The Presidency and the Political Environment

In: Presidential studies quarterly: official publication of the Center for the Study of the Presidency, Volume 31, Issue 1, p. 25-43

Abstract

For a White House staff to be successful, it must adapt to the work style of its own president and to the needs of the external institutions with which the president has continuing relations. This dual adaptation allows the staff to stabilize the White House in a stormy political environment. Examples are given of adaptations to the work styles of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. Examples are also provided of adaptations to the needs of Congress, the press, and those engaged in foreign policy, economics, domestic policy, and the law. The requirements of understanding various professional vocabularies and coordinating staff units are noted.