Bob Dole, a former senator and Republican presidential candidate, has died at the age of just 98. In a tweet, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced this news:
With heavy hearts, we inform you that Senator Robert Joseph Dole passed away in his sleep this morning. His death at 98 was his 79th year of faithful service to the United States of America. We will have more information soon.
With heavy hearts, we inform you that Senator Robert Joseph Dole passed away in his sleep this morning. His death at 98 was his 79th year of faithful service to the United States of America. We will have more information soon. #RememberingBobDole pic.twitter.com/57NtGfqtmL
— Elizabeth Dole Foundation (@DoleFoundation) December 5, 2021
The Wall Street Journal reported:
For more than 50 years, Mr. Dole was an iconic figure on Washington’s scene and the national leader for the Republican Party almost as long. A legislator and then the Senate leader, Dole played an important role in a wide range of legislation that touched all aspects of American society. He helped to create the North American Free Trade Agreement, voting rights and Social Security. As Congress’s chief tax writer, he was instrumental in the landmark Reagan-era tax cuts as well as in an overhaul of the nation’s tax code in 1986.
Dole revealed in February that he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. “While I certainly have some hurdles ahead, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face significant health challenges of their own,” he tweeted.
STATEMENT OF SENATOR BOB DOLE ON THE HEALTH CHALLENGES pic.twitter.com/ndRxqNWb30
— Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) February 18, 2021
Kansas native Dole served as Senate majority lead until Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY, broke Dole’s record. His tenure was almost eleven years. At 73 years old, he was one of the youngest first-time presidential candidates.
Following his defeat to Clinton, he continued to participate on the national stage. NBC News reported:
His new job was to star in TV commercials for Viagra and Visa. His commitment to his fellow veterans of war was not lost. He spent his Saturdays in his 90s greeting vets who flew to Washington, D.C., via the Honor Flight Network, an organization that organizes flights for veteran,rans.
Dole was conceived in Russell (Kansas) on July 22, 1923. His parents, his father and mother were both salespeople. He sold milk products while his mom sold sewing machines.
He was later disabled during World War II. Two Purple Hearts were awarded to him and two Bronze Stars.
From NBC News
Dole was an Army officer in 1942. He was second lieutenant in the Army when he went to Italy in 1944. Dole, who was trying to rescue an army radioman in the following year, got involved in a German-machine gun attack. This cost Dole a kidney. It also damaged Dole’s neck and spine.
Dole was never expected to survive the injuries. The Army wrote a letter to his parents which read: “[a]t the present time it would appear that his recovery is somewhat questionable.”
He did recover but lost his ability to use the right side of his arm. His political career began later. NBC News reported:
Dole was a Republican when he went back to Kansas school after World War II. He won a seat in Kansas’ state Legislature. After completing his law degree, he was elected county attorney in Russell County. He then ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. From 1969 to 1996, he served as a senator. In 1971, he also was the Republican chairman of the national committee.
Bob Dole is remembered for being a champion of veterans and disabled. Bob Dole helped pass the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, he worked hard to eradicate poverty and hunger. His clashes with both politicians and former President George H.W. were frequent. Bush. The rivalry between the two men was intense, but eventually ended. Dole gave a teary, emotional salute to Bush in 2018 when he died.
Dole was an attorney before he became a politician. Dole often met veterans at the National World War II Memorial where he has long advocated for. He also became a vocal proponent for men’s health issues when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Bob Dole is an icon in American politics. His fingerprints can be found on many of the most important legislation passed. Dole’s legacy as an American hero in the military and as a champion for the poor will live on.
RIP, Senator.
The clip below of Bob Dole and Norm Mcdonald a week following Dole’s 1996 loss is amazing and so sad that they are both gone.pic.twitter.com/gUa2B9Dnfg
— Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) December 5, 2021
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