George Bush last week put out a call for new White House wordsmiths. Peggy Noonan, a veteran of the 1988 presidential race, has agreed to craft the president’s remarks for major campaign events. She came on board after stepping in at the last minute to rewrite the State of the Union Message. But Noonan, a Reagan speechwriter, doesn’t want to return to the White House full time.
The president’s top advisers, particularly campaign chiefs Bob Teeter and Fred Malek, are now worried that Bush’s re-election effort could be hampered by his often uninspired rhetoric. To back up Noonan on everyday appearances, Bush’s men have asked each cabinet department for a list of top writing prospects. At least one agency, so far, has replied that none of its writers is good enough. “Help,” said one Bush aide. “We’re desperate.”
