In Dole’s life, much to laud and emulate
The nation can still learn much from Bob Dole’s character and life of service.
The 98-year-old from Russell, Kan., who died Sunday exemplified the spirit of the Greatest Generation — journalist Tom Brokaw’s term for those Americans who grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II and found success after returning home.
Dole’s passing marks the end of an era as he was the last World War II veteran nominated by a major party to run for president.
Master classes in service, grit, loyalty, wit, kindness, humility and gratitude are among the many lessons we can glean from the lifelong Republican’s life.
Like so many in his generation, Dole entered military service during World War II. In 1945, as an Army second lieutenant, he fought on the Italian front, where he was severely wounded. He earned two purple hearts and a Bronze Star, and endured 39 months of hospitalization and grueling recovery, which, as the Dole Foundation describes, he persevered with “intense determination and self-deprecating humor.”
The Kansas state legislator and lawyer turned district attorney began his first U.S. congressional term in 1961. He spent the next 35 years, eight as a representative and 27 as a senator, in Congress earning a reputation as a fiscal conservative with a bipartisan voting record.
Dole helped pass nation-changing legislation: the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Sexual Assault Prevention and the Americans with Disabilities Act. He championed veteran care, agriculture issues, debt reduction and tax reform.
He was proud of his work on the authorization of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Then there was his overhaul of Social Security and rescue of the food stamp program.
While he was repeatedly named “the nicest of the 100 Senators,” according to the Dole Foundation, sometimes his sarcastic one-liners churned into political storms. From “Democrat wars” to calling Jimmy Carter “chicken-fried Mcgovern” to “let me tax your memories” and jabbing at then-house Speaker Newt Gingrich, Dole remained steadfast.
“This good man represented the finest of American values,” former President George W. Bush said in a statement. “I will always remember Bob’s salute to my late dad at the Capitol, and now we Bushes salute Bob and give thanks for his life of principled service.”
Dole was the Republican vice presidential nominee once and a three-time presidential candidate. In 1996, Dole earned the GOP’S nomination but lost the election to Bill Clinton.
“Bob was passionate and spirited, sharp and funny. He could fan the partisan fires and put them out when an honorable compromise was in reach,” Clinton said in a statement. “I enjoyed our combat, and our cooperation even more.”
Dole handled his political wins and losses with humility and humor. He appeared widely on late night talk and comedy shows after his presidential defeat, and he even shilled Viagra in 1998.
In later life he led the effort to fund, develop and construct the National World War II Memorial on the Washington Mall and continued to support veterans. His wife started the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which supports caregivers of wounded, ill or injured veterans.
Days after losing the 1996 election, Dole appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
“Bob, what have you been doing lately?” asked Letterman.
“Apparently not enough in any event,” said Dole. “I had a question for the president — how about two out of three?”
We’d never consider Dole a sore loser, and these days, that says so much. Imagine losing, persevering and being able to laugh about it? In the end, his demeanor and art for compromise made for a winning legacy.