Bob Dole has passed away on December 5th 2021 at the age of 98 after a battle with Cancer.
As a senator, Bob Dole was a tireless advocate for the people of his home state of Kansas. He was known for his honesty and integrity, and he always put the needs of his constituents first. Bob Dole will be remembered as a great statesman and a true patriot. He will be sorely missed. – President Bill Clinton, April 1996
Bob Dole, an extraordinary American and my friend, is gone. Although we knew it would happen one day, we were not prepared when it finally did. Like an old soldier going off to war one last time, he faced death with the courage and dignity that defined his life. The legacy of Senator Dole is the knowledge that in a time of great division, he brought people together to get things done. He was a leader who always put principle before politics, and he never lost sight of the fact that our strength as a nation comes from the decency and common sense of our people.
As we mourn his passing, let us also remember Bob Dole’s words at the 1996 Republican Convention, where he accepted his party’s nomination for president of the United States. He told us that “a leader is best when people barely know he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him. But of a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves.”
Bob Dole was a great leader. Today he has fallen “asleep” and the nation wept. God Bless America! – U.S. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS), April 1996
I think that Bob Dole’s life is one of the most blessed of any individual in this country. He has a wonderful family, a great wife who loves him and has been his partner through the decades of their lives together with children and grandchildren. And he’s leaving office as one of the most respected United States Senators, both by those on this side as well as those on that side of the aisle. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), April 1996
I remember a morning, during the early months of my Senate campaign, I was speaking to a large crowd in northern Virginia. It had been a great event—the excitement and enthusiasm for our candidacy was just fantastic. When it came time for questions from the audience, one woman stood and said, “Senator Dole, you have fought many battles in your life—some you’ve won and some you’ve lost. Which one was the most difficult for you?” Bob Dole [replied], “The losing ones.”
I can’t think of a more gifted politician than Senator Dole. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and was so down-to-earth. I always felt like he was someone I could trust and depend on, no matter what the situation. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), April 1996
In his 36 years as a member of the U.S. Senate, Bob Dole earned a highly respected national reputation as an unwavering voice for Kansans and all Americans who needed a strong advocate to stand up for them in Washington. His record of service to our nation will provide future public officials with a model of integrity, courage and compassion. As we honor his nearly immeasurable contributions to our country, it is well for all of us to reflect on the elegance and grace with which he conducted his life. May God bless Bob Dole. – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), April 1996
Bob Dole’s whole public career was devoted to bringing people together in spite of their differences to get things done for the American people. He was a leader who always put principle before politics, and he never lost sight of the fact that our strength as a nation comes from the decency and common sense of our people.
As we mourn his passing, let us also remember Bob Dole’s words at the 1996 Republican Convention, where he accepted his party’s nomination for president of the United States. He told us that “a leader is best when people barely know he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him. But of a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves.”
