A new Bob Woodward story in the New Yorker about Dick Darman, a senior economic official in the Reagan administration and Budget Director under George H.W. Bush, reveals that he was a constant leaker to the Washington media. It also confirms what Reaganites already knew: Darman was a scoundrel who schemed to undermine the Reagan agenda.

Darman was the brilliant political tactician who nearly single-handedly persuaded Bush to renege on his “Read My Lips, No New Taxes” pledge. And that was the end of Bush’s one term presidency. Congrats to Dick Darman.

Your editors only met Darman on a few occasions, but his arrogance could have filled up a 747 jet airliner. As Woodward writes:

“Darman had a cool disdain for everyone. Over the years, I do not believe I ever heard him voice much respect or admiration for any of his superiors – Reagan, Bush, or Baker.”

His legacy was to destroy the George H.W. Bush presidency and to prevent a second term.  But after his devious ploys, Darman’s treachery backfired. He transformed the GOP into a party that ever since has never flown near the flame of raising taxes again.

For that, Dick, we are forever appreciative.