The public does not like you to mislead or represent yourself to be something you’re not. And the other thing that the public really does like is the self-examination to say, you know, I’m not perfect. I’m just like you. They don’t ask their public officials to be perfect. They just ask them to be smart, truthful, honest, and show a modicum of good sense.
Ann Richards (1933-2006) American politician [Dorothy Ann Willis Richards]
“Ann Richards Discusses Texas, Politics and Humor,” Larry King Live, CNN (23 Jan 2001)
(Source)
Quotations by:
Richards, Ann
I’ve always said that in politics, your enemies can’t hurt you, but your friends will kill you.
Ann Richards (1933-2006) American politician [Dorothy Ann Willis Richards]
“Sadder but Wiser,” interview with Paul Burka, Texas Monthly (Apr 1994)
(Source)
Referring to appointees whose failures had caused her political problems as governor.
If you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu.
Ann Richards (1933-2006) American politician [Dorothy Ann Willis Richards]
(Attributed)
Richards regularly used the phrase, but it's unclear if she originated it. See here for more discussion.
Life isn’t fair, but government must be.
Ann Richards (1933-2006) American politician [Dorothy Ann Willis Richards]
Inauguration speech, San Antonio, Texas (15 Jan 1991)
As reported in the San Antonio Express-News (16 Jan). In the Houston Chronicle, same date, it was quoted as "Life is not fair, but government absolutely must be." See here for more discussion.