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Home , Hiram Fong, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Margaret Chase Smith

Maine Volume 27 Issue 1 Leadership

2018 A Life Committed to Leadership: Life Lessons from and Outcomes That Would Please Her Linda Cross Godfrey Atlantic Leadership Center, [email protected]

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Recommended Citation Godfrey, Linda C. . "A Life Committed to Leadership: Life Lessons from Margaret Chase Smith and Outcomes That Would Please Her." Policy Review 27.1 (2018) : 7 -10, https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mpr/vol27/iss1/3.

This Essay is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. T h e M a r g a r e t C h a s e S m i t h E s s a y

A Life Committed to Leadership: speaking, and the state of Maine. Those same areas of high interest born that Life Lessons from Margaret Chase Smith summer of 1964 are still with me today— as personal passions, career choices, and and Outcomes That Would Please Her public commitments—54 years later. Research revealed more about by Linda Cross Godfrey Senator Smith and introduced me to another woman political leader. From uly 13, 1964, might have been any This was the first day I saw, heard, the archives of the US Senate, November Jother hot summer Saturday on a and was inspired by Margaret Chase 4, 1956: farm outside the small town of East Smith. I later learned she had been the Which presidential campaign produced Tawas, Michigan. A junior in high first woman to serve in both houses of the first nationally televised debate? The school, it was my turn to vacuum the Congress and the first woman federal typical answer to that question is 1960, family living room. Turning on the political leader from Maine. As I Kennedy v. Nixon. In fact, the first television for distraction, I came upon researched further, I learned that Senator televised debate occurred four years the opening ceremonies for the four-day Smith had been the first national polit- earlier, when Democratic candidate National Convention of the Republican ical leader to speak up and speak out Adlai Stevenson challenged incum- Party at the Cow Palace in Daly City, against the scandal fueled by Senator bent Republican president Dwight . What unfolded over the next Joseph McCarthy. I read Senator Smith’s Eisenhower—but those two men did few days changed my life, inspired my “Declaration of Conscience” speech several not appear in the debate. Instead, on heart, defined my career, and enticed us times that summer, while other teens November 4, 1956, two surrogates to become residents of Maine. were focused on “Hard Day’s Night,” by debated the issues on network televi- A group of eight men, each seeking the Beatles, “Rag Doll” by the Four sion. For the Democrats, former First the presidency of the , Seasons, or “I Get Around” by the Beach Lady and party icon . circulated in front of the news cameras, Boys. It was clear in our family, with two For the Republicans, the senior senator making pronouncements and promises parents involved in local politics and from Maine, Margaret Chase Smith. and being interviewed — Nelson organizational leadership, that I had That’s right—the first televised presi- Rockefeller, , Henry Cabot experienced an epiphany of sorts. I was dential debate featured two women.1 Lodge Jr., , , now focused on women as leaders, public , , George Romney. Amid the furor, a milestone occurred: Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine became the first woman to receiver a presidential nomination by a major party. Even though the senator from Maine did not fare well in the delegate count, her attempt was credible, her message solid, her high moral character obvious. Unlike the male candidates, Senator Smith never conceded her place in the nomination process, which in the end kept Barry Goldwater from achieving 100 percent of the Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Chase Smith during the first televised president debate in 1956. delegates. National Archives and Records Administration

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Reading about Senator Smith’s American diplomat, political scientist, it possible for the senator to be such a preparation and presentation for this and author (later to become US great letter writer. debate—from planning not just her Ambassador to the ); October 28, 1988: It was a joy words, but also her speech pattern, her , cofounder of MS maga- having you here even for a brief attire, the size of the characteristic fresh zine, activist, and leader in the Equal time….I hope you will be back red on her lapel, the decision to sit Rights Amendment movement; and from time to time until you come on two phone books to raise her to sit Margaret Chase Smith, by now one of to stay. Many thanks for your eye to eye with Mrs. Roosevelt— the nation’s most admired women, an kind words and friendship. [On provided me with ideas and actions I influential member of the Senate, and a every visit to the MCS Library, after used over the years and applied in strong woman leader willing to speak her a conversation, Senator Smith would campaigns I led for other candidates. conscience. While hoping one of these take out a small step stool, raise herself In 1968, as a junior at Central women leaders would accept our invita- to wind the grandfather clock in Michigan University (CMU), I was tion, we were actually expecting four the corner of her living room, hand active in the nationwide Associated letters declining. Imagine our surprise Bob her car keys, and we’d go to her Women Students (AWS) organization. when all four women accepted! We favorite place for lunch. Lunch was When the opportunity came to attend decided to seize this opportunity, always half of a grilled cheese sand- the annual convention at the University raise more funds, set up hosting sites for wich, which the senator requested be of Maine in Orono, eight other AWS each, and welcome them to what became slightly burned.] student leaders from CMU and I the Women’s Week of our dreams, and arranged for our tickets and boarded the the university’s pride. May 10, 1989: plane. In what would be very unlikely to I had selected Senator Smith as the from Indiana University! Truly it happen today, about ten minutes from guest I would arrange housing for, and was one of the most perfect events landing at the Bangor airport, the placed her in the home of a mentor and I have attended in a long time. Of captain’s voice came over the loud- Indiana political leader, Elizabeth Foster course, it was a very high honor speaker: “We’re early today, and it’s such Blumberg, who lived near the university. coming to me and the day will be a lovely day, instead of flying all the way There, Senator Smith not only had a one of my most cherished memo- over land directly from Detroit to great room and delicious food, but on ries through the years. [On receipt Bangor, we’re going to swing out over her last day, we took her into the nearby of an honorary degree from Indiana the ocean and fly up the coast of Maine.” woods for a rare experience of picking University, which my mentor Betty After that glorious view of Maine’s coast- pawpaws. The magic of the experience Blumberg, a member of the Board of line, and after I had been elected to be a was not lost on Senator Smith, and the Trustees, and I were please to achieve. national vice president of AWS, we sold friendship she and I started at that time This became Senator Smith’s ninetieth the Bangor-to-Boston portion of our lasted through many years and includes honorary degree.] flight home, rented a van, and drove correspondence that is archived at the May 8, 1995: How pleased I am down the coast of Maine. Together with Margaret Chase Smith Library. to hear from you and to know of the glorious views, I was in Margaret The following selections from letters your activities and all that goes on Chase Smith’s Maine; I was smitten. we exchanged speak to the value of an around you...your words touch me Three years later, as a staff member admired elder leader supporting a deeply, and I am most grateful to of the Student Affairs Division at Indiana younger follower and stand as an be remembered. [Senator Margaret State University, I was asked to be the example of inspiring and supportive Chase Smith died at her home and chairperson for the annual Women’s words that can help develop a new library 11 days later. On a visit a Week Program. Our committee invited generation of community leadership. few years earlier, she commented that four nationally known women leaders, This exchange with Margaret Chase all was readied, so when she died, hoping one would accept and be our Smith over the years also honors her the front door could be closed for major presenter: Helen Gahagan loyal assistant, Angie Stockwell, secre- five minutes and reopened to be her Douglas, US Representative from tary to Senator Smith from 1983 to library and museum.] California, actress, and champion of 1995 and current collection specialist at migrant workers; Jeane Kirkpatrick, the library, who I always believed made

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Years of studying Margaret Chase she said in an absolute tone. I followed Chase Smith to stand up, and speak out, Smith’s leadership style, visits with her, up, asking what she saw in them? and do what’s right. and our written correspondence have Another immediate answer: “Senator Now, for a great announcement influenced me personally and profes- Mitchell is a man of great integrity and about the outcomes of a five-year sionally. I learned that we both are the ethics. Senator Snowe studies the issues, national project to find examples of eldest daughters in a sibling family of six, shows up, stands up and speaks up.” cities and towns showing positive with that big-sister role a perfect training Then, with a little smile, she added, community development, local leader- ground for developing early leadership “And, they both love Maine and Maine ship, and culminating in a new book, skills. We also shared a preference for people.” I have made her response a Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey simple living and hard work, a thirst for great summary, which I aspire to daily in into the Heart of America. This book learning, a respect for all people, and my own leadership work. will turn on Eastport (and confidence in women to do anything Inspired by Margaret Chase Smith’s 28 other selected communities) and our and everything. leadership example, I have founded the collective work to revive and advance Receiving the senator’s personal Atlantic Leadership Center (http://www our community. The American Futures words of encouragement, her mentoring, .atlanticleadershipcenter.com/index. Project, a partnership of The Atlantic, and what we today call “personal html) in Eastport, Maine. The center’s National Public Radio, and Esri, coaching” gave me an influential and newest initiative is the Three-Nation launched this nationwide exploration in admired voice to shape my thoughts, Leadership Initiative. The intent of the 2013 to find the best example of a resil- words, and actions. Thankfully, I have a program is to expanded leadership work ient and reinventive city or town in each lovely stack of letters, tied up with a by bringing together talented, and state. Through personal visits and inter- white silk ribbon, that continue to younger, thinkers and leaders from views, the journalistic team of James inspire and guide me: Washington County, Maine, three and Debra Fallows and Kai Rysdall have nearby tribal communities, and collected stories of the selected locations January 29, 1990: You are the Charlotte County, including the Fundy over the past five years and now will ‘Number One’ idea woman I Isles, of New Brunswick. Starting in take their work into the world, with the know…always so constructive…. April 2018, the program is offering six publication of the book this spring.2 March 15, 1990: I am so impres- classes in six communities: Calais, Here is a sampling of what the jour- sed with your enthusiasm and Trescott, Eastport, and Milbridge, nalists and producers leading the optimism…. Maine; and St. Stephen and Campobello American Futures Project have said Island, New Brunswick. The classes about Eastport. Senator Smith would be September 17, 1990: Few have cover six different aspects of leadership: pleased about this, and so are we. the courage and the feeling that Nikanke/Leader, Storyfinder/Leader, someone must be leading the way, Since our first visit in the fall of 2013, Place Maker/Leader, Cultural and this is what you are making Deb and I have reported frequently on Champion/Leader, International every effort to do. the grit, vision, resilience and appar- Citizen/Leader, and Deliverer/Leader. ently indomitable drive of the roughly April 23, 1991: Keep up your Our Save Passamaquoddy Bay 3 1300 people who live in the little city courage and continue as you have, Nation Alliance was awarded the Maine of Eastport, Maine. (Fallows 2017) striving for that which you have Chapter of the Sierra Club’s Local Here is why I’m writing about wanted for so long. Grassroots Leadership Group Award, for Ajo—and Xizhou, and Eastport, and preventing the development of three Senator Smith’s calm and clear even Yellow Sheep River—late at liquefied natural gas terminals in speaking voice, her welcoming inclusion, night.…to emphasize the emotional Passamaquoddy Bay. This was a 12-year and a consistently high expectation of power of seeing social capital being battle against a number of the country’s herself as a leader guide me daily. created, as we now realize we have largest legal and consulting firms, During my last visit with Senator done in all of these different-but- deep-pocketed investors who put $90 Smith I asked, “Who are the political similar places. million into the effort, and against all leaders you believe are most like you?” Everyone knows about financial odds. Our work was based on proven There was barely a breath between ques- capital-creation, and we assume it is leadership patterns and practices and tion and answer, “Senator George carried out on Wall Street or Sand Hill guided by the example of Margaret Mitchell and Senator ,” Road or by gnomes in Zurich. Social

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capital is as precious and necessary as Linda Cross financial capital.…And it has been Godfrey is surprisingly moving to get to know president of people who are investing themselves the Atlantic in the lives of their communities, even Leadership if conventional economic or career- Center in strategy analysis might suggest that Eastport, Maine, this is a waste of time. (Fallows 2015) and a partner in The Commons, Yes, Margaret Chase Smith would Inc., and Dirigamus, LLC, also in Eastport. be pleased with Eastport and the leader- She is an educator, entrepreneur, commu- ship efforts her life definitely inspired, nity leader, and author and has been and I believe she’d send a letter saying described as “one of Maine’s most so. - inspiring speakers.” Godfrey lives by words ENDNOTES from her leadership inspiration, Margaret Chase Smith: “And this I do believe above 1 https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory all, especially in times of greater discour- /history/minute/The_First_Televised _Presidential_Debate.htm agement, that I must BELIEVE—that I must believe in my fellow people—that I must 2 For more information about the project, visit the website https://www.theatlantic believe in myself—that I must believe in .com/projects/city-makers-american God—if life is to have any meaning.” -futures/

REFERENCES Fallows, James. 2015. “From Xizhou to Eastport to Ajo: Big Dreams in Small Towns.” The Atlantic (April). https:// www.theatlantic.com/national/archive /2015/04/from-xizhou-to-eastport-to -ajo-big-dreams-in-small-towns/390105/ Fallows, James. 2017. “A Big Step for Little Eastport.” The American Futures Notebook. https://www.theatlantic.com /notes/2017/01/a-big-step-for-little -eastport/513242/

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