Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards
This intimate biography of the pioneering Texas governor is “required reading for political junkies—and for women considering a life in politics” (Booklist).

When Ann Richards delivered the keynote of the 1988 Democratic National Convention and mocked President Bush—“Poor George, he can’t help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth”—she became an instant celebrity and triggered a rivalry that would alter the course of history. In 1990, she won the governorship of Texas, becoming the first ardent feminist elected to high office in America. Richards opened pathways for greater diversity in public service, and her achievements created a legacy that transcends her tenure in office.

In Let the People In, Jan Reid offers an intimate portrait of Ann Richards’s remarkable rise to power as a liberal Democrat in a deeply conservative state. Reid draws on his long friendship with Richards, as well as interviews with family, personal correspondence, and extensive research to tell the story of Richards’s life, from her youth in Waco, through marriage and motherhood, her struggle with alcoholism, and her shocking encounters with Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter.

Reid shares the inside story of Richards’s rise from county office to the governorship, as well as her score-settling loss of the governorship to George W. Bush. Reid also describes Richards’s final years as a mentor to a new generation of public servants, including Hillary Clinton.
1110854219
Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards
This intimate biography of the pioneering Texas governor is “required reading for political junkies—and for women considering a life in politics” (Booklist).

When Ann Richards delivered the keynote of the 1988 Democratic National Convention and mocked President Bush—“Poor George, he can’t help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth”—she became an instant celebrity and triggered a rivalry that would alter the course of history. In 1990, she won the governorship of Texas, becoming the first ardent feminist elected to high office in America. Richards opened pathways for greater diversity in public service, and her achievements created a legacy that transcends her tenure in office.

In Let the People In, Jan Reid offers an intimate portrait of Ann Richards’s remarkable rise to power as a liberal Democrat in a deeply conservative state. Reid draws on his long friendship with Richards, as well as interviews with family, personal correspondence, and extensive research to tell the story of Richards’s life, from her youth in Waco, through marriage and motherhood, her struggle with alcoholism, and her shocking encounters with Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter.

Reid shares the inside story of Richards’s rise from county office to the governorship, as well as her score-settling loss of the governorship to George W. Bush. Reid also describes Richards’s final years as a mentor to a new generation of public servants, including Hillary Clinton.
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Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards

Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards

by Jan Reid
Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards

Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards

by Jan Reid

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Overview

This intimate biography of the pioneering Texas governor is “required reading for political junkies—and for women considering a life in politics” (Booklist).

When Ann Richards delivered the keynote of the 1988 Democratic National Convention and mocked President Bush—“Poor George, he can’t help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth”—she became an instant celebrity and triggered a rivalry that would alter the course of history. In 1990, she won the governorship of Texas, becoming the first ardent feminist elected to high office in America. Richards opened pathways for greater diversity in public service, and her achievements created a legacy that transcends her tenure in office.

In Let the People In, Jan Reid offers an intimate portrait of Ann Richards’s remarkable rise to power as a liberal Democrat in a deeply conservative state. Reid draws on his long friendship with Richards, as well as interviews with family, personal correspondence, and extensive research to tell the story of Richards’s life, from her youth in Waco, through marriage and motherhood, her struggle with alcoholism, and her shocking encounters with Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter.

Reid shares the inside story of Richards’s rise from county office to the governorship, as well as her score-settling loss of the governorship to George W. Bush. Reid also describes Richards’s final years as a mentor to a new generation of public servants, including Hillary Clinton.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780292745797
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication date: 02/24/2022
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 497
File size: 32 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Jan Reid has written for Texas Monthly, Esquire, GQ, Slate, Men’s Journal, Garden & Gun, the New York Times, and many other publications. His books include The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock, The Bullet Meant for Me, Rio Grande, Texas Tornado: The Times and Music of Doug Sahm, and two award-winning novels, Deerinwater and Comanche Sundown. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
    • Prologue: Glimpses
  • Part I: Gardens of Light
    • Chapter 1: Waco
    • Chapter 2: New Frontiers
    • Chapter 3: Lovers Lane
    • Chapter 4: Mad Dogs and First Fridays
    • Chapter 5: The Hanukkah Chicken
  • Part II: Superwoman's Chair
    • Chapter 6: Problem Lady
    • Chapter 7: Landslides
    • Chapter 8: Raw Deals
    • Chapter 9: Capsized
    • Chapter 10: The Class of '82
    • Chapter 11: Raise Money and Wait
    • Chapter 12: Cheap Help
  • Part III: Only in Texas
    • Chapter 13: Poker Faces
    • Chapter 14: The Speech
    • Chapter 15: Dispatches
    • Chapter 16: Backyard Brawl
    • Chapter 17: Answer the Question
    • Chapter 18: Bustin' Rocks
    • Chapter 19: The Rodeo
  • Part IV: The Parabola
    • Chapter 20: The New Texas
    • Chapter 21: Fast Start
    • Chapter 22: Ethicists
    • Chapter 23: Odd Couples
    • Chapter 24: Favorables
    • Chapter 25: White Hot
    • Chapter 26: Heartaches by the Number
    • Chapter 27: Troubles by the Score
    • Chapter 28: Sass
    • Chapter 29: Collision Course
    • Chapter 30: Queen Bee
  • Epilogue: Passages
    • Notes
    • Photo Credits
    • Index

What People are Saying About This

H. W. Brands

At once a compelling, touching tale of a remarkable woman and an insightful account of the decline of Texas liberalism. Jan Reid captures the spirit, accomplishments, and failures of Ann Richards wonderfully well. One of the best books on Texas politics in years.

Liz Smith

I always felt that knowing Ann Richards was a bit like knowing a rock star. Jan Reid's addition to the literature, myth, and reality about Ann is a great read for Ann's fans and foes alike. I was sorry when we lost the great Ann Richards. I was sad when I closed this compelling book.

President Bill Clinton

Jan Reid gives us new insight into Ann Richards, whose wit filled any room with laughter, whose candor chased away every smoke screen, whose heart was as big as Texas. Governor Richards was a leader you wanted to follow to a world where everyone could be a winner, and she never stopped trying to take us there. I loved her and so will you.

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