Gordon E. Harvey Bücher

Florida governor Reubin Askew famously defined a leader as someone who tells the public not just what they want to hear, but what they need to know. This unexpected statement resonated during his time, contributing to what many remember as “the Golden Age” of Florida politics. In The Politics of Trust: Reubin Askew and Florida in the 1970s, Gordon E. Harvey explores Askew's impactful career, which emerged from a wave of “New South” leadership aiming to rejuvenate the Democratic Party and move beyond the entrenched politics of white supremacy. Askew's election paved the way for other New South leaders like Jimmy Carter and Dale Bumpers. Raised by a single mother in Pensacola, Askew rose through the state legislature and challenged Republican incumbent Claude R. Kirk Jr. on a populist platform advocating for higher corporate taxes. His victory led to significant reforms, including a new corporate income tax, reduced consumer and property taxes, penal code reviews, environmental protections, increased welfare benefits, and workers’ compensation for migrant laborers. Emphasizing honesty and transparency, Askew referred to his administration as “government in the sunshine.” Harvey illustrates that Askew's success stemmed from his bold, sometimes unpopular positions, combined with his unvarnished candor, ethics, and faith, which earned him the trust of Florida's diverse populace.