With the first big debate of the Presidential campaign scheduled tonight, this seems like the perfect time to ask, “What Would Ann Richards Do?” Michael Kellerman over at UT Press once sought Governor Richards’ advice when he was running for public office. Here’s his story, and Ann’s words of wisdom:
“I had a chance to meet Governor Richards at a small event in 2006. I had aims to be a future politico at the time, and knowing I likely had only 30 seconds of her time, I asked her for one bit of salient guidance for someone who might want to run for public office. I will never forget her answer. Gov. Richards leaned in to my ear and said, “Tea-tree oil toothpicks.” Prepared to respond to a gesture of deep, seasoned wisdom, I was perplexed, and said, “I’m sorry, what was that?” Gov. Richards flashed her tremendous smile, and said again, “Tea-tree oil toothpicks. If you are out there on the road, plugging for votes, you’ll be going from pasta lunch to BBQ dinner, meeting people in between, and you only get one impression with most folks. And you want that impression to be terrible breath? Or stains on your teeth? No, you don’t. Take tea-tree oil toothpicks with you at all times. Best thing I’ve ever discovered for that situation.”
At that our conversation was over, and I moved down the line.”
Maybe now’s a good time for someone to hand our current candidates a copy Let the People In, let them learn a few tricks from the career of a seasoned, savvy politician. Don’t forget to include the tea-tree oil toothpicks.
BookPeople 