Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Fred Fielding, a lawyer who served as Counsel to the President of the United States during the Reagan administration and later during the George W. Bush administration. The quote reflects Fielding's reaction to a revelation about the seriousness of a problem, particularly in relation to the involvement of the president.

In order to fully understand the context of this quote, it's important to consider the historical and political background of the periods in which Fielding served. During the Reagan administration, Fielding was confronted with significant challenges, including the Iran-Contra affair, which involved the illegal sale of arms to Iran in exchange for the release of hostages and the diversion of funds to support Contra rebels in Nicaragua. These actions were carried out by high-ranking officials within the Reagan administration without the knowledge of Congress, and the scandal raised serious questions about the extent of the president's involvement and knowledge of the illicit activities.

Likewise, during the George W. Bush administration, Fielding faced complex legal issues, including the controversy surrounding the administration's warrantless wiretapping program and the treatment of detainees in the war on terror. These issues led to intense scrutiny of the president's actions and decisions, with implications for the rule of law and constitutional principles.

Against this backdrop, Fielding's quote captures the moment when he became acutely aware of the gravity of a situation, likely related to the actions or involvement of the president. The use of the word "frightening" suggests that the revelation was deeply unsettling and perhaps raised concerns about the potential implications for the presidency and the country as a whole.

Fielding's reference to "his notes" indicates that he was likely reviewing documentation or evidence that provided insight into the seriousness of the problem. This suggests a meticulous and thorough approach to understanding the situation, reflecting the attention to detail and legal acumen that are characteristic of Fielding's professional background.

The quote also conveys a sense of the weight of responsibility that Fielding felt in his role as Counsel to the President. As a legal advisor to the highest office in the country, he would have been keenly aware of the implications of any actions or decisions involving the president. The realization that the president himself may have been involved in a serious problem would have presented a profound and challenging dilemma for Fielding, as he grappled with the legal and ethical dimensions of the situation.

In summary, Fred Fielding's quote encapsulates the moment when he confronted the gravity of a situation, particularly in relation to the potential involvement of the president. It reflects the complex and demanding nature of his role as Counsel to the President, as well as the intense scrutiny and legal challenges that characterized the administrations in which he served.