Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey showed a surprising amount of decorum during his exit from office, and the internet took notice.
Ducey, a Republican, left a handwritten note for incoming Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs congratulating her on her new position and wishing her well in her endeavors as governor.
While this kind of note might not have been much of a surprise 30 years ago, the recent behavior of some members of the Republican party has been significantly less becoming of people in positions of power.
The note was shared to Twitter by historian Michael Beschloss, who has published 9 books on the United States Presidency.
The letter read:
"Dear Katie,"
"Welcome to the Governor's office and once again, congratulations!"
"If you are reading this note you are soon to be sworn in. I want you to know I wish you only the best."
"Every day as governor is an adventure. It is the greatest job in politics an [sic] an immense responsibility. I know you will serve the people of Arizona well."
"You and your family will be in our family prayers and if I can ever be helpful, I'm only a phone call away."
"All the best, Doug"
You can see Ducey's handwritten note below:
\u201cOutgoing Republican Arizona Governor wrote this to his Democratic successor, Katie Hobbs: t/y @abc15\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
People had a lot to say about the note.
Some were appreciative of Ducey's ability to bow out with grace and dignity.
\u201c@BeschlossDC @abc15 And that, my fellow Americans, is how it\u2019s done.\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
\u201c@BeschlossDC @abc15 \u2026and this is how it\u2019s done. Hand written. No insults. No threats. Just a hearty congratulations and well wishes for a successful term.\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
\u201c@BeschlossDC @abc15 This is good. Used to be commonplace but I\u2019ll take what I can get \ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udffd\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
\u201c@ChuckBausman @BeschlossDC @abc15 Just basic good manners, really. But those seem to be getting more scarce, so good for him.\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
While others were sad such a simple gesture is not only noteworthy, but incredibly unexpected in today's political climate.
\u201c@BeschlossDC @abc15 It's a sorrow that such touches of dignity and grace now come as surprises, in American politics.\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
\u201c@BeschlossDC @abc15 I want a country where basic acts of decency don't need to be posted on social media as if they are something unusual.\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
\u201c@joshtpm @BeschlossDC @abc15 Not heroic but decent and a nice gestire. I think it's fine to point out some decency and class, even if the politician did some things I don't like.\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
\u201c@lionsapologist @BeschlossDC @abc15 The bar is in hell at this point\u201d— Michael Beschloss (@Michael Beschloss) 1672705385
Hopefully more politicians will take Ducey's example of professional behavior and basic human decency to heart.
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