by Dana Perino
An impromptu photograph with the U.S. Marines in Al Anbar Provice, Iraq, in September 2007 (I’m the one in the middle).
(AP Photo / Charles Dharapak)
This dinner with the Israelis at the Prime Minister’s residence was one of the many times I witnessed President Bush stick up for America when no reporters were around. I’m seated at the end of the table with Raffi Eitan, an Israeli war hero.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Dinner in the desert in the United Arab Emirates in 2008. The falcon was much heavier than I expected, but I didn’t drop him.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Before the end of President Bush 43’s administration, I convinced father and son to do a joint interview for the historic record. 41 pulled me into the picture, and it became my favorite photo from the White House.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
This trip to Africa stirred my compassion. Meeting President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman elected as President of an African nation, was a highlight of the trip. Peter and I returned to Africa after the White House to get some Perspective (with a capital P) and volunteer at one of the faith-based sites supported by President Bush’s program PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief).
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Camp David is a special place for the First Family and for White House staff; it had a slightly more relaxed feel than the West Wing.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Deputy Chief of Staff, Joe Hagin, pushed me forward to meet Queen Elizabeth during a Presidential visit to Windsor Castle. I tried not to lord it over my British husband too much.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Sometimes the President had “One more thing” on his mind, too. Don’t worry, I wasn’t in any trouble.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
My dad, Leo Perino (far left), on his first visit to the White House when I was the press secretary. The President and First Lady Laura Bush invited us to the special dinner they hosted for Prime Minister Berlusconi in the State Dining Room. (Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Tony Snow’s (center, left of me) press office team. We took this photo on his last day at the White House. Sadly, he died nearly a year later in 2008 after a battle with colon cancer. (Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
There’s nothing as professionally satisfying as having the confidence of the President. Here we are in the Center Hall of the White House before taking questions from the press in the Diplomatic Reception Room.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
On Air Force One briefing the press in their rear cabin. This picture reminds me just how short I was compared to everyone else.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
My last briefing as the White House press secretary, capping the most incredible experience of my life. I was asked if I’d ever work for another administration and I said, “You’ll have to ask Peter.”
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
My most cherished possession, shown here for the first time: a portrait of Jasper as a young pup, as painted by the artist known simply as “43.”
(Barry Morgenstein, photographer of the original picture of Jasper and of his portrait)
On Peter’s 60th birthday at the 21 Club in Manhattan, we were surrounded by family and friends from all over the world. The cake told our story—complete with the Harley and sidecar that Peter drives with Jasper when we visit South Carolina.
Playing with the kids in Fish Hoek, South Africa, at Living Hope’s after-school program. Peter and I volunteered there in February 2009 at the end of the Bush Administration.
Henry at 13 years old still traveled everywhere with us. In the summer of 2011, I let him lick ice cream from a spoon in Kennebunkport, Maine.
When I met Jasper—June 6, 2012. I loved him before I ever laid eyes on him.
Couldn’t leave this one on the cutting room floor. Behind the scenes at the cover shoot, it’s obvious Jasper is the real star of the family.
(Melanie Dunea / CPi)
A most unlikely television pairing—Bob Beckel and I together for a special anniversary show of Hannity in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2011.
(Chris McKay / Getty Images)
The Five, plus one special guest—Jasper, on his second birthday. Bob Beckel even got him a cake for the occasion. Eric helped me manage Jasper. Grey Gutfeld looks thrilled. Kimberly cut the cake and the crew ate it.
Celebrity Jeopardy!—the most nervous I’ve ever been. And Alex Trebek was playing mind games when he placed me next to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (he’s 7’2” and I’m an even 5’)—not even a box and five-inch heels could close our height gap.
(Kris Connor / Getty Images)
The last moment of the administration. Before President Bush boarded the plane with Mrs. Bush, he caught my eye and called me over to say good-bye. Thanks to chief White House photographer Eric Draper for capturing that moment.
(Courtesy George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Acknowledgments
On a train in the summer of 2009, I wrote down some ideas for a book of my own. I tore out the page, put it in my wallet, and forgot about it.
Three years later, when Sean Desmond and I worked together on Decision Points, he asked if I’d ever thought of writing a book. I gave him several reasons why I didn’t consider it seriously, but then I remembered the note. He said, “Leave this with me,” and set out to publish the book I wanted to write. I’m grateful for his dedication, steady guidance, and gentle humor. Sean, Susan, and Daniel have made encouraging me one of their family projects.
Deb Futter, the publisher of Twelve, trusted me and Sean from the beginning, and she gave us room to run. Brian McLendon, head of publicity, won my heart when he said he loved my dog. Catherine Casalino and I envisioned the cover, and she made an excellent choice in photographer Melanie Dunea. Libby Burton’s edits were specific and smart—she’s a mind reader with a bright future. Thanks also to Paul Samuelson and Tony Forde—doing public relations for a former White House press secretary isn’t easy but they stand out. And Joan Matthews and Mari Okuda’s copyediting is a lifesaver.
Bob Barnett and I have worked together for years, mostly on behalf of other authors. Like Sean, he believed in this book even before I did. I’ve benefited from his advice and sometimes I pinch myself to think I’m actually one of his clients.
Paul Mauro is the best editor and writer you’ve never heard of—he and his wife, Joan McNaughton, are friends I stole from Greg Gutfeld. Paul has a very demanding day job, and in his limited spare time he edited three drafts and kept me laughing with his commentary in the margins. I’m at a rare loss for words to describe my gratitude to him.
There were several people in my trusted readers program: Tim and Michele Chase, Spence Geissinger, Darcy Gulbin and her son John, Ingrid Henrichsen, Jamie Horowitz, Barry Jackson, Joshua McCarroll, Emily Schillinger, Tracy and Jeff Schyberg, Don Stewart, and Chris and Mary Stirewalt.
Many of my friends from the Bush Administration have kept me company, and I thank especially Hannah Abney, Charles Blahous, Trey Bohn, Freddy Ford, Tony Fratto, Keith Hennessey, Ken Lisaius, Jeanie Mamo, Sally McDonough, Mike Meece, Chris Michel, Brent McIntosh, Bill McGurn, Scott Stanzel, Justine Sterling, and Raul Yanes.
Nicolle Wallace also gave me encouragement, treating me as an author—not just as another press secretary who was writing a book.
Chris Byrne, Rachel Ellis, Stuart Siciliano, and Carlton Carroll helped me remember specifics from the White House years.
I wrote about my co-hosts on The Five, and in addition to thanking them for filling my days with laughter, I need to thank those at
the Fox News Channel who were instrumental in giving me a shot and supportive of my additional pursuits: Roger Ailes, Bill Shine, Suzanne Scott, Dianne Brandi, and John Finley.
Sean Hannity was the first to invite me on the channel after leaving the White House, and we’ve been friends since. Megyn Kelly and her husband, Doug Brunt, were enthusiastic about the project. And the crew, makeup artists, and hair stylists are some of my best friends, and I appreciate their talents.
Particular thanks go to Gutfeld. He gave me a shot in the arm to punch up the language and to trust my writing instincts. He was the net under my tightrope as I wrote, and he was patient when I had questions. His first love and best talent is his writing—we’re fortunate that he’s willing to share his gifts with us on television, too.
The people I can never thank enough are President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. I learned so much from them in eight years—about politics, loyalty, and love. They are remarkable leaders, and I’m well aware I’d not be writing this without the opportunities they afforded and the trust they placed in me.
My mom, Jan Perino, read all the drafts and has an eagle eye for typos. My dad, Leo, and my aunt Patty Sue Schuler helped me tell the story of my family’s start in America. My cousin Preston Perino answered questions while on horseback. A long-lost distant cousin, Arlene Vaught, shared her extensive family research with me. My sister, Angie Machock, should get an Oscar for best sister in a supporting role.
And finally there’s Peter, the love of my life that I married after sitting next to him on a plane in 1997. At that point, I’d never even met President Bush, so this is not at all the life we imagined. Peter’s given me room to grow and supported me with enthusiasm, moving here and there and dealing with long hours, distraction, and more than his fair share of the chores. And it’s because of him that I’ve had the joy of raising two Hungarian Vizslas, Henry, who died at nearly fourteen years old in 2012, and Jasper, the silly puppy that delights my fans and followers.
I’ve had a blessed life so far and I’m constantly humbled by it.
About the Author
DANA PERINO is a Fox News contributor and co-host of one of the most popular shows on cable television, The Five. Perino was the first Republican woman to serve as the White House press secretary, and served for over seven years in the administration of President George W. Bush, including at the Department of Justice after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Perino lives in Manhattan with her husband, Peter McMahon, and their dog, Jasper.
ABOUT TWELVE
TWELVE was established in August 2005 with the objective of publishing no more than twelve books each year. We strive to publish the singular book, by authors who have a unique perspective and compelling authority. Works that explain our culture; that illuminate, inspire, provoke, and entertain. We seek to establish communities of conversation surrounding our books. Talented authors deserve attention not only from publishers, but from readers as well. To sell the book is only the beginning of our mission. To build avid audiences of readers who are enriched by these works—that is our ultimate purpose.
For more information about forthcoming TWELVE books, please go to www.twelvebooks.com.
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Contents
Cover
Title Page
Welcome
Dedication
Introduction
Chapter 1: Wide-Open Spaces
Chapter 2: Love at First Flight
Chapter 3: Stepping Up to the Podium
Chapter 4: The Five
Chapter 5: Take It from Me—Please
Chapter 6: Civility, Lost and Found
Chapter 7: Unafraid to Be Right
One More Thing
Photos
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Newsletters
Copyright
Copyright
Copyright © 2015 by Dana Perino
Cover photo by Barry Morgenstein
Cover copyright © 2015 by Hachette Book Group, Inc.
All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher constitute unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.
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First ebook edition: April 2015
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ISBN 978-1-4555-8489-5
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