I seem to remember that Governor Jim Douglas, while still in office jokingly, threatened to write an autobiography. Well it seems he has followed through on it. A teaser article for the autobiography which will be published before the end of this year can be found in the Addison County Independent. The theme of the book is reported to be “How can a Republican succeed in Vermont?” He might consider rushing an advance copy to fellow Republican, gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock to use as an instruction manual.
The book will focus on the 61 year old Douglas’ 40 years in Vermont politics and provide his thoughts on familiar Vermont political luminaries Jim Jeffords, Howard Dean and Bernie Sanders and a smattering of national figures including George W. Bush and President Obama.
Those who might have pigeonholed Douglas during his political tenure as a demure, perfunctory chief executive might be in for a jolt when his book is released later this year.
“I offer some candid, but not libelous, thoughts on some people,” Douglas said.
“My thoughts on some nationally known people may be surprising to people.”And while he declined to share specifics at this point, he did say his impressions and criticisms will involve politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Few Vermonters familiar with the former Governor would think he might author a modern Washington style tell all, but does the tagline “candid, but not libelous” really promise a jolt let alone much of a buzz ?
Douglas’ worn-out themes, disappointment.
Disappointments and some well worn themes that Douglas found reliable over the years are also mentioned. These would be his failure to stem the supposed exodus of Vermont’s young, partisan bickering and his 2009 veto of marriage equality legislation which was overridden by the legislature .About that disappointment Douglas says he does not have second thoughts.
“There was no right that gay couples had under the civil union law that was enhanced under the marriage law,” Douglas said. “It was really a matter of nomenclature and a distinction I felt was worth preserving.”
I wondered, as others may, if this book might hint at the future for the relatively young 61 year old Douglas. Perhaps he is considering a run for a US Senate seat or something, but he reportedly has no interest in rekindling his political career.
“I really don’t anticipate running for office again.”
Just as well because the Jim Douglas in this article, and probably the one in the book seem to have no intention of evolving. How did this Republican succeed in Vermont?
is the same for an R as it is for a D: get elected for a lower tier job for as long as it takes for a voter to check off your name on the ballot while blindfolded, and then run for governor. Serves 600K for a least a decade.
Has any politician, ever, written a memoir that was actually interesting? I can’t think of one. How likely is it, then, that a man who deliberately kept his public profile as bland and benign as possible will write an interesting memoir?
So no, I’m not looking forward to Douglas’ tome hitting the bookshelves with a resounding thud, and seeing it on display racks near the front of the store. Bleh.
As for how he succeeded, a couple thoughts. First and foremost, his image was more moderate than his politics, so he appealed to centrist voters even as he tried to steer the state rightward. Second, he seemed like a “nice guy,” which counts for far more than it should in Vermont politics. (If we think we like a guy, we’ll vote him into office forever and ever.)
But really, I have to ask, how successful was he? He kept himself in office and has a perfect record as a candidate, which is a notable accomplishment. But in terms of actually influencing the course of government or politics, he was pretty much a failure. The state continued to drift to the left, and he did nothing to build a competitive Republican Party. Its 2012 wreckage is part of his legacy.
but it doesn’t bear a piece all by itself.
Quoting Jack Lindley, the BFP declared T.Garry Buckley Vermont’s “most colorful lieutenant governor.” My reaction was really? Ever heard of Howard Dean?
No disrespect for the deceased intended, but couldn’t Mr. Buckley more aptly be described as “least popular” lieutenant governor?
to see what this cynical self-absorbed stuffed-shirt can “dish up” for us.
Don’t look now, Perez Hilton – somebody’s gaining on you!
pictures from all the ribbon-cuttings.
Is there anything else? Besides fishing with his tie on?
of what will now be the rule of thumb for Republicans from failed administrations, that disregard or stand in the way of changing public trends, is to ALA Dick Cheney, write a book that changes or gives your version of history. Later people can reference it as the gospel and write more books about your book… A lot like putting the name of Ronnie on everything… great man??? or the object of a PR agenda gone wild?
I suspect even Jim knew it was time for his exit… and suspect Shumlin could have given him a pretty good challenge if he had decided to stick around. The shine was coming off of the apple.