And the Good News Is …

And the Good News Is … Plot Summary

Introduction

The Black Eye of Baghdad was never part of the job description. In December 2008, just weeks before President George W. Bush would leave office, Dana Perino found herself in an unexpected scenario during a press conference in Iraq. When a journalist suddenly hurled his shoe at the President, security moved swiftly to protect him, accidentally knocking a microphone stand into Dana's face with such force that it left her with a severe black eye. Despite the pain, she continued her duties, applying makeup to the President for his scheduled interview while holding an ice pack to her own injury. This episode perfectly encapsulates Dana Perino: resilient, duty-focused, and unfailingly professional, even when facing extraordinary circumstances. From her humble beginnings on a Wyoming ranch to becoming the first Republican woman to serve as White House Press Secretary, Dana Perino's journey represents a quintessentially American story of opportunity and determination. Her narrative illuminates how personal values formed in America's heartland shaped her approach to communication at the highest levels of government. Through her eyes, we witness not only the inner workings of presidential leadership during tumultuous times but also gain invaluable insights into achieving success through civility, preparation, and optimism. Her transition from speaking for a president to finding her own voice as a television personality further demonstrates her remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments while maintaining her core principles.

Chapter 1: Wyoming Roots: Growing Up in Ranch Country

Dana Perino was born in Evanston, Wyoming, a small town most Americans have never heard of—exactly how many Wyoming natives prefer it. Her upbringing spanned both Wyoming and Colorado, places that grounded her with values of independence, self-reliance, and patriotism. The West wasn't just her home; it became fundamental to her character. "It's where I first galloped on a horse on a cattle drive and watched my family brand their cows, make hay bales, and farm fields of oats," she recalls. This childhood gave her experiences few Americans could imagine. Her paternal great-grandparents had emigrated from Italy's Piemonte Province in the early 1900s, settling in Wyoming under the Enlarged Homestead Act. They built a life from scratch, establishing a ranch that would eventually grow to 50,000 acres—almost three times the size of Manhattan. Her grandfather, Leo Perino Sr., expanded this legacy, transforming the small ranch into a substantial operation. From him, Dana learned about economics, politics, and the value of speaking with graciousness and poise. She observed his dedication to the land, his animals, and his family, especially his love for her grandmother, whom he called "Mother" while she called him "Dad." Ranch life taught Dana practical lessons that would serve her throughout her career. She learned that everyone had to pull their weight, showing off was the surest way to lose friends, and helping neighbors was second nature. The harsh realities of nature meant understanding that success required both strength and gentleness. One poignant memory involves her grandfather having to put down an injured horse. "I stole a glance at him. Framed in the window of the pickup, I saw his profile—strong nose, cowboy hat, tanned skin, blue eyes, and glasses. A tear rolled down his cheek right before he pulled the trigger," she remembers. This moment taught her that true strength includes compassion. Political discussions were common during her childhood—conversations about "death taxes and government spending, foreign oil, communism, the Bureau of Land Management and the Endangered Species Act." These kitchen table talks planted the seeds for her conservative values. She developed an early interest in current events, with her father asking her to read newspapers before he got home from work and select articles to discuss at dinner. This practice helped her learn to articulate thoughts and present ideas persuasively—skills that would later prove invaluable. While her father's family embodied the ranching tradition, her mother's side contributed equally to Dana's development. Her maternal grandfather served in World War II, fighting in Germany. Upon returning, he demonstrated good business sense, owning various enterprises in Rawlins, Wyoming. From her mother, Dana inherited a love of music and compassion for others. Her mother worked in hospital admissions and marketing, and even assisted refugees through Lutheran Family Services, exposing Dana to people from different backgrounds and circumstances. This Western upbringing—with its emphasis on hard work, honesty, and helping others—created in Dana a solid foundation that would eventually take her far beyond the ranch fences. "Really," she reflects, "you would never have picked me out of a crowd and said, 'She'll be the White House press secretary one day.' And that's what makes America so great—one day you're sitting on a barnyard fence thinking you'll never leave home and the next thing you're sitting on Marine One with the President of the United States."

Chapter 2: Unexpected Paths: Love and Career Risks

At twenty-five, Dana was experiencing what many young women go through—a quarter-life crisis. Despite outward success as press secretary for a House subcommittee chairman, with good friends and financial stability, she felt stuck. Her career options seemed limited, her dating prospects in Washington were dismal, and she longed for travel and spontaneity after years of structure and planning. "What should I do? Where should I live? What if I've made too many mistakes to turn things around? What if I fail?" These questions haunted her. Then came August 17, 1997—the day that changed everything. Running late for her flight from Denver to Chicago after conducting editorial boards for Congressman Schaefer, Dana boarded just before the doors closed. Behind her was the last passenger—Peter McMahon, a British businessman. They were seated together, and what began as casual conversation about the book he was reading turned into a deep connection that neither expected. "At one point I had to tear my eyes away and look out the window because I realized I was falling in love with an older guy from Britain who happened to be assigned to sit next to me on a plane," Dana recalls. Their romance developed through emails, expensive international phone calls, and handwritten letters. Two months after meeting, Dana flew to New Orleans to spend a weekend with Peter—her first step toward embracing a more spontaneous life. Nine months later, she made the dramatic decision to move to England to be with him. This wasn't merely a relationship choice but a complete departure from her carefully planned career path. She quit her promising job on Capitol Hill and relocated to Lytham St. Annes, a small northern English village. Life in England proved challenging. Without work or responsibilities, Dana struggled with the constant rain and isolation. She tried to stay busy, joining a fitness club, volunteering, and traveling with Peter on weekends, but something was missing. A year after their meeting, she accepted Peter's marriage proposal, and they eloped shortly thereafter, marrying at the registry office and honeymooning in Santorini, Greece. Looking at her reflection in shop windows during that time, Dana wondered, "Is this really me?" Her values remained intact, but this adventurous side was entirely new. The newlyweds soon decided to move to San Diego, following their spontaneous streak. They arrived without jobs, transportation, or housing—just a six-month-old Vizsla puppy named Henry and dreams. Dana found work at a public relations firm but remained restless. Peter, noticing her dissatisfaction, conducted a white board exercise, helping her realize her true professional desires. The results were clear—she needed to return to Washington. Then came September 11, 2001. Watching the attacks unfold, Dana felt even more determined to serve in the Bush Administration. Through a connection from her earlier Capitol Hill days, she secured a position as a spokesperson at the Justice Department. This opportunity brought her back to the city where her career had begun, reconnecting her with the political world. From there, she moved to the White House Council on Environmental Quality, where she worked closely with the press office. Dana's journey illustrates how life's most consequential turns often come unexpectedly. Her willingness to take risks—whether boarding a plane that led to meeting her husband or returning to Washington after 9/11—positioned her for opportunities she never imagined. "I've always found that my best-laid Type A personality plans have been disrupted for better things," she reflects, "plans I didn't make, but ones I chose to embrace, no matter how difficult or crazy they seemed to be."

Chapter 3: The White House Years: Becoming Press Secretary

On a summer day in 2007, Dana Perino walked into Ed Gillespie's office prepared to resign from her position as deputy White House press secretary. After working in the Bush Administration since just after 9/11, she was exhausted. The grueling schedule had taken a toll on her well-being and her marriage. She and Peter had made plans for life after the White House—sleeping until 6 a.m., making breakfast together, walking their dog Henry, and taking road trips to Wyoming. But before she could say a word, Ed delivered unexpected news: "We would like to name you as the press secretary by next week." Dana was stunned. Tony Snow, the current press secretary, needed to focus on his health and family as he battled colon cancer. While honored by the opportunity to become only the second woman to serve as White House press secretary (and the first Republican woman), Dana had concerns. "What does the President think about all of this?" she asked. Ed replied, "Well, he just assumed you would." Later that day, when she saw President Bush in the Oval Office, his wink and nod confirmed that she was indeed his deliberate choice, not just the next person in line. On August 31, 2007, the announcement was made. As Dana stood beside President Bush and Tony Snow in the briefing room, the President delivered prepared remarks but then went off-script with a statement that sealed her confidence: "Look, I chose Dana because I know she can handle you all." With those improvised words, he signaled to everyone that Dana had his full trust and boosted her credibility with the press corps. The press secretary position presented unique challenges—particularly her height. Standing at just five feet tall, Dana discovered she couldn't see over Tony's podium. When an assistant suggested building her a new one, she initially declined, preferring to stand on an apple box. That was until NBC's cameraman discreetly informed a staff member about an unfortunate optical illusion: from certain angles, the White House seal behind her appeared to read "The White Ho" instead of "The White House." A new podium was quickly constructed. Dana's time as press secretary coincided with some of the most tumultuous periods of the Bush presidency—managing the surge in Iraq, responding to the financial crisis, and navigating the transition to the Obama administration. Despite the pressure, she maintained her composure and effectiveness, earning respect from both the President and the press corps. Even in the most difficult moments, she found herself drawing on the lessons from her Wyoming upbringing—speaking with graciousness, showing respect, and maintaining her self-respect. Among her most poignant memories was accompanying President Bush on visits to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed military hospital. On one visit, they met a young Marine who had been injured when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. As the President presented the Purple Heart, the Marine's five-year-old son asked what the medal meant. The President knelt down and explained, "It's an award for your dad, because he is very brave and courageous, and because he loves his country so much." At that moment, the previously unresponsive Marine opened his eyes. "The President had tears dripping from his eyes onto the Marine's face," Dana recalls. "Now everyone was crying, and for so many reasons: the sacrifice; the pain and suffering; the love of country; the belief in the mission; and the witnessing of a relationship between a soldier and his Commander in Chief that the rest of us could never fully grasp." The closing chapter of Dana's White House tenure came with the transition to the Obama administration. On January 20, 2009, her last day, she went to the Oval Office to say goodbye. The President told her, "The first day I was President, I came in here and I said I wanted to be able to look myself in the eye and say I'd been true to my principles every day that I had the privilege to be the Commander in Chief. I feel like I can do that." Hours later, as he boarded the plane back to Texas, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her forehead—a farewell that marked the end of what she describes as "the very best time of my life."

Chapter 4: Leadership Lessons from President Bush

Beyond the public policy debates and media scrutiny, Dana Perino gained extraordinary insights into authentic leadership through her daily interactions with President George W. Bush. His approach to leadership, particularly during times of crisis and adversity, provided her with lessons that transcended politics and shaped her own professional philosophy. One of the most powerful leadership moments Dana witnessed occurred during a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and his cabinet. As tensions mounted within the Israeli coalition regarding peace negotiations, President Bush directly addressed the room: "If there's anyone sitting at this table waiting in the tall grass with plans to attack this good man as soon as he makes a tough decision, please tell me now. Because I am the President of the United States of America, and I will not waste my country's capital on you if you aren't serious." The silence that followed was telling. Then, sensing the fractured nature of the cabinet, the President cleverly redirected the conversation, asking each member about their family backgrounds. As they shared their stories, discovering connections they hadn't known existed, the President rekindled their sense of shared purpose before concluding, "I had a feeling you all may have forgotten why you were here in the first place." President Bush demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence in managing his team. When told about a damaging book being released by former press secretary Scott McClellan, Bush surprised Dana by saying, "I'd like you to try to forgive him." She playfully asked if she could "throw him under the bus first," but the President insisted, "No buts. I don't want you to live bitterly like he is. Nobody will remember this book three weeks from now." This lesson in forgiveness freed Dana from harboring resentment and taught her that letting go of slights is essential for maintaining focus on important work. The President's commitment to the military exemplified another dimension of his leadership. On a secret trip to Iraq in December 2008, just before leaving office, Bush insisted on visiting Navy SEALs for an unannounced, closed-press event. After his speech thanking them for their post-9/11 missions, he shook hands with each one, posing for photographs they could send to their families. Dana observed, "There's nothing like the bond that can develop between a Commander in Chief and his troops." This demonstrated his understanding that leadership requires authentic connection with those you lead. Throughout her time in the White House, Dana noticed how President Bush prioritized steadiness and consistency. He refused to be rattled by criticism, even during the 2008 campaign when candidates from both parties distanced themselves from him. When Dana once pushed back against a particularly unfair attack from Hillary Clinton, the President called her and said, "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it's better for McCain if we don't take the bait. I know you're trying to protect me, but trust me, I'll be fine." His ability to absorb criticism without becoming defensive was a rare quality that allowed him to maintain focus on his responsibilities. Perhaps most tellingly, President Bush showed Dana how to lead by building personal connections. When her relationship with her father had grown distant following her parents' divorce, the President noticed. At a White House dinner for the Italian Prime Minister, Bush went out of his way to welcome her father, taking him around and introducing him to everyone. "That night President Bush gave me back my relationship with my dad," Dana recalls, "an invaluable gift for which I am very grateful." These behind-the-scenes moments revealed a leader who combined strength with empathy, principle with pragmatism, and personal warmth with professional demands. As Dana reflects, "Around him, I was more positive, attentive, and gracious. He lives by a code—duty and honor to his country and commitment to and unconditional love for his family. You won't read it in the media, but that's who he was. And I tried—and try—to be more like him whenever I can."

Chapter 5: The Five and Beyond: Finding a Media Voice

When Dana Perino left the White House in January 2009, she faced the daunting challenge of transitioning from speaking for the President to finding her own voice. Initially, she struggled with this shift. "I'd just left a job where I spoke for the President of the United States, managed a team of twelve people, and started my own consulting business. I wasn't sure that being on a roundtable for an hour a day would be enough to keep me busy," she admits. But The Five would soon change her perspective entirely, becoming a career-defining opportunity. The show's origin story began with a near-death experience. At the celebratory lunch marking The Five's official launch, Bob Beckel, the show's liberal co-host, choked on a shrimp. As he turned purple, Eric Bolling leaped across the table, performed the Heimlich maneuver, and saved his life. The incident, which they later discussed on air, marked a pivotal bonding moment for the co-hosts. "I think of that day as the real first day of the show," Dana reflects. "It was when we finally gelled and knew we'd be together for a while." The Five had started as a temporary summer replacement when Glenn Beck left Fox News in 2011, but its chemistry and growing audience quickly earned it permanent status. For Dana, the show represented more than just a career opportunity—it offered a lifeline as she was burning out in her post-White House endeavors. She had been juggling her own business, speaking engagements, nonprofit work, and a Presidential appointment to the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The Five forced her to streamline her commitments and find focus. The show's format—five personalities with diverse backgrounds discussing news and current events—played to Dana's strengths while pushing her beyond her comfort zone. Initially, she maintained her press secretary shell, careful not to offer opinions that might seem partisan. But gradually, she emerged as herself. "I'd never actually spoken for myself until then. I'd always spoken on behalf of someone else," she explains. By the third year, she had relaxed enough to become the first woman ever "bleeped" on the show, surprising even herself. Each co-host brought unique perspectives to the table. Kimberly Guilfoyle contributed legal expertise as a former prosecutor. Greg Gutfeld provided comic genius and unconventional commentary. Eric Bolling brought business acumen and sports analogies. And Bob Beckel, despite being the lone liberal voice, offered historical context from his years in Democratic politics. Together, they created what Dana calls "the magic formula"—chemistry that couldn't be manufactured. Behind the scenes, the co-hosts developed genuine friendships. They rarely discussed show topics before air time, preferring to chat about their families or the previous night's television. The commercial breaks became opportunities for both tension release and relationship building. "Bob's the best during those outbursts—he knows to just nod his head and agree with me no matter what I'm saying," Dana notes. Amid her professional transition, Dana also experienced personal loss. Her beloved Vizsla, Henry, who had been with her through England, San Diego, and the White House years, died shortly after their move to New York. His passing led to the arrival of Jasper, who quickly became "America's Dog" to The Five's viewers. Jasper's social media presence and occasional appearances on the show created another dimension to Dana's public persona, connecting her with audiences beyond politics. Far from limiting her involvement in other interests, Fox News helped Dana expand her impact. Her segment about Mercy Ships, a charitable surgical vessel serving West Africa, reached millions of viewers. She found that television allowed her to contribute meaningfully to national debates while connecting with audiences in ways she hadn't anticipated. "When I finally stopped being so cautious, I started to let myself laugh, get mad, and make fun of myself," she recalls. This authenticity resonated with viewers, making The Five an unexpected highlight of her career journey and proving that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we don't plan.

Chapter 6: The Civility Choice: Bridging Political Divides

On January 7, 2009, two weeks before Barack Obama's inauguration, Dana Perino witnessed a historic moment in the Oval Office: five Presidents gathered in one room. President George W. Bush had invited former Presidents Carter, Clinton, and George H.W. Bush, along with President-elect Obama, for lunch in the private dining room. As they stood together before the Resolute desk for photographs, Dana was struck by the significance—not just of seeing the first Black American elected President, but of witnessing these five men, despite their political differences, united by respect for the office they had held or would soon hold. This moment captured the tradition of presidential civility that Dana believes is essential to American democracy. Yet she has observed this tradition eroding in contemporary politics. "For a country so blessed, America sure can argue a lot," she notes. "We've gone from being the confident leader of the free world to bickering about every living thing under the sun." The decline in civility, she believes, lies at the heart of America's growing political dysfunction. Dana acknowledges the criticisms that cable news and talk radio contribute to this problem. While recognizing that some commentators cross lines, she defends the medium's role in giving voice to perspectives excluded from mainstream outlets. Her own approach prioritizes persuasion over provocation. "I get more satisfaction out of winning based on persuasion than name-calling," she explains. "And to me it's the name-calling that's at the heart of the incivility that is bringing down political discourse." Her definition of civility doesn't require agreement or timidity. Rather, it means arguing passionately while maintaining respect, finding common ground where possible, and moving forward when consensus can't be reached. She suggests focusing on shared goals rather than assuming malicious intent: "If you don't start off by thinking the opposition is evil, but that they want to get to the same place you do, then you're already on your way to having a more civil and productive conversation." Dana has experienced the benefits of cross-partisan relationships firsthand. At the 1997 Gridiron dinner, she was seated across from then-Senator Barack Obama. "We laughed our butts off for four hours," she recalls. Years later, when they met again in the Cabinet Room—with Obama now the Democratic presidential nominee—he greeted her warmly, saying their Gridiron conversation had been "my favorite night in all my time in Washington." Similarly, her friendship with Democratic strategist Donna Brazile demonstrates how people from different political backgrounds can find common ground. After Hurricane Katrina devastated Brazile's hometown of New Orleans, she worked with the Bush Administration to help rebuild rather than using the disaster for political attacks. Dana and Donna frequently appear together at speaking engagements, showing audiences that "two people born and raised in very different circumstances can grow up to share experiences and motivations." In daily life, Dana practices "conversation stranger danger"—avoiding politics when meeting new people. At dog parks, restaurants, and social gatherings, she prioritizes building connections over scoring political points. When politics does arise, she chooses civility over confrontation, even when others don't reciprocate. After being publicly slighted by a university president before giving a commencement address, she took President Bush's advice to let the person apologize rather than escalating the situation. Dana's experience suggests that civility is ultimately a choice we each make daily—from how we respond to criticism to whether we engage with grace or hostility. "Being civil is an active decision that I get to choose to make several times a day," she reflects. "That's why I believe there's hope—civility is not extinct. It is a choice."

Chapter 7: Advice for Success: Career and Life Lessons

When Dana was preparing for her first briefing as White House press secretary, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings called with direct advice: "Well, you're gonna have to put your big girl panties on and deal with it!" This blunt encouragement snapped Dana out of her anxiety, illustrating how timely advice can transform our approach to challenges. Throughout her career, Dana has collected wisdom that she eagerly shares with young professionals. One foundational lesson came from her college speech team coach, Shawnalee Whitney, who told her before a competition: "It's okay to have butterflies in your stomach, as long as you make them fly in formation." This visualization helped Dana channel nervous energy into enthusiasm rather than anxiety. She still gets butterflies before television appearances but recognizes that adrenaline is essential for a dynamic performance. Without nerves, her delivery would fall flat. For young professionals starting their careers, Dana offers practical "quick fixes" that can yield immediate results. She advises finding a "strong voice" by eliminating up-talking—the habit of ending statements as if they were questions. "Up-talking makes most adults cringe. It suggests immaturity and a lack of seriousness," she explains. Similarly, she recommends banning exclamation points from professional emails and ditching UGG boots at the office. These small adjustments signal seriousness and attention to detail. Developing good habits forms the next tier of Dana's advice. She emphasizes sharing credit with colleagues, noting how President Bush insisted she give all credit for a successful hostage rescue to Colombian President Uribe rather than claiming any for himself. "I learned from President Bush that even when you could use a personal boost, it's better to spread the credit if it helps you get closer to your goal," she reflects. She also stresses the importance of loyalty as a two-way street, standing up for team members, and expressing gratitude through handwritten thank-you notes. For long-term career success, Dana encourages young people to consider bigger picture strategies. She advocates "moving out to move up"—being willing to relocate for career advancement rather than limiting opportunities to one location. "Why not go somewhere else and shine?" she suggests, noting how geographical flexibility opened doors throughout her own career. She also recommends constant learning through reading, networking, and maintaining physical health. Finding work-life balance requires becoming what Dana calls a "schedule warrior"—someone who sets boundaries and learns to say no. "I finally realized that there's only one person who can help me keep a decent schedule—and that's me," she acknowledges. This means resisting the temptation to brag about busyness and instead focusing on meaningful priorities. Perhaps her most valuable advice concerns personal relationships. When Dana met Peter on that fateful flight in 1997, she worried about what others would think of her decision to pursue a relationship with someone eighteen years her senior who lived in England. A friend's advice proved pivotal: "If you do anything in life, don't give up on a chance to be loved—he may be the only man who will ever truly love you. Don't miss it." Choosing love over career concerns became "the best decision of my life," Dana reflects. Throughout her advice, Dana emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. As Tony Snow once told her when she doubted her ability to replace him: "You are better at this than you think you are." It took time for Dana to realize she didn't need to be like anyone else—she could succeed by being herself. This lesson transcends specific careers or situations, applying to anyone striving to find their place in the world.

Summary

Dana Perino's journey from a Wyoming ranch to the White House press podium embodies a quintessentially American story of opportunity embraced through hard work, adaptability, and principled living. Her narrative illuminates how values formed in America's heartland—honesty, respect, optimism, and responsibility—translated into effective leadership in Washington's highest circles. Whether briefing reporters during national crises, supporting a president through difficult decisions, or finding her authentic voice on television, Dana consistently demonstrated that civility and strength are complementary rather than contradictory forces. The central thread weaving through Dana's story is her ability to remain true to herself while adapting to changing circumstances. When life disrupted her carefully constructed plans—whether through meeting her future husband on a plane, being offered the press secretary position just as she planned to resign, or transitioning to television after the White House—she embraced these unexpected turns rather than resisting them. Her example suggests that our most fulfilling paths often emerge when we remain open to possibilities beyond our imagined futures. As she puts it: "I believe that a positive outlook and treating others with respect, dignity, and graciousness lead to professional and personal success. It's a no-lose formula." In an era of increasing political polarization and public incivility, Dana Perino's approach offers a refreshing alternative—demonstrating that one can stand firmly by their principles while extending respect to those with different perspectives, and that optimism remains a powerful force for navigating life's challenges with grace.

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Dana Perino

Dana Perino is an American political commentator and author. Perino served as the White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush, where she was the first female press secretary in a Republican administration. She was appointed to the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors in 2010 by President Obama.Dana Perino currently anchors FOX News Channel’s (FNC) The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino and also serves as co-host of The Five (weekdays 5-6PM/ET). She also hosts a podcast Perino and Stirewalt: I’ll Tell You What.

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