The unexpected change in protocol impressed Daschle, who was new to the job. Daschle was touched by Dole's insistence on coming to his office, despite Daschle being the junior member. Dole's response, that he could always decide when the meeting was over in Daschle's office, was typical of his witty and direct style. This story serves as a reminder of Dole's upbringing and straightforward approach to Washington politics. During his 35-year career in politics, spanning from the House to the Senate and multiple attempts at the presidency, Bob Dole thrived in a Washington that was conducive to his skills as a negotiator. While there was certainly partisanship during Dole's time in Congress, there is no denying that the atmosphere was different than it is today. Dole worked across party lines to pass significant bipartisan legislation, such as bills to reform Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and welfare system changes. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with liberal Democrat George McGovern to update the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. After leaving the Senate, they continued to collaborate on nutrition issues. Senator Patrick J Leahy, a friend of Dole, praised their commitment to working together and keeping their promises. Leahy also mentioned the strong relationship between George J Mitchell Jr and Dole, noting that they would frequently visit each other's offices. Additionally, they had dedicated phone lines on their desks for direct communication. Leahy lamented that such close bipartisan relationships are rare in today's political climate. The button was useful in November 1994, when Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who was not running for reelection, requested that Dole be informed that he was going to his office to congratulate him. Dole responded quickly, stating that he did not want Mitchell to make the effort and that he would instead come to his office, a gesture that Mitchell and his team saw as considerate and kind. Robert Dallek, the presidential historian, noted that Dole excelled at working across party lines in an era when bipartisanship was valued. Despite this, Dole was not without sharp elbows or conservative beliefs. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House known for starting Washington's era of intense partisanship, collaborated closely with Dole on tax cuts and defeating President Bill Clinton's health care plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, noting their tactical skills and ability to both halt and push legislation forward. Despite their effective partnership, Dole did not fully embrace Gingrich's confrontational approach. When Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, causing the government to shut down in 1995, Dole spoke out on the Senate floor, expressing his frustration. Dole believed it was time to put an end to the situation, deeming it ridiculous. In Washington, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were viewed as a powerful couple, representing the city's institutions. Robert Dole symbolized World War II and the Greatest Generation, embodying a past era of dignity and honor. He played a key role in establishing the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and frequently greeted veterans there. Dallek, the historian, described him as being like the epitome of America, coming from the heartland and representing common values. In 1996, Dole decided to leave the Senate after serving for over twenty-five years to pursue the presidency. During this time, Washington was experiencing significant changes, with Gingrich being very influential and Clinton facing impeachment due to his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, which only added to the increasing partisan divisions. However, even though Dole was the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader at the time, when he went to the chamber to announce his departure, the traditional customs of the Capitol were still evident. Leahy recalled that on the day Dole announced he was leaving the Senate, nearly every Democratic senator was present on the floor. Despite knowing that Dole was going to run against Bill Clinton, after he finished speaking, all senators stood up and applauded.