6 / 16
Page 6
INSIDE THE WHITEHOUSE
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is written in an even-tempered and easygoing style,
conveying the warm, comfortable relationship shared by the staff and the occupants of
the country’s “house”. The book is filled with little tidbits of information that provide
insight into the lives of the “First Families” and the staff that works so hard to support
them throughout their term of office in the White House. It does not reveal anything
earth-shattering, but it illuminates the true personalities of the occupants. For instance,
Nancy Reagan broke several ribs when her husband was shot, but was stoic, never re-
vealing it. Bearing her pain without complaint, she instead devoted herself to the care
of her husband. Hillary Clinton suffered her husband’s indignity with dignity, although
she may or may not have wounded him in anger, and Lyndon Johnson's crudeness
shone through often in crass behavior that surprised many. Little known facts that
were not insulting or top secret made the book an interesting and informative read that
respected all of the individuals discussed. Through the comments made by the staff,
both the personal and professional White House staff, the true nature of the occupants, complete with their
idiosyncrasies shines through.
The author admits that most could not really speak that freely since they are employed for their ability to honor the occupants
and to be discreet, and since they also feared retribution of some kind if they did. Those who currently work or who have
worked for the Obamas, in particular, would not speak freely.
It is a very readable “memoir” of the White House years through the eyes of those who served it, and in some moments, also
in the eyes of the former occupants. They told interesting stories about how secrets were protected, odd behaviors were
acknowledged, and procedures were learned by the new occupants as they adjusted to life in the White House. The difficulty
in changing from one administration to another was fierce; they only had a few hours to make the change, but they did it each
time with grace. The book humanized the occupants of the White House. It was very poignant to read about the devotion of
the staff, about their effort to provide structure, comfort and security to each new family, about their discretion as they went
about their daily duties, respecting the families need for privacy and revealing no secrets. They knew their place and
appreciated it. The first families and the staff mostly grew to love and respect each other. Most of the families grew so close
to some of the staff that they seemed like family and some relationships continued long afterward.
By The Bookworm
On Monday night, November 9th, we had our first Cabaret night at the Beach Club. On this evening,
we had the wonderful duo of Doug Michaels and Pam Mitchell. Doug and Pam have performed for years in
the lounges of all the great casinos in Las Vegas, such as Harrahs, Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Wynn and
many more. After moving to Atlantic City, they played all the big casinos there. As well as singing selections
from the
Great American Songbook,
they sang some “Steve and Edie” and Louis Prima and Keeley Smith.
The Beach Club was sold out– not an empty seat in the house and Pam and Doug were received with great
enthusiasm. We hope they will perform here again as the audience loved them. They were fabulous!!
By Myrna Leven