The call was Göran Eriksson’s.

First lesson a freshman politician learns is to thicken his skin.

Public criticism of public figures – almost an immutable law — started in Eden’s Garden. Yesterday was City Council candidate Eriksson’s turn, his first test.

How would he react/respond to Councilman Jim Clarke’s chilly assessment of his performance at Tuesday’s Chamber of Commerce candidates forum?

Said Mr. Clarke:

“Unfortunately, Göran didn’t come across very well. It was obvious he was nervous. He used a lot of words without saying much. I think he will do well because the Chamber board knows him. He was not at his best. But he has a great amount of experience because of his work with the Finance Advisory Committee.”

Said the calm, decidedly unperplexed Mr. Eriksson:

“It happens. You have your good days and your bad days.”

Told that it seemed like a good day for him, Mr. Eriksson replied, “Well, I got the endorsement.”

Returning to his original stance: “Just like in sports, sometimes you have good days. Sometimes you have bad ones.  Jim thought I had a bad day, but I am happy with the endorsement.”

Did you think you had a bad day?

“No.”

Were you nervous?

“Maybe I could have been clearer on some answers. But 45 seconds is not much time.

“You can always improve.

“Afterward, you often think about things you should have said,” Mr. Eriksson said.