Gov. Ann Richards speaks at the 1988 Democratic Convention

Gov. Ann Richards speaks at the 1988 Democratic Convention in Atlanta, GA.
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[@barrett7893]

This is what the Democrat party really needs more than ever. It’s people like Ann Richards!! That will stand up and not be told to shut up!!

[@thesubhumancomedy]

Russ bot

[@olgalira8415]

My son was born in 1988. I was too busy then, running around to make ends meet. I had never heard this lady talk. I actually cried now that I did. Rest for ever in peace Mrs. Richards.

[@rebeccaluna9560]

Olga, my daughter graduated high school in 1988. I worked Ms. Richards’ phone bank during her campaign!!! What an amazing and heartfelt experience!!!!! 💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸

[@johnobrien5440]

Boy, Ann Richards would have tore Trump's ass up!!

[@whyputaname]

She would've really put that silver foot in his mouth..

[@tessloneill7978]

I like that she was so confident in herself and wouldn’t become mean like her opponent. Even if you didn’t vote for her, you didn’t hate her. She just seemed like a class act. I was in another state at the time. Everyone took noticed. If running against Trump, she just wouldn’t face off with him. That’s the way it seemed to me. I couldn’t even vote at the time. One took noticed of AR.

[@Nicholas86937]

Fun Fact: My mother helped with Ann Richard’s fundraising campaign during the election of Texas. Ann is a one of a kind. She was the best democrat of them all. We miss you dearly Mrs. Richards 🙏

[@West_87]

If Ann Richards had run that year and been nominated, she probably would've beaten Bush. She was such a charismatic, authentic, likable person with policy chops to boot.

[@gtimny]

She'd have been great, but you're forgetting that when this speech was given in 1988, she was Texas State Treasurer. She had not yet become Governor (not till 1991). Until this speech almost nobody outside Texas had heard of her, so she didn't have the high profile that would have allowed for a successful run. It's a nice thought, but it never would have happened.

[@West_87]

@@gtimny Fair point.

[@DownstairsDodds]

Texans really loved her. Bush lied about her having turnstiles in the prisons.

[@Johnny0lovely69]

​@DownstairsDodds oh crime actually went down under her term because she helped implement drug and alcohol rehab programs in prison

[@rherho1]

Gov. Richards was one of a kind! The world needs a thousand more just like her. RIP Madam Governor . This Texan misses you dearly and thanks you sincerely for everything you did and for the legacy you left us!

[@barrett7893]

Amen

[@alanwilson8407]

The only white Texan I ever liked, in politics or out!

[@alanwilson8407]

I must correct my previous alcohol driven comment and add B. O'Rorke, the next gov of that insane, arrogant, and overbearing state. I KNOW their are many good people in Texas who have a different paint job than me, so, apologies 😉all around.

[@dezcacciotti6788]

32 years later and our candidates are still fighting for the words Ann Richards spoke at this convention.

[@anongender]

They don't do MIERDA just argue and make more fake problems. They never solve real problems. Duh!

[@amanda331]

Democratic leaders GET BACK TO THIS and you will win.

[@austinwhite1268]

Agreed

[@enjoythemoment6596]

I had a bad day and had to get me dose of Ann Richards to lift my spirits. ❤️🙏🏼 My hero!

[@isabelinaalvarez]

I do this every once in a while. She’s so good at reminding us that we control our own joy.

[@barrett7893]

Ann Richards was in amazing governor. What a true Christian women and she ran the hell out of the government in Texas! I wish you was here now! We really do need more women like Ann Richards! We love you Ann and miss you! RIP ❤️❤️❤️

[@jeremypena9385]

I love, respect and admire this woman. She is very much alive in my heart.

[@janicegreenwood664]

Even in death, she continues to inspire us. I miss her so much. Thank you Gov.

[@NathanLongacre-jo6cx]

Can you imagine a Democrat talking like this today? Today it's all about "boo hoo racism" and pro-LGBT crap. This is back when the Democrats fought for the working class, the Democratic Party of Andrew Jackson and Franklin Roosevelt and Huey Long.

[@janicegreenwood664]

You may want to do a little research on Huey P Long.@@NathanLongacre-jo6cx

[@jayfoulk2453]

Dukakis was a joke...Ann Richards wasn't. How wonderful would it have been to have her debate Trump today?

[@gryphon50c]

she would run circles around him!

[@ronniesanders711]

she is too much like Hillary

[@stevendavis9712]

Dukakis was & is an honorable statesman who stayed above the influence on the high road. I also liked & respected the spunky Governor Richards as well

[@paystarbuzzy]

I voted for Mike in '88. And he had the worst PR gaff in history when he was test driving a tank with the special helmet and he got painted as a little dweeb. He might not have one anyway, but his chances were gone after the right wing press was done with him.

[@cat52]

Jay Foulk Ann would have had delightful fun cutting someone like Trump down to size, she would have done it with amazing humor and class.

[@avenger2807]

"Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astair did..... She just did it backwards and in high heels"

[@calvininsf]

*hahhhhhh HEEEEELLSSSSSSS.

[@alanwilson8407]

What nobody wants to admit is that Fred did it with so much more STYLE!!!!

[@idolmaniac1120]

Actually, her daughter Cecille Richards said that her mother became friends with a young African American Senator from Illinois and admired him before she died. I believe that she would support him today.

[@robmccarthy1834]

what a real Texan sounds like. It's long, but telling, poignant and funny, and it shows us how far we've slipped in the area of american humor and statesmanship. no teleprompter, just a depression era success story, and the 1st woman elected Governor of Texas.1988, yea, Dukakis was the nominee, but after listening to ann Richards you come away thinking that the Dems ran the wrong candidate.

[@Cougar139tweak]

The piece of paper in her hand genius...

[@LinkRocks]

Dukasis was a good man, but couldn't run a campaign. He was leading big in the summer off '88 then snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with his constant flubs.

[@coby4480]

jarjon76 I would half of the “flubs” were not of his making. For instance, the infamous Kitty Dukakis question during the debate has to be one of the worst and most unprofessional questions in American history.

[@lorrainelindsay4391]

@DOUG OLIVE She was speaking from her heart - you don't need a teleprompter for that (unlike a certain President - but that's because he doesn't HAVE a heart, he has a cash register where it should be)

[@powerWithinUs4055]

Well said, thanks for posting.

[@allidock11]

Ann Richards was the first person I voted for, two weeks after I turned 18. She was a wonderful person.

[@aq5426]

I loved her. I was so sad when she passed away, because the world lost a true wit.

[@mikesmyth8515]

what an orator! But what I read says she was Texas treasurer at this time and became the governor two years later. What an inspiring speaker.

[@coolcat5714]

".....silver foot in his mouth " political diss of the ages !

[@idiotsloveboxes]

Hilarious. He won.

[@alicesrabbit7126]

16:30

[@danielpolk3866]

This is the Democratic party I remember, the party of Labor, the Working Class, of opportunity, of non discrimination, of Public Education, of public works that better society and improve living and working conditions for common people.

[@coby4480]

Now it’s the party of Goldman Sachs and fucking over the progressive wing so the neo-liberals can make the party essentially conservative.

[@coby4480]

eastbound2020 OK Boomer

[@doublea1671]

This is the party I want to help revive, and help make it stronger again!

[@Luboman411]

She's also a natural because she worked as a schoolteacher for a while (so did LBJ, by the way). I just became a teacher, and if there is something that you learn mighty quick is that an effective teacher is an expert communicator and presenter. Adults are overgrown children, so a great teacher can easily become a great politician, like Ann Richards here.

[@margaretcox4456]

She was and is a national treasure!

[@thomasjust2663]

She was a failure, need prof? she lost her re-election attempt

[@margaretcox4456]

yes because Karl Rove spread lies about her being a lesbian. It is Texas and that appealed to the religious right. Proving once and always the republicans are scum

[@mrr1965211]

Its funny. Whenever I wrongly generalize about the people of Texas, I take a look at this and it stops me dead in my tracks. God Bless Texas for producing this wonderful woman.

[@B3ll3vill3]

I mean. Can this go down in history as the best speech. Ever.

[@opalswindowrestoration2544]

This is the Texas I want to be remembered for again -- no matter what all you well-deserved haters say, we're on our way back to populist Dems. Can't wait.

[@cat52]

I absolutely loved Ann Richards. She was funny aa hell..and as tough as they come. We will never see another person like Ann. She truly was one of a kind.

[@rnichole]

I was born in 1995, much too young to know of this legend. Watched the Broadway show online tonight and fell in love with her. The live speech was somehow even better than the show. RIP to an iconic queen. Everything she spoke about is so relevant today. Shook. Emotional. Inspired

[@irockandiadarola3730]

Ann Richards was a national treasure. So good on the mic. That is what a natural looks like.

[@smartgirlsattheparty]

It's refreshing to see Ann Richards speaking with such vigor. An incredible Smart Girl!

[@rebeccadolashewich7094]

✨✌️🤠✌️✨

[@LawandaFinch]

She was ignorant

[@FirebrandAL]

Republican talking here... this lady's born 30 years later, she's an eleventy billion term president. Let's just be honest.

[@jordynshepard7111]

This wasn't a keynote speech. This was a roast. And it was awesome.

[@idiotsloveboxes]

Ann Richards never would have fled Texas.

[@phyllispetras2181]

No teleprompter, no written text on the desk, just brilliant speaking.

[@kellymcgee5509]

she would have made such an awesome president

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

Agree

[@thomassutherland7032]

+Kelly McGee I'd take her over Mrs. Bandwagon Clinton any day.

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

She was a great Woman, Governor and Democrat.I could be wrong, I think Ann would be supporting Bernie,She was the Best

[@andromedastar4900]

Definitely, just imagine if Richards was going up against Trump, she would mop the floor with him. She wouldn't be intimidated like Hillary and the other current politicians are.

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

+andromedastar agree

[@barrett7893]

I love Ann Richards!! ♥️♥️♥️ Never forgotten!!

[@saralp1967]

Ann Richards was the best politician ever.

[@ADogNamedStay]

Bullshit. She supported the atf in their illegal raids.

[@jhmetoxen]

This woman should have run for president. I wish she were still here today!

[@OJGillom]

R.I.P. Ann Richards. Had heart, charisma and smarts. Great combination for anyone to have.

[@spencershortwave3958]

This has to be one of the best speeches in modern American political history. And during a decade when the Democratic Party had gotten lost in the weeds with a bunch of painfully boring far-left policy-wonks (Mondale and then Dukakis) this speech was a harbinger of a more moderate, plain-spoken, and down-to earth Democratic Party to come just a few short years later. We need more Democrats like Ann around today.

[@Pablo123456x]

"moderate Democrats" is just another way of saying conservative.

[@conformconsumeobey2985]

Spencer Shortwave Her daughter was the pres of Planned Parenthood for like 15 years she stepped down April.

[@conformconsumeobey2985]

Oh well I was off by 3 years she was in since 2006

[@jeffutubepassword]

Pablo123456x Perhaps. We all fall on a spectrum. Moderation in political sphere appeals to a greater segment of the voting population and often makes those candidates electable, for better or worse. Being a moderate (or conservative) Democrat isn’t always so bad (as may be a moderate “liberal” republican). If we’ve learned anything over the last 3 years, it’s we need someone with reason. The impulse is to overcorrect and overcompensate with an ideologically opposite candidate. That candidate rarely wins and when she/he does, it’s rarely, if ever, the salvation we expected.

[@alwildcats]

"Nothing is wrong with YOU that You can't fix in November!" Amen!!! Boy, I wish she was still around....

[@pamevans8001]

you & me both. sure do miss her.

[@sandraallisonhatcher270]

I just referenced this speech to a European and I decided to watch it again. I am absolutely in tears. She is an icon. Amazing speaker, incredible woman, intelligent and solid leader. My single favourite political speech of all time.

[@NapaneeDesignStudio]

She is amazing.

[@lisarice4402]

+Napanee Design Studio yes she was. When my father got transferred to Kansas City, all of the children in the family (including myself) were AHEAD of what was being taught in Missouri - at that time. I so miss Ann Richards. If she had ever run for president, she would have gotten my vote.

[@operasanger]

Brava!! Extraordinary speech! Heart, humor, intelligence, compassion, grasp of the facts and a wisdom to separate fallacy from reality. What an extraordinary public servant in a memorable performance for the ages. This speech should be taught in classrooms. Governor Richards, you are sorely missed. The State of Texas has not seen your equal in the governor's chair since. Rest in well-earned Peace.

[@larryingle7055]

Surely, one of the most dynamic, sensible Democrats in history. Never to be forgotten, Trail Blazer.

[@frndofbear]

Greatest moment in the history of American Politics.

[@reanimated]

A true Texas legend. I miss this lady.

[@jptvi1]

I am a PROUD American. Came here after watching documentary on HBO. Watching Governor Richards I ask, where are the Great AMERICANS. Republican or Democrat? Tea Party or Liberal? Where are the Great AMERICANS? How can we be America the Great if we are not filled with or lead by GREAT AMERICANS!

[@jeffutubepassword]

jptvi thompson THIS is one of (if not THE) best, most vexing question I ask myself. Where are our statesmen and states women that lead garner respect by Americans at large and both sides of the aisle?

[@gpmcd1044]

The best Governor Texas ever had. I sure miss that lady. RIP

[@mlewis388]

Perhaps we need this speech! Our leaders (democratic & republican) are selflessly involved with each other.

[@oscaravalos9098]

No. Just Republicans.

[@tipofmytongue1024]

She should have ran for president. Then Bush wouldn't have won...and we wouldn't have gone through the bullcrap that was the 2000s with W. Oh well regardless, I would have loved to have met this wonderful lady. There's a reason why the Queen came all the way to Texas just to make an appearance for this lady. Miss Ann Richards everyone...I just adore her.

[@RaiderRed98]

Actually, she lost to W. in the Texas Governor's race in 1996 (unfortunately).

[@San47di]

RaiderRed98 Indeed she did. However, she is truly missed. The woman told it like it was, all jokes and puns aside. To me she was just ahead of her time. She would fit right in today! :-)

[@Speegs23]

It's a cute myth that this was a beloved or successful governor, she won a single term by a slim plurality, and was walloped at re-election. Her greatest legacy being the lie she told about the Texas Lottery, where she PROMISED that if it were implemented that all revenue would go to education, she promptly allowed her cronies in the Democratic controlled legislature to divert the funds to the general fund, making it a free for all for anything and everything.

[@brunatrevino4285]

I know we all will always remember that great lady she was very charismatic and got her point across thouching many

[@Speegs23]

Exactly how many did she "thouch'?

[@Cougar139tweak]

Why couldn't we have had this!! Makes me proud to be a Texan!!

[@doublea1671]

We need a Governor like her again! Let’s get Abbott out in ‘22 and vote in someone like Beto!

[@tessloneill7978]

@@doublea1671 I like Beto, but his strategy is different from AR. When AR talked everyone liked her. Strength and Confidence. Not defensive. I am not a Texan but everyone whether Democratic or Republican, everyone took notice.

[@amwilliams555]

Much of this Keynote Address is so relevant today in 2018

[@mbanks156]

Gov. Richards, thank you, you are tough!!!!

[@rosencat]

Watch the HBO documentary on Ann Richards. We need more straight talking, strong people in public service. What would America look like today if Karl Rove hadn't come on the scene??

[@jeffchastain6202]

Karl Rove and Roger Ailes did more damage to America than any other 2 people in history.

[@WifeDesignLife]

I grew up watching Ann Richards (I was 12 when she ran for Gov.) here in Texas, I saw the Broadway play with Holland Taylor --- moved me to tears. They don't make Texans like her any more :-(

[@ADogNamedStay]

They don't make them like that at all, the ones you seek are expats and wannabees.

[@paulccrimmins]

This was, in my opinion, the most entertaining and skillful bit of speech writing and oration that has ever been at a political convention. Former Texas governor Ann Richards at her best. Rest in peace, my dear. You did your best 🎉

[@shadedmuse]

Democratic party should of run Ann Richards in 1988 in stead og Dukakis

[@mikegarippo7815]

Should "of"? You should've spent more time in your English class.

[@MiroBG359]

Fierce, smart, authentic!

[@joncapps2753]

she was an absolute national treasure.RIP

[@UniversalPotentate]

I saw this clip on Rachel Maddow tonight and had to rush to KZbin to see the entire speech in full! Thanks for posting.

[@mlewis388]

Where are these Democrats? This country desires and deserves them.

[@andromedastar4900]

+Matthew Lewis Indeed, it isn't 1988 anymore...back when Dems actually were of the people and for the people. The Democratic Party now is nothing but a big corrupt oligarchic machine with major bots like Shillary...but look what has happened to the Republican Party. From Reagan at its pinnacle to idiots like Dubya and Palin and now to the biggest jokes of all...Trump and Cruz. Don't know which one is worse. In less than 30 years, how far both parties have fallen.

[@whiteknightcat]

+andromedastar Indeed. Hope still exists, though, for one who aspires to the values of both presidents named Roosevelt.

[@tranurse]

Cory Booker, the Castro Brothers, Joseph P. Kennedy III, Franken and Klobachar, Warren. They're out there.

[@emotionscomeandgo]

tranurse lmao

[@avenger2807]

This breaks my heart. This lady came SO DAMN CLOSE to being our first woman president. Hillary, you have big shoes to fill :-) (Seriously, can you imagine Cheeto-man matching wits with Anne Richards or Barbara Jordan? He'd be curled up in a ball whimpering or stomping around screaming about to stroke out).

[@inflorire]

@NYCPizzaman she won a red state as a dem woman 4 decades ago. She was gutsy as hell. And shrub is pretty funny. 😆

[@ellestreet8940]

Need to watch this every election so I don't get misguided or caught up in the hype!

[@pamevans8001]

I have to watch this to keep my head from exploding occasionally

[@ADogNamedStay]

You're already caught up in the hype if you need to be watching this.

[@cjjersey2455]

Dems, please use clips from this speech for ads in 2020.

[@Mrpastry909]

Man, back when the Democratic Party actually won in the South...

[@RedRockYouTube]

Ms. Richards, I/We miss you.

[@MSANGEL5467]

This was one brilliant lady! She could be speaking of today's GOP strategies...Divide and conquer. It's so true.

[@kristannestone1748]

I saw this speech way back in high school and never forgot it! We need this swagger, this style and poise and power more than ever, WOMEN!!

[@LauraGammack]

She is the first chapter of my book The Well-Spoken Woman. Figured I should watch her most famous speech, seeing as I'd never heard of her being only in my 20s and Canadian. She sure had some amazing speaking abilities including tone of voice, pacing and gestures. Glad I watched this video!

[@thomasjust2663]

Well did you include the fact that this woman raised taxes, something she said she would not do, failed to keep her promises like regulating the insurance industry, didn't stop one single execution from the death penalty, she was bad at selecting people to key positions and the result was scandal after scandal, she also didn't get along with VIP people in her own party, case in point Bob Bullock!! and if that wasn't enough, she underestimated George W. Bush a young but determined politician, the result was that even do she outspend Bush in the re-election, she lost and her career was over, talking a good game isn't enough, you need to deliver the goods if you want to get re-elected at least in the state of Texas

[@barrett7893]

I love this women with all my heart!! It breaks my heart she died to young!!! She had so much more to accomplish. One thing that breaks my heart is that I will never meet Ann Richards!! 😰😰😰😰 but she's in a better place now.

[@WamuyuGatheru]

So unscripted and natural

[@mollymoor]

Gov Ann Richards speech at the 1988 Democratic Convention is just as relevant today...Made me proud to be a Texan & a woman...RIP..

[@janetcouture]

This is why I am a Democrat.

[@unoriginalusername1748]

Why can't we have a woman like her running Texas? Instead we just got another Rick Perry drone

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

Yes, I'm not a Texan but I lived there 10 years. Ann Richards was the best.

[@bhumphries1360]

Jofus Wendy Davis ran, but the point is.....people gotta show up. They gotta vote. It just doesn't work by not voting, and complaining later! No, but really, Wendy Davis would have been a helluva governor! She ran a twelve hour long fillibuster while serving district 10 as a member of Congress. In order to block a bill from being passed, that would have restricted women's rights to safe and legal abortion, therefore causing several clinics to shut down.

[@95garyl]

Glad she only lasted one-term

[@jettcarlburg356]

@@95garyl GFYS

[@95garyl]

@@jettcarlburg356 can’t handle the truth??? She was a useless drunk. Her daughter is just as bad.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

I don't know much about this woman, but I know a great deal about politics and history. The fact that I have not seen one negative comment about this POLITICIAN, really says something. Maybe she should have ran for president.

[@RML1946]

Ann Richards - one of my heroines - i met her in 1998 and it was magical - she inspired a lot of young women and left a legacy that continues to do so....

[@Marchant2]

God! I miss this woman.

[@Batony]

When I was a Democrat, I loved ANN RICHARDS!

[@mbrand19971]

I didn't follw much of Richard's career but she would've been a great president had she stayed another term as Governor of Texas. She was a original.

[@benblackburn702]

Ann Richards was well ahead of her time. She was a shining light and also one of Hillary's mentors.

[@goodgollymisspolly5163]

I still love you today, Ann Richards, just as I always did. A woman of Greatness. Bless you always.

[@denisegray70]

I wonder what she would think of #45 and the congress WOW we need people like this TODAY

[@mq827]

Texas needs her more than ever. She’s looking down in horror.

[@natekidren]

You can only WISH the Dems were like this today... sad. The GOP is wiping the floor with them.

[@dannyrodriguez5063]

The greatest convention speech EVER! Ann Richards

[@tommyhudson483]

Ann Richards please look down protect and guide with grace Beto with his race for the senate seat in Texas against Ted Cruz

[@FilguyNY]

She's fantastic! Just saw her daughter Cecile Richards speak at the Democractic Convention

[@sstarkey1695]

As relevant today as in 1988. Ann nailed it all as if she was standing at the podium, today!

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

She should have been the nominee in 1988. She would have cleaned Bush's clock.

[@tristonnegreaux6587]

If Ann Richards was still alive, she'd show these Dems how to check these lyin' Republicans. She had bigger balls than any male politician! Rest in power, Governor Richards.

[@RJLKMRD]

Wow, where are democratic candidates with this kind of charisma? What a star!

[@inflorire]

There should’ve been a warning. I wasn’t prepared to witness the entire 1988 Republican party get assassinated.

[@jillneeld8714]

One of Hillary's mentors!

[@alicesrabbit7126]

1:28 Ginger Rogers 19:26 Born with a silver foot 23:55 That ol' dog won't hunt

[@mvburns1]

RIP, Ann Richards

[@Chichichimosa]

If Texans like this existed like this today...I would still be there!! St Ann Richards...she is the Texan i aspired to be.

[@GeorgiaKev]

Yeah, Clayton Williams would be considered a mainstream Republican today. He just came a little before his time.

[@adrian993]

19:25 "He can't help it...he was born with a silver foot in his mouth" LOL

[@danielmoreno387]

“Buenas noches mis amigos!” Spoken like a True Texan! If you know, you know.