An Evening With James Baker

The LBJ Library had the rare opportunity to attend a sneak preview with a candid observer who has been close to power for thirty-five years. Once called "The Velvet Hammer" by Time magazine for his political skills, Baker took us inside the White House with Presidents Ford, Reagan, and Bush. Even though, the book is political in nature, Baker shared personal stories, anecdotes, lessons learned, and his impressions of the powerful men and women with whom he's worked. Baker shared his thoughts on the vote recount in Florida during the 2000 presidential election, Watergate, Vice President Dan Quayle, why President Reagan did not pick Ford as a running mate, and confusion inside the White House following the assassination attempt on President Reagan. This very personal memoir also describes Baker's friendship with George H. W. Bush, insights into his own marriage, and the discovery just a few years ago of an African-American branch of the Baker family.

[@MrAitraining]

Big admirer of this man! Thanks for the post.

[@702dirtrider]

James Baker is a True American Patriot!

[@emeraldc177]

James Baker is one of the last gentlemen around in today's world.

[@Eduananoqutadra]

A man who freely admits the limitations of his own knowledge is worth listening to, not least because he is more likely to listen to you - and too a wide range of others. We are plagued today by too many ‘experts’ who think they know it all. The media love them because they can often make for good entertainment when they are thrown against one another like pit bulls.

[@Ihatepotatos123ski]

Wow! When the US was fair to both Israel and Palestine. We need a secretary of state like Baker today

[@anthonygiordano7587]

A brilliant man

[@SoulTheMagnificent]

A true American patriot who "said what he meant and meant what he said." One of a few American Sec of States who was tough and fair to both Arabs and Israelis.

[@MrAitraining]

Totally agree. And explains the complexity of the issues from both sides of that conflict, while others pander or simplify. A great American. And he's over 81 here. Sharp as a tac. Shame so few views of this vid. Shows the attention span of most people.

[@barkingmad7407]

I wonder: is there going to be a place for such a Practical-Moderate, like Fmr. Secretary Baker, in the Republican Party, in 2020?

[@clydecessna737]

We must do all we can to strengthen the institutions of Mexico; they are under great strain from the Cartels. We must support what is right in Mexico even if they are not perfect. We must declare our undying love and respect for Mexicans who are fighting this outrageousness and express our sympathy to the victims of their afflictions. Finally we must be merciful to the immigrants who are seeking a better life in the US.

[@krisverstraelen9774]

Real political beast

[@nicoelle01]

Baker on Afghanistan- Don't telegraph in advance the date for withdrawing your troops.

[@jackdowd6238]

8 minutes before Sec.Baker gets to speak....

[@petel3756]

Terrible moderator.