When Ann Richards delivered the keynote at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, her sharp wit, exemplified by her remark about President George H. W. Bush, catapulted her into the national spotlight and ignited a rivalry that would shape American politics. In 1990, she became the governor of Texas, defeating GOP candidate Clayton Williams. As the first prominent feminist in high office, Richards expanded public service opportunities for women, minorities, and the disabled. Her progressive legacy and dynamic personality left a profound impact that surpassed her gubernatorial tenure. In this biography, Jan Reid, drawing from his friendship with Richards and extensive research, presents a personal narrative of her extraordinary journey as a liberal Democrat in a conservative state. He chronicles her early life in Waco, her marriage, and her struggles with domesticity, alongside her encounters with political figures like Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter. Reid details Richards's rise through local and state offices to the governorship, where she advocated for gun control, prison reform, and education funding. He also examines her reelection defeat to George W. Bush, which set the stage for his presidential ambitions. The portrayal captures Richards's later years as a globetrotting mentor and public speaker, revealing a complex figure who overcame personal challenges and a male-dominated political landscape to make her mark on hi
Jan Reid Books
