A Day in the Life of the New President: Ronald Reagan

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18 economics speech as soon as possible. He recalls a couple of budget issues he wants another look at. He asks about the task force on the hostage deal, which is due to issue its report soon. Finally he brings up something still troubling him: the Hawaiian junket. "Somebody has to take a look at that commission," he reminds Baker.

Then, sitting near the dying fire, Reagan reflects on his first 23 days in power.

Despite his fluent public performances, he had seemed initially uneasy with the routine—complaining to one interviewer, for instance, that he did not know when he was supposed to think. Now, he says, that feeling has passed. "It's very funny how quickly you settle in and your habits are formed, living habits and all the rest," he muses. "It's strange, but it has happened."

He does not have a moment for pleasure reading, the family quarters need a paint job, he dreads the "hue and cry" that he knows will greet his budget cuts, and he finds himself wrestling with "problems where there is so much right on both sides," Still, he insists, the business of decision making in the White House is not all that different from what he experienced in Sacramento.

So is his ability to relax. At 7 he and Nancy head for dinner at the Vice President's mansion off Massachusetts Avenue. The evening, which will end at about 9:30, is quiet, informal and closed to anyone but Reagans and Bushes. But before the President says good night to his journalistic visitor, he picks up a red sponge ball and amuses Bush's aging cocker spaniel, Fred. One of the Reagans' own dogs will soon make the trip east—a touch intended to help the new President continue his rapid progress toward feeling fully at home in the White House.