Bob Dole will be remembered as one of the longest-serving politicians in the Republican Party. He played a key role in passing progressive legislation and ran unsuccessfully for president on several occasions.
His family paid tribute to him, saying he had “faithfully” served the US for an impressive 79 years. For his bravery during the Second World War, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Oakleaf Cluster.
Whilst serving in the war, Dole developed life-changing injuries. In 1945, he was fighting Nazi Germans in Italy when he spotted an injured radioman. While trying to help him, Dole was hit by gunfire. According to Ability Magazine, aged only 21, Dole was faced with a “shattered right shoulder, fractured vertebrae in his neck and spine, paralysis from the neck down, metal shrapnel throughout his body and a damaged kidney”.
It took him over three years to recover. However, he was still unable to use his right hand and arm and his left arm was minimally functional.
In politics, Dole developed a reputation for his quick wit and plain speaking. He was also skilled at developing practical working relationships and will be remembered for his role in advocating for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Speaking about the historic legislation, Dole said it sought “to end the unjustified segregation and exclusion of persons with disabilities from the mainstream of American life.”
Discussing Dole’s legacy, President Joe Biden said: “Bob was an American statesman like few in our history. A war hero and among the greatest of the greatest generation.”
Dole was born in his parents’ house in Russell, Kansas. His mother was an expert seamstress and sold sewing machines. For a time, his father ran a cream and egg stand.
To make ends meet during the Depression, the family moved into their cramped basement and rented out their home above. Though his parents were Democrats, Dole ran as a Republican because, according to The New York Times, he believed he had the best chances of winning.
In 1952, after he returned from the war, Dole earned his law degree from Washburn University with the help of Phylis Holden, whom he had married in 1948 (she was an occupational therapist).
His first political position was in the Kansas state legislature. In 1960, he was elected to the House of Representatives and served four terms. By 1968, he had been elected to the US Senate, and he remained there until 1996.
He had two unsuccessful runs for President in 1980 and 1988. The last one, in 1996, marked the end of his political career.
However, in his life after politics he worked for a law firm, appeared on television as a political commentator and famously featured in a 1998 Viagra advert after beating prostate cancer.
He is survived by his second wife, former senator Elizabeth Dole and daughter Robin Dole.
Bobe Dole, politician, born 22 July 1923, died 5 December 2021.
