General Discussion

In the November 1981 Atlantic Monthly article, Stockman said supply-side economics -- the backbone of the Reagan economic revolution - was a 'Trojan horse' that would ultimately benefit the rich.

The press seized upon his remarks as a big story and Stockman writes that White House imagemakers -- especially deputy chief of staff Michael Deaver -- wanted him fired for betraying the president.

Baker called him into his White House office and told him in no uncertain terms that Reagan's inner circle wanted him fired.

''If it weren't for me,' he continued, 'you'd be a goner already. But I got you one last chance to save yourself. So you're going to do it exactly like I tell you. Otherwise, you're finished around here,'' Stockman writes.

''You're going to have lunch with the president. The menu is humble pie. You're going to eat every last ... spoonful of it. ... When you go through the Oval Office door, I want to see that sorry ass of yours dragging on the carpet.''