Daschle was surprised by the reversal of protocol when Bob Dole insisted on coming to his office instead of the other way around. Despite Daschle being the junior guy, Dole explained that he could always decide when the meeting was over when visiting Daschle's office. This anecdote captures Dole's witty and straightforward personality, showcasing his prairie values and no-nonsense approach to Washington. During the course of 35 years, including time in the House, Senate, and multiple presidential campaigns, he thrived in a Washington environment that suited his skills as a negotiator. While it may be cliché to look back fondly on a time when politicians from different parties would battle during the day and socialize at night, the reality is that there was a different atmosphere in Dole's era. Despite the presence of partisanship, some of which was as bitter as today, Dole managed to work across party lines to pass bipartisan legislation such as Social Security reform, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and welfare reform. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with liberal Democrat George McGovern on a revamp of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They continued to collaborate on nutrition issues even after they both left the Senate. Senator Patrick J Leahy, who considered Dole a friend, spoke about the strong working relationship between George J Mitchell Jr and Dole. Mitchell, the Maine senator who came before Daschle as the Democratic leader, would often visit Dole's office multiple times a day, and vice versa. Leahy mentioned that both Mitchell and Dole had a mutual respect for each other, with neither ever surprising the other. Additionally, they had dedicated phone lines on their desks that allowed them to communicate instantly. This level of collaboration is rare in today's political climate. The button proved useful in November 1994 when the Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who did not run for reelection, requested for Dole to be informed that he was coming to his office to congratulate him. Dole responded quickly, advising Mitchell not to make the trip and instead offering to go to his office himself. Mitchell and his team appreciated this gesture as decent and considerate. Robert Dallek, the presidential historian, noted that Dole excelled at working across party lines, a skill that was valued during his time in politics. While Dole was known for his conservative beliefs, he also understood the importance of bipartisanship in a democracy. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House known for sparking partisan warfare in Washington, discussed his collaboration with Bob Dole on tax cuts and defeating Bill Clinton's healthcare plan. In an interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader Mitch McConnell, noting their tactical skills and ability to hinder or advance legislation. Despite their similarities, Dole did not support Gingrich's confrontational approach. During the government shutdown in 1995, Dole expressed his frustration with Gingrich and House Republicans for refusing to pass federal spending bills by stating that it had become ridiculous. Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were viewed as a powerful couple in Washington, symbolizing the city's institutions. Dole was a symbol of World War II and the Greatest Generation, embodying dignity and honor. He played a significant role in the creation of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and frequently greeted veterans there. According to historian Dallek, Dole represented the values of America and came from the heartland. After serving in the Senate for over 25 years, he left to run for president in 1996 as Washington was undergoing significant changes with Gingrich's influence and Clinton's impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky scandal. When Dole, who was the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader at the time, went to the chamber to announce his departure, traditional practices of the Capitol remained unchanged. Despite Dole's intention to run against Bill Clinton, Democratic senators showed their respect by applauding him after his speech.