The Hiller Instinct: Swift's Last Day

As she gets ready to turn out the lights for the last time in the corner office, what does Jane Swift think her legacy is?

Gov. Jane Swift, (R) Massachusetts
"I think some people will prefer to focus on my political failures. I hope--and I believe people are basically fair--that over time they'll focus on the things that matter in their own lives."

In our final interview, Swift refers to an article she just wrote...and this picture, when I ask whether she'll have a portrait in the State House.

Gov. Jane Swift
"I believe that it would be in my best interest just to use this picture from Boston Magazine as my official portrait."

Andy Hiller, Political Editor
"Pretty hot in that picture, is that a bad thing to say to a governor?"

Gov. Jane Swift
"I have never looked that good in person."

Andy Hiller
"So would you like to do the interview with the picture over..."

Gov. Jane Swift
"We'll just do the interview like this."

Andy Hiller
"OK, put it up there. Give me three words to describe Mitt Romney."

Gov. Jane Swift
"Smart, accomplished, and energetic."

Andy Hiller
"Give me three words to describe your time on Beacon Hill."

Gov. Jane Swift
"Tumultuous, satisfying, challenging."

And here are three more words: politically tone deaf.

Gov. Jane Swift
"My father tells me that he can't ever decide whether to be furious with me or proud of me that I stubbornly cling to doing what I know even when I also know it will not be politically popular."

In her Boston Magazine article, Swift also writes, "the public never got a full picture of me as a person."

Gov. Jane Swift
"I think it's pretty clear that my communications through the medium of television were poor at best.

Andy Hiller
"But people had to tell you..."

Gov. Jane Swift
"When you're defensive...you know, that's very personal, when people tell you that people who see you on TV don't like you very much."

Looking ahead...

Gov. Jane Swift
"I don't intend to be in the pubic sector for quite some time, but my political career has taken the most unlikely twists and turns, so I can't say it'll never happen again."

Tomorrow, tradition calls for Jane Swift to walk outside the State House alone. Which is very appropriate, since she was often alone inside the State House.

Many people will be very happy to see Swift leave, but I don't think anyone will be happier than she'll be.