Former U.S. Sens. Bob and Elizabeth Dole are scheduled to deliver the 2009 Dole Lecture sponsored by the Dole Institute of Politics.
Bob Dole has given one of the annual lectures before, but Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute, said he has tried to get the two of them to appear at the institute together since Bob Dole’s last speaking engagement there.
“They’re kind of one of the original ‘power couples’” in Washington, Lacy said, pointing out that both have distinguished careers in public service.
The Doles will appear in an interview-style event conducted by Lacy at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Lied Center. Tickets will be available beginning at 11 a.m. Monday at the Lied Center box office. Student tickets with a valid KUID will be available at the same time at the Student Union Activities box office in addition to the Lied Center.
Tickets are free and limited to four per person. Orders can be taken by phone at the Lied Center box office, with a $5 surcharge per order, by calling 785-864-2787.
In addition to both serving as U.S. senators — he from Kansas and she from North Carolina — the Doles have a long record of public service. Bob Dole has served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, and was the Republican nominee for vice president in 1976 and president in 1996.
Elizabeth Dole served as secretary of transportation under President Ronald Reagan and secretary of labor under President George H.W. Bush. She has served as the president of the American Red Cross, and ran her own campaign for president in 2000. She was also North Carolina’s first female U.S. senator, in office from 2003 until January of this year.
“Individually, they have extraordinary records of public service, but combined, it’s amazing,” Lacy said.
In his interview with the Doles, Lacy said he hoped to cover how they both got into public service, and why it’s an important calling, in addition to their relationship over the years.
The Dole Lecture is given annually to commemorate the recovery of Bob Dole after he was gravely wounded during a World War II battle. Previous lectures have been given by President Bill Clinton, Sen. Tom Daschle, Gen. Richard Myers, journalist Tom Brokaw and Dole himself.
Comments
Confrontation 5 years, 10 months ago
This is guaranteed to be a perfect cure for insomnia.
funkdog1 5 years, 10 months ago
Is that really Elizabeth Dole? She looks bizarre.
jumpin_catfish 5 years, 10 months ago
What no left-wing whacko haters bad mouthin' the Doles. I'm shocked!
Scott Drummond 5 years, 10 months ago
"What no left-wing whacko haters bad mouthin' the Doles. I'm shocked!"
They're republicans, right? Ain't many giving a lot of creedence to the repugs these days.
And Bob's not one of the bible thumping, moralizing hypocrites currently in control of the republic party, so that diminishes his visibility too.
average 5 years, 10 months ago
Bob has enough interesting and complicated history that he'll never be pegged by one moment in time.
The Hail Mary disaster of Elizabeth's 'Godless' ad will be her political epitaph.
password 5 years, 10 months ago
i remember getting lectured by my parents, teachers and a whole lot of others. i don't think i want to go...enough is enough. no more lectures.
cutny 5 years, 10 months ago
Sounds GREAT!!! And yes, Mr. N.B.T.Y. I'm sure we all agree that we would be better off with Bob Dole running the good ol' U.S. of A., as long as Elizabeth (clearly the love of his life) by his side.
I just KNOW he has the answers to all of life's questions about the economic fiasco we are in. C'ya there. I'm EXCITED!!!
coolhawk 5 years, 10 months ago
If you read about him and/or know any history, Bob Dole has the reputation as a master politician and a senator that could get things done. Regardless of whether you are a democrat, republican, libertarian, whatever - the man knew how to negotiate and compromise - something that is lacking today. He was able to move things forward and accomplish objectives and get bills passed. For the good of America and the land he loves, he sacrificed much. He had the ability to recognize when to conceed and when to force the issue to move things forward. He had close friendships with "folks on the other side of the aisle" including Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, Tip O'Neil and other democrat leaders. He was able to maneuver within his own party and gain close associations with peers regardless of their party affiliation. Why? Because he saw the need to work toward the common good of the citizens of the United States. Is he perfect? No. But for a man that was in the public eye and politics for over 40 years, he has few enemies or detractors either democrat or republican. He also has a sense of humor and is able to dish it out and take it. I am not the Bob Dole fan club. But I do have a lot of respect for him and his accomplishments. You got to give the man his due - he represents Kansas well.
Jersey_Girl 5 years, 10 months ago
jumpin_catfish - who's the wacko hater? I don't see any nasty comments. I'm a left wingnut and I have total respect for the Doles.
Nancy Boy - there has been no besmirching. Those voices you keep hearing would stop if you'd take your meds.
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