Harbus

Issue date: 4/5/04 Section: News

White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card visited a packed Aldrich classroom on March 25th as part of the HBS Leadership & Values Initiative's Distinguished Speaker Series. In his remarks and responses to audience questions, Secretary Card explained many of the key duties of his office, elaborated on principles that underlie his relationship with the President of the United States, and brought to light concerns and temptations he associates with the Chief of Staff position. In the process, Card provided insights and glimpses into President George W. Bush's responsibilities and daily life.

The position of White House Chief of Staff is considered among the most powerful in Washington, yet its day-to-day specifics are not common knowledge. Drawing on his experience in serving Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and the current President, Secretary Card explained that the Chief's role, in its broadest terms, encompasses three obligations.

(1) Care and feeding of the President: This must be the top responsibility of the Chief of Staff, and its core is the President's "eating, sleeping and being merry." The Chief therefore engages in, among other things, scheduling, planning for events inside and away from the White House, overseeing personal aides, butlers and groundskeepers, and coordinating with various White House offices. Secretary Card explained that there are an "infinite number of people who want to convey an infinite number of ideas to the President, but there are only twenty-four hours in a day."

Therefore, Card must "pay attention to every minute of every day" and make sure the President has time for such basics as reflecting, calling the First Lady, eating, relaxing, reading a book - even going to the bathroom.

(2) Policy formulation: As someone with a front row seat at critical policy meetings, Secretary Card strives to provide "good, wise and candid counsel." He stressed the importance of the President having "really smart" and competent advisors who share the President's overall philosophy but who nonetheless hold diverse views and opinions. With such a team in place, the President is better able to consider an issue's facets and arrive at optimum decisions. A critical aspect of the decision making process is timing, and Card pointed out that the Chief of Staff must see to it that decisions are made in the proper context and at the right moment.

(3) Marketing and selling: Once a policy choice has been made, it must be communicated adeptly to the American people, Congress, other governments and the various members of the Cabinet (to name a few).

Continued...

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