Dear Doodle: This note is really just to say that though I may seem to be preoccupied with campaign business, I nevertheless have you much on my mind. I do hope that by now you have recovered from the shock that inevitably follows any operation, and that it proved beneficial.1
Everybody admits that the pressures and duties of a modern-day President are almost too great for any one man to handle. Many believe that something must be done by legislation or otherwise to lighten the burden. When you take that job and add to it the campaigning that by tradition seems inevitable in our political setup, you have really a job that takes twelve hours a day seven days a week (with some twenty-hour days thrown in for good measure). This is not all in the nature of a complaint, since I knew that it would happen, but the point I am trying to make is that I would hope that eventually our people would make it mandatory that an incumbent President, if he seeks reelection, rests his case on the record and takes no active part in the campaign activities. I realize, of course, that this is probably but a dream.
Of course there is another aspect to the business of these jaunts I have been making to various parts of the country. Inescapably both Mamie and I get charged with the enthusiastic and warm welcome we have so far received, and come home exhilarated rather than tired. The coin does have two sides after all. But enough of that.
I do want you to know that I am keeping in touch with you through Howard Snyder--and that you and Rosa Maye are always in my thoughts.
With warm regard, Affectionately
