Bob Dole ran for president three times. I was eligible to vote for him twice. I did so once. Reluctantly.
Politics and policies aside, Bob Dole was grumpy, or at least he appeared that way. Could have been due to his near-fatal injuries in World War II. Could have been from the stress of 35 years in the Senate. Could have been the three failed presidential campaigns (and one as a vice presidential candidate). Could have been how the media portrayed him. Or it could have just been who Bob Dole was.
Grumpy.
After Dole lost to Bill Clinton in 1996, he had every right to be even more grumpy, but he wasn't. Or at least he didn’t seem to be. I recall watching an episode of “Late Night With David Letterman” when he was a guest in 1998, and I saw another Bob Dole. Funny. Energetic. Almost youthful. And he was 74 at the time. I was inspired to buy his book, “Great Political Wit: Laughing (Almost) All the Way to the White House.” It was a wonderful read from a wonderful man, and I am going to read it again.
With the stories of Dole’s death in the news, I am now also inspired to read his 2005 book, “One Soldier’s Story.” A book synopsis says Dole “recounts his own odyssey of courage and sacrifice, and also honors the fighting spirit of the countless heroes with whom he served.”
If Bob Dole was grumpy, he had every right to be. But, as we are learning now — and as history will show — he spent much of his 98 years earning the right to be called a decorated war hero, a talented attorney, a political leader and a true statesman.
May he rest in peace.
Enjoy your Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman President and Publisher Big Green Umbrella Media shane@dmcityview.com 515-953-4822, ext. 305 |