THEhe American political scene has just lost one of its oldest legends. In a statement released Sunday, December 5, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced the death of former Republican Senator Bod Dole, who died “in his sleep” at the age of 98. “He had served the United States faithfully for 79 years,” the foundation wrote.
As soon as his death was announced, his memory was praised by former Donald Trump vice-president Mike Pence: “Senator Bob Dole was a great man who lived an extraordinary life in the service of America and he will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. “
Senator Bob Dole was a truly great man who lived an extraordinary life of service to America and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege to know him…
– Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) December 5, 2021
Three times a candidate for the Republican candidacy for the White House, Bob Dole will be dismissed by Ronald Reagan in 1980, then by George Bush senior in 1988, before winning in 1996. But the outgoing Bill Clinton will easily win against the 73-year-old, who seemed outdated in the age of television politics.
Returning a medalist but seriously injured from the Second World War, he learned to walk again and regained control of his body, with the exception of his right arm. He entered Congress in 1961, first as a representative, then as a senator from Kansas.
He was married to Elizabeth Dole, who herself had a distinguished political career as Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, and Senator from North Carolina.
