There is an old saying in the Nation’s Capital, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
Even if you were a young congressional press secretary, as I was back in the day, she would treat you with grace and respect, despite the fact she was part of Washington’s political and journalistic royalty. She knew the trials and tribulations of the nameless who kept the Congress going, and she expressed her appreciation by treating them with professionalism and compassion.
At ABC News you could see the up close and personal Cokie, who worked incredibly hard and was as good a competitor as anyone, yet she never let her position or knowledge of the inner nooks and crannies of Washington undermine her manners nor her commitment to great journalism.