Former aide: Relationships more important than history

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a note to MSNBC “Hardball” anchor Chris Matthews, Doug Wead says he “has come to realize that personal relationships are more important than history” and that he is asking his attorney to “find the best way to vet these tapes and get them back to the president to whom they belong.” 

Wead sent the note to Matthews and “Hardball” producers on Tuesday following the cancellation of his scheduled appearance on the program.  Following is the text of the note from Wead to Matthews:

Dear Mr. Matthews,

I am so sorry to cancel your show. It was very gracious of you to allow me a chance to share my heart and regrets about recent events. It seems the better part of wisdom for me to forgo television for a time. It would only add to the distraction I have caused to the president’s important and historic work.

Contrary to a statement that I made to the New York Times, I have come to realize that personal relationships are more important than history. I am asking my attorney to direct any future proceeds from the book to charity and to find the best way to vet these tapes and get them back to the president to whom they belong. History can wait.

Thanks for your consideration,

Doug Wead

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