Introduction
Dana Perino is a familiar face to many Americans, known for her work as a political commentator and her role on Fox News' "The Five." But there's much more to her story than what we see on television. In her book "And the Good News Is...," Perino takes readers on a journey through her life, from her childhood on a Wyoming ranch to her time as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and beyond.
This engaging memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences that shaped Perino's character, work ethic, and political views. It's a story of perseverance, hard work, and the power of positive thinking. Through her personal anecdotes and life lessons, Perino provides valuable insights into success, both in politics and in life.
Growing Up on a Wyoming Ranch
One of the most formative experiences in Dana Perino's life was the time she spent on her grandparents' ranch in Wyoming. This rural upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of independence and resilience that would serve her well throughout her career.
The American Dream
For Perino's family, the ranch was more than just a place to live and work. It was a symbol of the American Dream. Her great-grandparents were Italian immigrants who had come to the United States in search of a better life. Through hard work and determination, they had built a life for themselves and their descendants on this Wyoming ranch.
Learning to Pitch In
Life on the ranch wasn't easy, and everyone was expected to contribute. From a young age, Dana and her sister were tasked with various chores:
- Filling water tanks
- Opening gates
- Collecting eggs
- Feeding calves during winter
These tasks weren't always enjoyable, but they taught Dana the importance of lending a hand and doing her part, even when it was difficult or unpleasant.
Overcoming Fear
One particular chore that Dana struggled with was collecting eggs from the chicken coop. The dark, smelly environment and the pecking hens frightened her. However, she learned to push through her fear and get the job done. This early lesson in facing her fears head-on would prove invaluable in her future career.
The Balance of Toughness and Gentleness
A pivotal moment in Dana's childhood occurred when she was about eight years old. While riding in a truck with her grandfather and sister, they came across a horse with a broken leg. Dana's grandfather had to make the difficult decision to put the animal out of its misery.
As they drove away after the incident, her grandfather gently squeezed Dana's knee, silently acknowledging the emotional impact of what they had just witnessed. This moment taught Dana an important lesson: true strength isn't just about being tough; it's also about showing compassion and tenderness when needed.
The Influence of Dana's Parents
Dana's parents played a crucial role in shaping her interests and values, particularly her passion for politics and her love for America.
A Father's Political Influence
Dana's father was a politics enthusiast who subscribed to numerous political magazines, including:
- Time
- U.S. News & World Report
- National Review
- Newsweek
His passion for politics rubbed off on Dana, who soon became equally fascinated. She even insisted on attending early church services on Sundays so she could rush home to watch the morning political talk shows.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
When Dana was in third grade, her father implemented a daily routine that would prove instrumental in developing her analytical and communication skills. He required Dana and her sister to read The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News before he returned from work each day.
Before dinner, Dana would discuss two articles with her father. He would ask her questions and help her formulate her own arguments and responses. This exercise laid the groundwork for Dana's future success in political communication.
A Mother's Lessons on American Values
Dana's mother worked for Refugee Services, a program run by Lutheran Family Services. Her job involved helping refugees settle in the United States, many of whom had escaped from the Soviet Union. Through her mother's work, Dana learned about the dangers of communism and came to appreciate the United States as a safe haven for those seeking freedom.
Falling in Love with Washington, D.C.
When Dana was seven years old, her mother's connection to a friend who worked for President Carter led to a family trip to Washington, D.C. It was during this visit, watching Fourth of July fireworks over the Washington Monument, that Dana first fell in love with the nation's capital – a city that would later become central to her career.
Early Career and Political Convictions
Dana's passion for politics and media continued to grow throughout her education and early career.
High School Leadership
In high school, Dana was elected student body president. During her term, she made several improvements, including altering the weekly schedule to allow more time for tutoring and studying. This early leadership experience foreshadowed her future roles in government.
Discovering a Passion for Media
While in college, Dana got her first taste of media work when she landed a job on "Standoff," a debate show on a local television channel. Her success in this role led to her own show, "Capitol Journal," which focused on political topics and legislative issues in Colorado. This experience not only honed her skills but also helped her build valuable contacts that would benefit her later in her career.
First Job on Capitol Hill
After graduating in 1995, Dana quickly secured an internship with a CBS affiliate on Capitol Hill. However, she soon felt that the staff was biased against Republicans and hostile to conservative views. This experience strengthened her own Republican convictions, which included:
- Desire for limited government
- Support for a strong military
- Emphasis on personal responsibility
Networking and Opportunity
Dana's early media experience and network of contacts soon paid off. When she heard about an opening for a deputy press secretary in the Colorado State Senate, she reached out to a contact she had made through her show. Instead of just providing a reference, he offered her a job in Washington, D.C.
Although her initial role answering phones and greeting visitors at the Capitol was not particularly exciting, it got her foot in the door. Soon, thanks to her network, she landed a position as press secretary for Representative Dan Schaefer of Colorado.
Love and Career Advancement
Dana's personal and professional lives took significant turns as she entered her mid-twenties.
A Chance Encounter
In August 1997, at the age of 25, Dana boarded a plane to Washington, D.C. Little did she know that the British man sitting next to her, Peter, would soon become her husband and biggest supporter.
The Road to the White House
In 2000, after marrying Peter and living briefly in the United Kingdom, Dana received a call from a friend working on the Bush campaign. They were looking for a spokesperson in California. With Peter's encouragement, Dana decided to give Washington another try, and they moved back to the United States.
Over the next few years, Dana held several positions that prepared her for her ultimate role:
- Spokesperson for the Department of Justice
- Director of communications at the White House Council on Environmental Quality
- Deputy press secretary
Becoming Press Secretary
By 2007, the demanding nature of her work was taking a toll on Dana and her marriage. She was ready to leave the White House when an opportunity she couldn't refuse presented itself: the position of press secretary to the Bush administration.
Dana accepted the role and served until the end of Bush's presidency in 2008. The job was intense, making her "the fastest Blackberry typist in the country" and requiring her to work almost constantly.
Transition to Fox News
After the Obama administration took office, Dana found herself out of work. However, her experience and skills caught the attention of Roger Ailes, CEO of Fox News. He invited her to lunch and shared his idea for a new show called "The Five," an hour-long discussion program focused on current affairs with panelists from diverse backgrounds.
Dana's unique combination of media experience and White House insider knowledge made her a perfect fit for the show. This opportunity allowed her to continue her career in political commentary while reaching a broader audience.
Keys to Success
Throughout her memoir, Dana shares several key principles that have contributed to her success. These insights offer valuable advice for anyone looking to advance their career or personal growth.
Cultivating Good Habits
Dana emphasizes the importance of developing positive habits and behaviors. She believes that success is built on a foundation of good manners and civility, especially in today's often contentious political climate.
Some of the habits Dana recommends include:
- Sharing credit with others
- Knowing when to listen
- Practicing politeness in all interactions
Sharing Credit
Dana learned the importance of sharing credit from President Bush. She recounts an incident in August 2008 when American hostages were rescued in Colombia. Although U.S. forces were involved, Bush made sure to give credit to the Colombian Special Forces and President Álvaro Uribe, recognizing the political challenges Uribe was facing at home.
The Power of Listening
Vice President Dick Cheney taught Dana the value of listening before speaking. Cheney explained that he often remained quiet in meetings to ensure that everyone had a chance to voice their opinions. This approach prevents others from being shut down and ensures that all valuable thoughts are heard.
Embracing Change and Risk
Dana encourages readers to be open to change and willing to take risks. She notes that Americans are becoming increasingly risk-averse, particularly when it comes to relocating for career opportunities. However, she argues that sometimes moving is necessary for career advancement, and reminds readers that if things don't work out, you can always move back.
Continuous Self-Improvement
Another key to success, according to Dana, is a commitment to ongoing learning and self-improvement. She shares advice she received from Congressman Scott McInnis to read the Review and Outlook sections of The Wall Street Journal daily. This habit has helped her improve her argumentation and writing skills while exposing her to new ideas and perspectives.
Maintaining a Positive Outlook
Throughout her career, Dana has recognized the importance of staying focused on the positive. She advises readers to overcome negative self-talk and self-doubt, sharing an anecdote about how Tony Snow boosted her confidence when she took over as press secretary.
Actionable Advice
In addition to the broader principles for success, Dana offers some specific, actionable advice for readers:
Replace gum with mints in the workplace. While it may seem trivial, avoiding gum chewing can make a positive impression on employers and colleagues who may find it distracting or impolite.
Cultivate small, positive habits. Dana believes that even small changes in behavior can lead to significant achievements over time.
Stay informed by reading diverse news sources and opinion pieces. This habit can broaden your perspective and improve your ability to engage in meaningful discussions.
Don't be afraid to relocate for career opportunities. Sometimes, taking a risk and moving to a new city or even country can open up new possibilities for growth and advancement.
Practice active listening in meetings and conversations. By following Dick Cheney's example of listening before speaking, you can gain valuable insights and ensure that all voices are heard.
Look for opportunities to share credit and recognize others' contributions. This habit can help build positive relationships and foster a collaborative work environment.
Face your fears head-on, just as Dana did when collecting eggs as a child. Overcoming small fears can build confidence and resilience for tackling larger challenges.
Balance toughness with compassion in your interactions with others. Remember Dana's grandfather's example of showing both strength and tenderness in difficult situations.
Final Thoughts
Dana Perino's memoir, "And the Good News Is...," offers readers an inspiring and insightful look into the life of a successful political communicator and media personality. From her humble beginnings on a Wyoming ranch to her role as White House Press Secretary and beyond, Dana's story is one of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to personal growth.
The book's key takeaways include:
- The importance of a strong work ethic, instilled in Dana from her childhood on the ranch
- The value of family support and early exposure to politics and current events
- The power of networking and seizing opportunities as they arise
- The need for balance between toughness and compassion in leadership
- The benefits of continuous learning and self-improvement
- The importance of maintaining a positive outlook and overcoming self-doubt
Throughout her journey, Dana has demonstrated that success is not just about individual achievement, but also about how we treat others and contribute to our communities. Her emphasis on civility, good manners, and sharing credit serves as a reminder that these qualities are essential in both personal and professional life.
As readers reflect on Dana's experiences and advice, they are encouraged to apply these lessons to their own lives and careers. Whether it's developing good habits, embracing change, or cultivating a positive attitude, the principles Dana shares can help anyone navigate the challenges of today's fast-paced and often contentious world.
Ultimately, "And the Good News Is..." is more than just a political memoir. It's a guide to living a purposeful and successful life, grounded in strong values and a commitment to personal growth. Dana Perino's story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the world while maintaining their integrity and sense of purpose.