On His Own Terms by Richard Norton Smith (Review)
Nelson Rockefeller described himself as having a “Democrat heart with a Republican head.” This phrase captures the core of his political philosophy, which was based on the belief that government should play a role in helping people, but that it should do so in a way that is fiscally responsible and efficient. Rockefeller first caught my attention when I read, Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, a biography by Ron Chernow. Chernow’s book is excellent, and I found it fascinating how the subsequent generations of Rockefellers put their lives to use after being born into the family of the richest man in the world.
While the family patriarch was devoted to philanthropy, his son, John, Jr., expanded the family efforts more broadly and intentionally. Yet by the third generation, the family began turning to politics in addition to philanthropic efforts. Nelson became governor of New York and Winthrop became governor of Arkansas. Laurance and David also had connections to government work. The family all carried a deep sense of responsibility in using their gifts—literal and figurative—to serve the greater good. The result in Nelson Rockefeller was the now largely extinct moderate Republican.
Like his mentor, Teddy Roosevelt, Rockefeller believed that the best way to serve the people was to be responsive to their needs. He also shared Roosevelt's commitment to social justice, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. Rockefeller adhered to a principle I appreciate and pursue: think hard and move slowly—work with discipline. He learned this as he sought out ways to beat his older brother who always played to win, irrespective of the competition.
One comment that Rockefeller made offers more insight into his political philosophy: “I enjoy problems. The greatest game is to try to solve them.” In that vein, Rockefeller loved meetings in so far as they led to solutions. People in his meetings were not allowed to merely say, “I don’t like it” or “there’s a problem.” If you were in the meeting, any such concerns needed to include potential solutions. Rockefeller led with this mindset: “I have proposed what I feel is the solution. If you disagree with what I say, that’s fine. But tell me why you disagree and then tell me what you propose as an alternative.”
Rockefeller's personal life was not without its scandals. His divorce from his first wife, Mary, was a major shock at the time, and it nearly ended his political career. Another low point in his career, the 1971 Attica Prison Riot, also left a black eye on Rockefeller’s legacy. The setbacks may have prevented Rockefeller from achieving his top goal of becoming President of the United States, but they did not prevent his two-year stint as Vice President under Gerald Ford after President Nixon’s resignation. From 1953-1977, Rockefeller devoted his life to public service and—through it all—seemed devoted to helping improve everything that he could.
Despite his wealth and power, Rockefeller never lost sight of the joy of serving as governor. He loved interacting with people, especially children, and he often stopped meetings to chat with visitors to the capitol. Someone in Rockefeller’s position certainly did not need to serve, yet he did so with enthusiasm and generally high approval rates. Rockefeller’s career is particularly interesting when looking at the evolution of the Republican Party. He undoubtedly would have no place in the modern GOP, and—since his death—there have been few examples of the “East Coast Republican” that once existed in greater abundance.
For those who enjoy politics and history, On His Own Terms is a worthwhile read. The book is well written and engaging. While the current GOP may not bear much resemblance to Nelson Rockefeller, it is interesting to consider that his history is not so long. Norton Smith’s book not only lends insight into the Rockefeller but also lends great insight into the state of politics today.
