Guest column by Mary Kay Hill
Al Simpson had a relationship with the press. It was complicated. He experienced the highest peaks of media praise and suffered the valleys of media condemnation. He expected authenticity and he despised a double standard.
I had a front row seat for nine years as his press secretary in Washington, and another four years working with him on various projects from my home in Cheyenne. What a ride.
My counterparts in Washington had a very different job than mine. They were expected to package their bosses. They were pressured to secure spots on television and to secure quotes in the print media. Not me.
Al Simpson prioritized personal relationships. In the early days he carpooled in his Chevy Chevette with a colleague from Minnesota.
He was a people person and that extended to the press. He met the United Press International national correspondent in the men’s room, wrote him a personal note and they became friends.
The reporters of that era quickly realized that Al Simpson was different. No one worked harder to understand complex issues. He would deliver an unfiltered point of view. His language was naturally colorful. He did not seek them out – they had my number on speed dial.
Immigration reform was one of Al’s first assignments. Just as it is now, immigration reform was a hotbed of controversy. He was steady and determined and the press covered every move.
Over six years he labored with interest groups, politicians representing ag groups, minority groups, business groups. He achieved major bipartisan reform and secured President Reagan’s signature.
The reporting on immigration was not always to our liking, but it was mostly fair. Remarkably, it was the reporters who threw a party when the immigration bill became law.
Reporters from national and local print publications, TV reporters and broadcasters gathered with Al and Ann, staff from the Senate and House. Senator Kennedy sent regrets and a bottle of Irish whiskey.
A couple reporters had written a song, distributed the lyrics and we all sang around the piano.
“Face Off” was a two-minute radio show produced by “The Broadcast Group." Based on a quick debate between prominent politicians, the show tackled issues of the day – some big, all important.
It ran at 8:50 each morning on Washington’s WTOP radio station – official Washington’s drive time. Bob Dole filled the GOP spot until he had to drop out. Senator Ted Kennedy was the democrat voice.
A handful of Republican Senators yearned for the job. But it went to the one guy who had not reached out. Al Simpson was recruited to take Dole’s spot.
Al and Kennedy had a good relationship. Face Off took it to the next level. Hundreds of radio stations across the country ran the short debate. I produced Al’s side of the show – writing drafts and accompanying him to the taping.
He quickly learned that a guy who liked to embellish would bump into an unforgiving time limit. The senators would pick three issues each week – a total of 45 seconds to present an issue – a total of one minute for response – 15 seconds to tease tomorrow’s debate.
The show was recognized for Excellence by the International Radio Festival of New York.
Kennedy had mistakenly received an inquiry letter from the Bush Administration personnel office and he used one show to talk about the things he would like to “fix." Al used his response to suggest appropriate jobs for Kennedy, such as cleaning up the Boston Harbor.
They would see each other on the Senate floor and share more “ribald” exchanges on all the topics.
By any standard, he had great press through most of the 1980s. Many of his colleagues assumed he had that big time press operation. Some were envious.
One day I took a call from Al. I was surprised. His schedule showed a Republican Leadership meeting at the White House. A short conversation on the speaker phone followed.
Al asked how long I had worked for him – nine years. How many press conferences in that time – two. How many trips to the Senate news galleries – three. Thanks and see you soon.
He told me later that one of the House Republican leaders had made a snarky comment about Al chasing press attention and he wanted that representative and others to have a clear account.
The truth was important to Al and he was quick to set the record straight. He battled with the press because he realized the enormous power they wielded over the public understanding on any issue.
Enormously frustrated by the treatment of Robert Bork when he was nominated to the Supreme Court, Al telegraphed some of the passion that would appear during the Clarence Thomas nomination hearings.
“Never again,” he told Charlie Truesdale of the Washington Post in October 1987.
“Never again will they have an opportunity, regardless of whether this man wins or loses, to do this again.” Bork’s nomination was defeated. He meant what he said. He said what he meant.
He criticized the shortcomings of the industry. And he treasured friendships with dozens of individual reporters. He cared for individuals at the Cody Enterprise, the Casper Star Tribune and the Washington Post.
He treated them with respect and honesty. He answered the phone.
Always accountable for his own actions, he was sincere when an apology was warranted. Throughout his life he offered a colorful quote – not because he wanted the coverage – but because his thoughts were colorful. He gave it to you straight.
I was blessed to have been part of a remarkable staff that worked for Al Simpson – a man who was fond of pointing out that “Jacob died leaning on his staff.”
Each of us came to understand our role and to respect his. He valued us and we loved him. We are proud of him.
Mary Kay Hill worked as Sen. Al Simpson's press secretary from 1981 - 1990.
