Daschle was surprised by the reversal of protocol when Dole insisted on coming to his office instead of vice versa. Despite Daschle feeling humbled, Dole made a witty remark about being able to decide when the meeting was over. This anecdote exemplifies Dole's straightforward and humorous approach, reflecting his upbringing in Kansas and his no-nonsense attitude in Washington since 1961. During the course of the next 35 years, spanning his time in the House, Senate, and unsuccessful presidential bids, 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 in Washington when politicians from different parties clashed during the day but socialized at night, the reality is that there was still plenty of partisanship during Dole's tenure. However, it is undeniable that the atmosphere was different, and the evidence supports this: Dole, both as a senator and as the Republican leader, worked across party lines to pass several bipartisan laws, including those related to Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and welfare reform. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with George McGovern, a liberal Democrat, to update the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as food stamps. After leaving the Senate, they continued to collaborate on nutrition issues. Senator Patrick J Leahy remembered the strong bond between George J Mitchell Jr and Dole, emphasizing their trust and effective communication. Leahy highlighted the unique relationship they had, with dedicated phone lines on their desks for instant communication. This level of cooperation and trust is rare in today's political climate. The button proved to be useful in November of 1994 when the Republicans regained the majority. Rather than seeking reelection, Mitchell informed Dole that he would be visiting his office to offer congratulations. Dole, however, insisted on coming to Mitchell's office himself, a gesture that was seen as kind and considerate by Mitchell and his team. According to presidential historian Robert Dallek, Dole excelled at working with politicians from both parties, recognizing the importance of bipartisanship in a democracy. Despite his conservative ideology and assertive nature, Dole was skilled at building relationships across party lines. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House known for his role in increasing partisan conflict in Washington, stated that he collaborated with Dole on tax cuts and opposing President Clinton's health care plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader Mitch McConnell, noting their tactical skills and ability to block or pass legislation. Despite their successful collaboration, Dole did not approve of Gingrich's confrontational approach. When Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, leading to a government shutdown in 1995, Dole spoke on the Senate floor expressing his frustration. Dole believed it was time to put an end to the situation, which he found to be absurd. In Washington, Dole and his wife Elizabeth were viewed as a powerful couple representing the city's institutions. Dole symbolized World War II and the Greatest Generation, embodying dignity and honor from a previous era. He was instrumental in the creation of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and frequently greeted veterans there. Dallek, the historian, described him as a symbol of American identity, coming from the heartland and representing shared values. Dole left the Senate in 1996 after over 25 years of service to run for president amidst a changing political landscape in Washington, with Gingrich and Clinton dominating the scene. Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky further heightened partisan tensions. However, despite Dole being 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 remained unchanged. Leahy recalled that on the day Dole announced his departure, nearly every Democratic senator was present on the floor. Despite Dole's intention to run against Bill Clinton, after he finished his speech, all senators, regardless of party affiliation, stood and applauded him.