As I arrived at the Harkin residence in Cumming for my interview with Ruth Harkin, a wave of nostalgia hit me. This was the childhood home of U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, reminiscent of my beloved aunt and uncle’s house that used to be down the road in what we affectionately called “Dogpatch,” a semi-rural area between Des Moines and Johnston.

I grew up there during the 1950s and ’60s, recalling summer memories of my sisters and cousins laughing and playing in the yard during family potlucks, while our mothers cooked and the men relaxed outdoors.

After closing my truck door, I walked past flower patches and up the steps, catching a glimpse of Ruth’s silhouette through the screen door. She greeted me warmly, and we settled down at the dining table for our conversation. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed. Ruth was a gracious host, and at this stage in life, she felt like a distant cousin to me.

The purpose of my visit was to discuss her newly published book, “When My Husband Ran for President  and Other Short Stories.”

Ruth, originally from Minnesota, earned her bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Minnesota and went on to get her law degree from the Columbus School of Law. Her adventurous spirit shows right from the first chapter, where she goes from enjoying beers with a friend at a local bar to finding herself as the sole woman at Camp Hovey, South Korea, managing a service club for 2,500 men. Let that sink in—just one woman among 2,500 men, which is astonishing by today’s standards. She reflects on the rich management lessons she gained from that experience, particularly from her South Korean colleagues.

While in Tokyo in 1967, she meets a charming young pilot from Iowa named Tom Harkin. Their first encounter resembles a scene right out of a romantic movie—two Midwestern kids meeting unexpectedly at a Shinto shrine festival, complete with cotton candy! Reading this narrative made me picture a 1967 film with Paul Newman as Tom and Sandra Dee as Ruth.

Ruth narrates their journey as they both climb up the professional ladder. She became the first elected official in the family, serving as the Story County Attorney from 1973 to 1979. Her path to this role is filled with humor and unexpected turns. Even though she was advised against running for an office she had little chance of winning, she did, and made history as Iowa’s first female county attorney.

Ruth has a knack for writing, evident in her engaging, punchy style. Her clever humor often shines through her text. For instance, from the chapter titled “Harkin’s First Surgery,” she writes:

“Something new. Harkin, now 76, had never had surgery. His wife and sister-in-law promised to be there for the event, which did not ease Harkin’s mind. Competent as they are, they couldn’t even spell ‘sympathetic.’”

She also shares amusing anecdotes about Tom’s unique and obsessive dining habits, such as his scrutiny over every detail—from the view at the restaurant to the quality of the asparagus, and whether the right types of drinks are available. He even wishes to know the ZIP code of where the pork chop on his plate originated! His endless fussing over dining details would make even Martha Stewart blush.

I would love to join Ruth for lunch, but I’d insist that Tom sit this one out. If Ruth’s accounts are even partially accurate, I’d prefer the company of a lively toddler over dining with Tom any day. Such stories reflect both Ruth’s and Tom’s humor, as well as their affection for each other.

The Harkins are fond of the Bahamas and often visit there. I wish I could delve deeper into those adventures, but you’ll need to read the book for those intriguing details. Ruth reflects on how the island they cherish has transformed over the years, losing some of its former peace and seclusion as tourism has grown. Acknowledging the toll of time and change is unfortunately rare these days, but not for Ruth.

She notes, “We were lucky to have experienced the simple luxurious solitude we once enjoyed. It may be lost forever now, and we have played a part in that demise.”

I thoroughly enjoyed the anecdotes surrounding Tom’s presidential campaign,

One of the most touching aspects of Ruth’s story is her recounting of the decision-making processes that balanced her career and family life. While focusing on billable hours at work, she simultaneously managed her contributions to the campaign and ensured that home life remained harmonious. Her tale of her husband, a U.S. senator and presidential hopeful, grilling their daughter Amy’s first date, emphasizes the priority she placed on family and the humor that often accompanied those moments.

However, the narrative isn’t without its somber moments. Ruth narrates her harrowing experience of attempting to save Tom from drowning in frigid waters, making you wish you could assist her in throwing him a lifesaver. She also recounts an unsettling airplane journey with Strom Thurmond, the late, controversial U.S. senator, highlighting his deplorable character beyond what we previously understood.

With pride, Ruth talks about the establishment of the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University, which opened in 2020, marking three decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted.

These stories are just glimpses into Ruth’s remarkable life, as the book contains many more. Throughout her journey, she held positions such as deputy counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, worked at a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., and in 1993, was appointed as chair and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corp. by President Bill Clinton. She also served as a senior vice president at United Technologies, a board director for ConocoPhillips, and a member of the Iowa Board of Regents.

Ruth has always been at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights. She fought relentlessly to support other women during a time when society was often resistant, a battle that continues today. In 2018, she was honored with induction into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.

Initially, Ruth set out to write this book for her family and friends. However, it became much more than that. It is a significant memoir from a groundbreaking Iowa woman who confronted challenges head-on, striving to make meaningful contributions through her career, her family, and by motivating others. This book is an excellent gift for young people, as it demonstrates the strides women have made and highlights the ongoing struggles for women’s rights, which remain under threat.

Reflecting on those summertime Iowa potlucks from my childhood, where children would play outside while women prepared food in the kitchen and men relaxed in the shade, I often contemplate what those impressive, hardworking women in my family could have achieved in a different era if there had been more role models like Ruth Harkin to inspire and encourage them to challenge societal boundaries.

It’s clear that some of those women, including my mother, longed for more—much more—just like Ruth.

Robert Leonard has contributed to publications such as The New York Times, TIME, the Des Moines Register, Iowa Capital Dispatch, YSL News, and more. He also authors content for Deep Midwest: Politics and Culture and is affiliated with the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

About the book

Title: When My Husband Ran for President and Other Short Stories

Author: Ruth Harkin

Publisher: Ice Cube Press, ISBN 9781948509534

Price: $20

Upcoming events and signings for Ruth Harkin’s book

Thursday, Sept. 5: Book release from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Harkin Center, Drake University, 2800 University Ave., Des Moines. Beaverdale Books will be available to sell copies. (Please note: the earlier date mentioned in this story was incorrect.) Attendance is free, but registration is necessary.

Wednesday, Sept. 11: Event at 6 p.m., hosted by Prairie Lights Bookstore, at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., to be moderated by Robert Downer, an attorney and fellow colleague of Ruth Harkin on the Iowa Board of Regents.

Saturday, Sept. 14: Event at 5 p.m., moderated by Charlie Cook, founder of the Cook Political Report, at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Thursday, Sept. 26: Book discussion and signing at 6:30 p.m. at West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway. This is a part of an author series and is co-sponsored by The Harkin Institute, with Beaverdale Books selling copies.