Dirty Work

Writing for the New York Times Magazine, Mauren Dowd and Thomas L. Friedman describe a conversation that once took place between Secretary of State James Baker and President George Bush. With Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak due to arrive for a state visit, Baker hurried into the Oval Office to brief President Bush, telling him what the sore spots were, what favors would be asked, and what aid would be sought. "Mubarak is going to ask for money," Baker warned Bush before the Egyptian leader entered.

"You're going to have to say no. You tell him he can't have any money," the President replied. "Turning down money is dirty work. That's your job, Jimmy. I want to do the good stuff."