A Baker’s Dozen—Howard Baker’s 1998 Senate Address
You Might Be Right takes its name from Howard H. Baker Jr.’s famous quote: “Always remember the other fellow might be right,” because, in this time of intense civil discord, Senator Baker’s ethos, as well as his wisdom, still provide a path for renewing faith in our American institutions. This special release episode features Howard Baker’s address that was delivered to members of the Senate. Coined as “Baker’s Dozen” Senator Baker, laid out what he believed were the 13 principles of effective leadership in the Senate. Twenty-seven years later, many of these lessons are just as applicable today as they were in 1998 when the address was delivered.
Subscribe and follow You Might be Right wherever you get your audio content – including Apple Podcasts and Spotify – to never miss an episode, or sign up for our email list to receive new episodes straight to your inbox each week here.
“Perhaps things don’t change as much as we think.”
Howard Baker began his speech reflecting on his first time visiting the gallery of the United States Senate as a young boy in 1939. He recalled the primitive air conditioning in the Chamber from 1859, along with his first interaction with the television.
“I recite all of this personal history not to remind you how old I am, but to remark on how young our country is, how true it is in America that, as William Faulkner wrote, ‘The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even the past,’” Baker said.
While technology and the world have changed over time, Senator Baker argued the purpose of the Senate remains aligned with its original goal created by our founders and is one of the greatest deliberative bodies in the world.
“You may be wondering by now what all these ruminations have to do with the subject of Senate leadership,” Senator Baker considered. “The answer is this: What makes the Senate work today is the same thing that made it work in the days of Clay, Webster and Calhoun, in whose temple we gather this evening.”
“It was at that moment that I formulated my theory that being leader of the Senate was like herding cats.”
Senator Baker expanded on what makes the Senate work, specifically noting the need for creative compromise and loving your opponent.
“Very often in the course of my 18 years in the Senate, and especially in the last eight years as Republican Leader and then Majority Leader, I found myself engaged in fire-breathing, passionate debate with my fellow Senators over the great issues of the times,” Baker explained. “… But no sooner had the final word been spoken and the last vote taken than I would usually walk to the desk of my most recent antagonist, extend a hand of friendship, and solicit his support on the next issue for the following day.”
Baker acknowledged how some might think embracing one’s enemy is fraudulent. However, he argued getting independent, opinionated people to work together, though challenging, is the only way the Senate can function.
“And if we cannot be civil to one another, and if we stop dealing with those with whom we disagree, or that we don’t like, we would soon stop functioning altogether,” Senator Baker said.
“But for whatever help it may be to these and future leaders, let me now offer a few rules for Senate leadership. As it happens, they are an even Baker’s Dozen.”
Finally, Senator Baker laid out his 13 guiding principles Senate leadership should follow. Some of his “Baker’s Dozen” philosophies were tailored to the Senate, specifically his advice to consult with as many senators as possible, work with the president, and choose a good staff.
“The founders didn’t require a nation of supermen to make this government and this country work, but only honorable men and women laboring honestly and diligently and creatively in their public and private capacities,” he explained.
However, many of Senator Baker’s rules for Senate leadership can be applied to anyone. Howard Baker encouraged his audience to listen more than you speak, respect differing opinions, be patient, and, finally, be civil and encourage others to do the same.
To conclude, Senator Baker recognized the Senate has imperfections but also celebrated its importance and necessity.
Howard Baker said, “But the Senate, for all its frustrations and foibles and failings, is indeed the world’s greatest deliberative body. And, by God, I love it.”
If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy past episodes that discuss similar themes: Season 1 Episode 7 “What is the Senate Filibuster and Why Should We Care?”, Season 4 Episode 6 “How Can We Disagree Better?”, Season 5 Episode 3 “How Has Polarization Changed Governing?” All You Might be Right episodes can be found here.
Join the conversation on Twitter by following @UTBakerSchool, @PhilBredesen, and @BillHaslam.
Subscribe and follow You Might be Right wherever you get your audio content – including Apple Podcasts and Spotify – to never miss an episode, or sign up for our email list to receive new episodes straight to your inbox each week here.
