It’s a question I love to throw out at social gatherings when the conversation lags. It never fails to spark a heated discussion. On many occasions, it gives me a whole different perspective on someone I thought I knew. So, I’m tossing it out into the Blogosphere now.
Pay attention! I’m not asking who your heroes are. Don’t just trot out Mother Theresa, Eleanor Roosevelt or Thomas Jefferson. Unless, with your particular background, politics and preferences, I would be absolutely flabbergasted to know that you admire them. I want to hear from the Conservative Viet Nam War vet who thinks Jane Fonda is his dream girl, the Tea Party member who voted for Nancy Pelosi, the Gay man who thinks hate-mongering Pastor Fred Phelps can be admired for the strength of his convictions. (Okay, maybe that last example is a bridge too far!) Tell me who I’d never guess you admire, what about you makes that admiration unexpected, and what it is about that person that transcends your usual tastes, politics and ethics.
Here, let me get things started.

For the most part, I hated the Reagans’ politics, but I maintain Nancy Reagan was one of the most stylish First Ladies ever. And I think she used her Style Forces for good.
Anyone who knows me or reads this blog regularly would NEVER, EVER suspect that I admire Nancy Reagan. Yup, Nancy Reagan. What a shocker from a lifelong Liberal who thinks we are still paying a heavy price for the Reagan years. Sure, I disagree with Nancy Reagan’s politics, thought her band-aid approach to drug abuse was simplistic, and laughed at her astrology forays. But she was a woman of great style, flair and fashion sense. I think she reinvigorated the White House with a glamour it hadn’t seen since the Kennedy days and, before that, maybe not since Dolley Madison. I hope the Obamas take a page out of her book and have a lot more State Dinners. Just as a lot of business is transacted in social occasions, I think a lot of diplomacy happens at state dinners. They can also be used to celebrate the Arts and achievements of America. Think of the famous gatherings of musicians, literary figures and Nobel Laureates that Jack Kennedy famously quipped were “the greatest collection of brilliance the White House had seen excepting the nights when Thomas Jefferson dined alone”.
If too much glitz and glamour seems out of place in today’s economic climate, I’m sure there must be a way to make them into partial fundraisers for specified charities such as education, Veterans’ programs and such. The Kennedys are no longer with us, but Nancy Reagan is and she’s right up there in their league on this. Michelle, bring her and her former social secretary to Washington and let them help you make our Capital the center of glamour, Arts and excitement again. I think we might build a lot of bridges with our European allies — and even our frenemies — over California Sparkling wine (never Champagne!), a dinner featuring domestically grown organic produce and a well-tuned orchestra. Throw in some artists, a few movie stars and Nobel Laureates. Then, get Nancy to teach you to dance as elegantly as she did. I’ll state it boldly. I think Nancy, in this particular capacity, is a National Treasure. And in today’s fractious world climate, we need her.
The second person you’d be surprised to find out that I admire: Richard Simmons.

I’m not ashamed to say I think Richard Simmons is a great humanitarian. And I’ll bop you over the head with a Deal-a-Meal plan if you disagree.
Yeah, he dresses like a Spandexed clown, he’s more amped than a Fox Terrier on squeaky toys and he’s kind of ridiculous. But that, in my mind, is the basis for Richard Simmons’ humanitarianism. Long before Michelle Obama and Alice Water’s campaign for healthy eating, and almost before Jane Fonda donned those famous leg warmers, Richard Simmons was preaching the Gospel of Sensible Eating and Exercise. And he was targeting that message to the group no other fitness professionals were addressing — the heavily overweight and morbidly obese. He makes himself ridiculous to make it safe for them to take steps toward reclaiming their health. It must be absolutely frightening for a heavily overweight person to start an exercise program and, Lord knows, regular gyms and exercise DVDs don’t make concessions for that demographic. But Richard says, “Jump in! You’ll never look sillier than me. Let’s be silly — and get healthy — together.”
No, I’m not morbidly obese, I’ve never owned a Richard Simmons video, Deal a Meal Program or visited one of his gyms. I never have and never will go to any aerobics class, let alone Sweat to the Oldies. But I never miss a chance to catch Richard Simmons when he shows up on TV. He took a childhood of pain, illness and obesity, turned it around and paid it forward. By all accounts, he answers all his mail personally and he really seems to care about his constituency. He’s always bringing forward a success story, usually someone who was on the road to death from obesity-related illness. I tear up when he holds the hand of an overweight person and gently, but firmly tells them that they should be loved for who they are on the inside, but they should address their outside for their own health and self-love.
Lately, he’s broadened his activities to include political activism, notably in support of a bill mandating non-competitive physical education in public schools as a part of the “No Child Left Behind” act. He’s also working to rebuild his native New Orleans. Richard Simmons, I salute you. You’re a great man.
There, you’ve heard mine. Give me yours. Shock me, surprise me, flabbergast me with the person it would be most surprising, to anyone who knows you, to find out you admire. Details. I want details.

Oscar the Terrier not so secretly loves George W. Bush. I think he’s Liberal, but this is the only chew toy he’ll play with.
Elizabeth berg. I love her writing, her embrace of life and her view of the world.
The little girl I met 15 years ago who got all her siblings to pool their money so the littlest one could ride the merry go – round. I don’t know her name, but her generosity inspires me regularly.
My Grandmother, the most loving woman I’ve ever encountered. I wish I could be as good a person as she she. She has a great laugh too, and is never idle. She makes quilts, embroiders, makes necklaces, all of it at 95. I guess many people will pick their grandmother.
But they really should pick mine. She’s incredible.
I’ve been thinking about this post on and off today. I have a couple of people I admire that may surprise you. As you know, I am the opposite of you politically so here’s a shot at your request.
Rosie O’Donnell – I think she is wonderfully talented and entertaining. Her loud mouthed rants are repulsive at times; but that is who she is. I also believe she has a true connection with children and would love to adopt every orphaned child if she could. All in all, Rosie has a very big heart to match her mouth.
Jimmy Carter – I know conservatives think he is one of the worst presidents ever. Maybe so. As a man, I find him to be kind and generous. Habitat for Humanity is a worthy cause that he has championed. I love his southern drawl as well. And if he hadn’t been president how would we have ever known Miss Lillian or Billy Beer?
This was a very interesting question to post. Thanks for the cerebral exercise.
I don’t think I can come up with anyone you’d be surprised about – I just wanted to say that as an owner of 2 Smooth Foxies, there is nothing conservative about them!
Frank
Very interesting, Maybelline! I’m not even sure I admire Rosie O’Donnell. And Knights, I’m still not sure about Oscar. The way he loves his George W. chew toy, I’m starting to suspect he’s a secret Tea Party member.
Okay, I’ll play this game…
I actually admire Barbara Bush, for her quiet strength, her outspokenness, her stand on abortion rights (publicly she stated that it is a private matter that has no place in political platforms – and I hear that privately she actually supports abortion rights) and for her work in support of family literacy.
Your explanation for your admiration of Richard Simmons brought tears to my eyes. I have also secretly had a great affection for him, but did not know about many of the things you describe. I had a yoga teacher and friend for many years whom I used to describe as the Richard Simmons of yoga because he was similarly perky and upbeat and yes, even sometimes silly!
Wow, after giving this question considerable thought..I find I am just who I appear to be..and i would suprise no one who really knows me..I am a champion of the underdog, and those who have no voice, admire the ordinary person who gets up everyday and carries their share of the load-without the promise of riches but in the hope the future will be better for their children and those that follow. As a lifelong Independant, I did switch to Democrat in order to vote for Hillary Clinton…If there is one thing that would surprise those that know me…I donot support illegal entry into this country..It is unfair to cut in line ahead of those who pursue entry through legal means.
Oh boy, thank you for making me laugh! Wow. Nancy Reagan. You had me worried with George W. Bush for a second. Thank you for being outside of the little boxes…
I don’t know how surprised you’d be by this, given my occasionally-upended perspectives on life, but were I to go hunting for a role model, I’d probably settle on musicologist Barrett Eugene Hansen, who wrote his senior thesis on two operas (Berg’s Wozzeck and Debussy’s Pélleas et Mélisande, if you’re curious) but is perhaps best known for discovering “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Besides, with Martin Gardner gone, who else is there but Dr. Demento?
My Owner admires Kelly Clarkson. (I know!)
But she has a point. How many starlets become famous and then descend into tabloid fodder in a cloud of drugs, sex, and scandal? She is super famous and still a squeaky clean role model to teenage girls, unlike La Lohan for example….
Chaz, the only thing about you that surprises me is the neverending surprisingness of your eclectic mind.
And good one, Raleigh Pop. I would never think of looking to the ranks of American Idol for heros, but what you say about Kelly Clarkson certainly makes her qualify.
Kid Rock. Maybe it’s not too surprising (since I’m from Detroit.) After making it big (and even dating Pamela Anderson!) – he never seemed to let it go to his head. He is still seen around town frequently — is always gracious with fans and supports the local economy. Collaborates with some cool people (Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson) His clothing line funds a scholarship for students at Wayne State University.
I worked at my high school radio station in the early 90’s and we were told that if Kid Rock calls to hang up — he was trying to push his song “Balls In Your Mouth” (obviously not appropriate for the high school station.) My teacher made us throw away all the 45s he sent…man, I wish I had that record now!