The Price of Loyalty

Chapter Two

Paul O'Neill arrived at 6:15 A.M. on his first morning in office.

The President, he understood, was also an early riser - in his office by 7 A.M. - and O'Neill mused that maybe this would be part of what defined this administration: people of fortitude and clarity, always first to work. At the very least, this was one thing the President and he had in common.

His secretary, Annabella Mejia, was already there. "You're late," she chided. "Mr. Secretary, it's practically afternoon."

"Thanks, I'll get my own coffee," he said with a chuckle. "Can I get you anything, Annabella?"

Before almost anyone else had arrived, O'Neill had drafted a strategic memo to the President. By midmorning, it was ready. He had his secret pact with Greenspan. But the goal of pushing forward the President's plan was central to his job description. A core responsibility. O'Neill decided he could be a team player and still feel like himself. Good policy could make good politics - at lea ... read full excerpt from The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O'Neill ebook