Daschle, who was new to his job, was struck by the reversal of protocol when Bob Dole insisted on coming to his office instead of the other way around. Despite Daschle's protests, Dole humorously pointed out that he could decide when the meeting was over if he visited Daschle. This interaction exemplified Dole's witty and straightforward nature and served as a reminder of his upbringing and values from Kansas. During the next 35 years, spanning his time in the House, Senate, and multiple runs for president, he thrived in a Washington environment that suited his skills as a negotiator. While it may seem cliche to look back on a supposedly more civil era in politics, Bob Dole was able to work with politicians from both parties to pass important bipartisan legislation, such as bills to save Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and reforms to the welfare system. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with Democrat George McGovern to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. After leaving the Senate, they continued to collaborate on nutrition issues. Senator Patrick J Leahy, who considered Dole a friend, praised their commitment to working together and keeping their promises. Leahy also highlighted the strong relationship between George J Mitchell Jr and Dole, noting that they had a close partnership and never surprised each other. Additionally, they had dedicated phone lines on their desks for direct communication. This level of collaboration and trust is rare in today's political landscape. The button proved to be useful in November 1994 when the Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who was not seeking reelection, requested that Dole be informed he was coming to his office to congratulate him. Dole replied quickly that he didn't want Mitchell to make the trip and instead went to his office to meet him, a gesture that Mitchell and his team appreciated as considerate. According to presidential historian Robert Dallek, Dole excelled at working across party lines, a concept that was more popular during his time in politics. Dallek noted that Dole was skilled at bipartisanship despite also holding conservative beliefs. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House known for his role in sparking partisan conflict in Washington, collaborated with Dole on tax cuts and defeating President Bill Clinton's healthcare plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, noting their tactical skills and ability to block or pass legislation. Despite their effective teamwork, Dole did not fully endorse Gingrich's confrontational approach. When Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, leading to a government shutdown in 1995, Dole expressed his frustration on the Senate floor. Dole believed it was time to put an end to the situation, calling it ridiculous from his perspective as a senator. In Washington, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were considered a powerful couple, representing the city's institutions. Robert Dole symbolized World War II and the Greatest Generation, embodying an era of dignity and honor. He played a key role in the creation of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and often greeted veterans there. Dallek, the historian, described him as a representative of America with his roots in the heartland and embodiment of common values. In 1996, Dole stepped down from the Senate after serving for over 25 years to pursue the presidency amidst a changing political landscape with Gingrich's influence and Clinton's impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky scandal adding to the growing partisan divide. When Dole, the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader at the time, gave a speech announcing his departure, the traditional customs of the Capitol remained. Despite Dole's decision to run against Bill Clinton, Democratic senators showed their respect by standing and applauding after his speech.