From: JLymanwhitehouse.gov
To: SSeabornwhitehouse.gov
Subject: please read it's not what you think, don't delete or quit
Sam,
First of all let me say thank you. I know you haven't officially said yes… yet, but think about it for a minute and you'll how much you are needed. Over 450 working on this transition and you are the first person to talk to me about the future without trying to further their own position. Not to mention one of only two people who forced me to listen to the idea that I need to think about my own needs. Well besides Amy Gardner, whom you know I ignore on principle and who as always was pushing an agenda of her own which as always was completely skewed and had little relevance to reality.
I am told I must apologize for contacting you less than 24 hours after we left which is of course a break with the contract that you coerced me in to signing. I mean to say contrary to brilliantly and thoughtfully articulated points that you presented to me in my office before I introduced you to President Elect Santos, who I might add has even more potential than what you pointed out in that conversation. As I'm sure you will see in this next week I want to point out that this is not to harangue you with work stuff and me trying to work while I am supposed to be resting. These are primarily personal and housekeeping issues that are for you, our friend rather than for you my deputy. There are some work topics but I'm sure you will see that they are a direct result of me trying to take your advice or make amends rather than me trying to be an egotistical control freak (an accusation I still refute, though how strongly I deny such charges will have to go unsaid because someone keeps hitting the delete key every time I finish a sentence.) let's just leave it at I feel that these topics do not constitute grounds for executing any of the contingent clauses you included in our agreement.
I'm in Maui rather than in Florida visiting my mother, Rona has the contact info and room number etc. It's a state that hasn't voted republican since Eisenhower we thought it safer for me to vacation here plus it is the one state We missed during the campaign so "there are no work related memories to get me all riled up again." And it seems someone seems to remember eliciting a promise for me to take her here though I distinctly remember avoiding making any such promises. Any way all blackberries and cell phones have been left back at the office. So if Otto feels inclined to update my blackberry I would appreciate it and sincerely want to extend my thanks for his thoughtfulness.
C.J. and I talked before about the opportunity for Santos administration staffers to shadow their Bartlet Administration counterparts. I would aprecieate it if you would have Margret arrange a day for Otto and Bram to spend with Ed and Larry while we are gone. I know Otto wanted to be a speech writer and he is talented but, with Lou as Communications director it might be somewhat awkward and if she decides to poach him then its up to him, but at least he in the white house. He's a talented kid and I can trust him and depend on him and I will tell him just how much I appreciate all his hard work when I return. Be sure to tell him that Senior Whitehouse Domestic Policy advisor is vital role and admirable position not just any old assistant job. Though I 'm told to remind you that it would be bad to mention Donna out ranked Ed and Larry.
Speaking of Donna, she has agreed to accompany me on my exile, I mean my much appreciated and brief sabbatical. She and I decided to explore a broader ranged potential for our relationship just before the election and she has given me 3 weeks and 5 more days to figure out what that means. One thing it for sure means is that she will not be working in the west wing. She is still wavering about whether or not she is capable of the first lady's chief of staff offer or even if the job is still open after lying to her husband. I think Donna will come around and realize that Mrs. Santos is not sabotaging her chances of being an effective presence, but rather seeing the true remarkable force the rest of us see Donna as. Frankly I'm a little miffed at Mrs. Santos for over reaching and trying to poach a potentially valuable member of her husband's administration just so she can have someone more effective than her predecessor. Donna also thinks you should take my job offer. The rest of her comments I refuse to commit to paper because I do not feel that I need to be kept in line and that's just all I'm going to say to someone who is doing me a big favor right now and who I am trying to convince to uproot his entire life to come back and lead .
I have all the faith in the world in you, my friend. I would not have left if I did not for a second think you can handle it. Use Bram, Lou, and Otto, they will help you navigate the chaos. Spend the time with the President Elect, get to know him. If after that you still want to go we can fight about it when I get back. Only if it is a dire emergency should you try and contact me about work. We have a laptop for emails and checking up on the news, but will be checking it irregularly at best. I have less than a month to figure this out and as everyone seems so fond of pointing out I have spent very little time in the last decade focusing on my personal needs so I am going to spend every minute of this week doing just that.
Seriously pal, thanks again I hate to admit it but I really needed this.
-Josh
