I actually liked Bob Dole. Back in my younger days he was what I would describe as a moderate Republican with a heart. If Bob Dole was a young Republican today he’d be primaried by a Trump zealot and in most liklihood in the ultra red state of Kansas not get out of a GOP congressional primary. Bob Dole would have a zero chance of being elected in Oklahoma with perhaps the exception of the 5th Congressional District which is Oklahoma County primarily.
He actually was the only GOP living vice-president or president who attended Donald Trump’s 2016 GOP Convention in Cleveland. Not one other Republican who held those offices attended that historical spectacle.
Dole voted for Trump twice in fact, but after the attempted government overthrow on January 6th…even Bob Dole in his 98th year admitted he was wrong ever giving his support to Donald Trump.
Even more interesting while Mitch McConnell, Mike Pence, Dan Quayle, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden all attended Bob Dole’s funeral…Donald Trump couldn’t find the time to reschedule some tee times and attend.
Maybe this was the week-end he and Melania had a golden shower scheduled. Maybe.
I loved Dole for his both sides of the aisle approach to American politics. I didn’t agree with him on everything, but I respected him much like I did John McCain and Bush 41. There are no more of these guys left in the party of Donald Trump. Those dudes are gone and those type of Americans aren’t going to be in the mix moving forward in American politics.
Bob Dole had a great cutting sense of humor. Maybe that was the part of him which drew me to him. The old SNL skits with Dan Ackroyd playing Bob Dole will never leave me.
That’s the Bob Dole I will always remember and treasure.
America lost a treasure this week, but my guess is the party which he devoted his adult professional life to didn’t for the most part even notice his departure.
When we drive to Denver on this Christmas to see the kids…despite what my wife says I’m stopping the car to go thru the Bob Dole Memorial Museum right there off I-70 in Russell, Kansas.
I’ve always wanted to go thru the museum, but this trip for sure I’m stopping the car to walk thru the place.
Bob Dole…be well, sir.