Senate Leader and Presidential Candidate Dies at 98 – The Hollywood Reporter
Bob Dole, who overcame the wounds of war to become a sharp Senate leader from Kansas, a Republican presidential candidate and later an icon and celebrity of the generation of veterans His dwindling World War II soldier passed away. He is 98 years old.
His wife, Elizabeth Dole, posted the announcement Sunday on Twitter.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole passed away early this morning in his sleep. On his death, at the age of 98, he faithfully served the United States of America for 79 years. More information coming soon. #RememberingBobDole,” reads the tweet.
Dole announced in February 2021 that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. During his 36-year career on Capitol Hill, Dole has established himself as one of the most influential lawmakers and party leaders. most influential in the Senate, combining a talent for compromise with a wit, which he often attributes to himself but is not afraid to reveal to others. , too.
He shaped tax policy, foreign policy, farm and nutrition programs, and disability rights, following through on protections against discrimination in employment, education, and services. public service under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today’s easily accessible government offices and national parks, sidewalk ramps, and sign language interpreters at official local events are just some of the clearer signs of heritage. his and that of fellow legislators he rounded up for that sweeping civil rights act 30 years ago.
Dole dedicated the last years of her life to the cause of wounded veterans, their fallen comrades at Arlington National Cemetery, and remembering the generation of World War II veterinarians who were dying. wither.
Thousands of elderly soldiers gathered on the National Mall in 2004 for what Dole, speaking at the World War II Memorial there, called “our final reunion.” He was the driving force to create it. Then, he said, “Our rankings have been going downhill. “However, if we gather at dusk, it will be brightened by the knowledge that we have kept the faith with our comrades.”
Long away from Kansas, Dole made a living in the capital, the center of power, and then sank into its shadow in retirement, living all the time at the high-rise Watergate complex. When he left politics and joined a law firm run by prominent Democrats, he joked that he brought his dog to work so he could have another Republican. to talk.
He tried three times to become president. The last time was in 1996, when he won the Republican nomination only to see President Bill Clinton re-elected. He sought his party’s presidential nomination in 1980 and 1988 and was the GOP vice presidential candidate in 1976 in a loss to President Gerald Ford.
