"Don’t Tell the President" Stories from Presidential Advance
Summary
Gene Becker and Tom Collimore discuss their book, *Don't Tell the President*, which shares untold stories from presidential advance teams spanning from LBJ to Trump. The authors reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including logistical mishaps like pooping steers and Chelsea Clinton being left behind in a Kremlin laundry van. They highlight the high-pressure, bipartisan nature of advance work, emphasizing the unsung heroes who ensure presidential travel runs smoothly while managing crises and maintaining normalcy for the First Family.
Topics discussed
Intro: Queen Elizabeth's podium mishap and show overview
Guests introduce their book on presidential advance teams
Defining the role of the advance team and press logistics
Tom Collimore's early days driving for George H.W. Bush
G7 Summit: Arranging Air Force One tour for Prince William
The pooping steers incident during a First Lady event
Unsung heroes: The 96 contributors to the book
Advancing history: Obama's visit to Columbine High School
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Handling crises: The locksmith story in Corsicana, Texas
Chelsea Clinton left behind at the Kremlin in a laundry van
President Bush comforts a panicked elevator operator
Reagan's secret trip to Iraq and classified missions
1980 Convention: Fixing Bush's raised arm pose
Reagan's wrapper mishap and Kerry's cheesesteak
Q&A: Size and composition of advance teams
Bipartisan cooperation and campaign rivalries
Audience story: Barbara Bush and the restroom incident
Chef's story: Gorbachev's vodka gift to Bush
Clinton staff hijinks and closing remarks
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