Daschle was taken aback by the reversal of protocol when Bob Dole insisted on coming to his office, despite Daschle being the junior person. Dole's witty and straightforward response showcased his character, reminding everyone of his no-nonsense approach that he brought to Washington. Over the course of the next 35 years, he served in the House and Senate and made three unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, operating in a Washington that was conducive to his skills as a negotiator. While it may be cliché to look back fondly on a past era in Washington where politicians from different parties would argue during the day and socialize at night, there was plenty of partisanship during Dole's time in the Capitol. However, it is undeniable that the political climate was different then. During his time as a senator and as the Republican leader, a position he held from 1985 to 1996, Dole worked across party lines to pass bipartisan legislation such as bills to rescue Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and welfare reform. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with liberal Democrat George McGovern to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. They continued collaborating on nutrition issues even after leaving the Senate. Senator Patrick Leahy, a friend of Dole, spoke about the strong relationship between George J Mitchell Jr and Dole when Mitchell was the Democratic leader. They had a close working relationship, meeting multiple times a day. They both had dedicated phone lines on their desks for direct communication. This level of cooperation and trust is rare in politics today. The button was useful in November 1994 when the Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who was not seeking reelection, wanted Dole to know he was coming to his office to congratulate him. Dole responded quickly, saying he would go to Mitchell's office instead, a gesture that Mitchell and his team found considerate. According to presidential historian Robert Dallek, Dole operated in a time when bipartisanship was valued, and politicians understood the importance of working with those from different parties. Dallek also noted that Dole was skilled at this, despite having conservative views. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House known for his role in escalating partisan conflict in Washington, revealed that he collaborated closely with Dole to pass tax cuts and defeat President Bill Clinton's health care plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich drew comparisons between Dole and current Republican leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, both of whom are Senate veterans known for their strategic capabilities in both advancing and obstructing legislation. Despite their effective partnership, Dole did not fully embrace Gingrich's confrontational approach. In 1995, when Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, resulting in a government shutdown, Dole expressed his frustration on the Senate floor, stating, "We ought to end this. I mean, it’s gotten to the point where it’s a little ridiculous as far as this senator is concerned." Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were considered a powerful couple in Washington, symbolizing the city's institutions. Dole represented World War II and the Greatest Generation, embodying an era of 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. Dallek, the historian, described Dole as being like a symbol of America, coming from the heartland and representing shared values. Dole decided to run for president in 1996 after serving in the Senate for over twenty-five years. During this time, Washington was evolving, with Gingrich in a position of influence and Clinton facing impeachment for his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, adding to the already existing partisan divide. When Dole, the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader at the time, gave a speech in the chamber announcing his departure, the traditional customs of the Capitol were still observed. Despite knowing he was going to run against Bill Clinton, almost every Democratic senator was present on the floor that day. After Dole finished his speech, all senators stood and applauded.