‘As honorable as they come’: Bob Dole is a deserving recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal

Few people in politics are more deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal than Kansas’ own Bob Dole.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were among the dignitaries who honored the former U.S. senator from Russell, Kan., Wednesday with Congress’ highest civilian honor — and rightfully so.

On Wednesday, the 1996 GOP presidential nominee and decorated war hero drew merited praise from both parties, with Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer deeming Dole “the gold standard” for politicians and House Speaker Paul Ryan noting that “he is as honorable as they come.”

Dole, 94, overlapped eight presidents during his 35 years in Congress. And while he embraced bipartisanship, he was unwavering in what he believed the GOP should stand for, delivering these still-relevant words in 1996: “But if there’s anyone who has mistakenly attached themselves to our party in the belief that we are not open to citizens of every race and religion, then let me remind you, tonight this hall belongs to the Party of Lincoln. And the exits, which are clearly marked, are for you to walk out of as I stand this ground without compromise.”

This story was originally published January 17, 2018 at 4:38 PM with the headline "‘As honorable as they come’: Bob Dole is a deserving recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal."