmas decorations.
