In 1986 a unique symposium in the history of American politics took place. Eight former White House Chiefs of Staff representing six different Presidents from Eisenhower to Carter gathered to talk about twenty-five years of the Presidency. The original transcripts have been edited to provide annotations when necessary without impeding the flow of this lively and candid debate. In 1986 a unique symposium in the history of American politics took place. Eight former White House Chiefs of Staff representing six different Presidents from Eisenhower to Carter gathered to talk about twenty-five years of the Presidency. The original transcripts have been edited to provide annotations when necessary without impeding the flow of this lively and candid debate.