The unexpected change in protocol impressed Daschle, who was new to the job, as he found it to be gracious. Daschle recalled a conversation with Dole, where he expressed his humility at Dole coming to his office instead of the other way around, considering himself to be the junior member. Dole responded by saying that when he visits Daschle's office, he can always decide when the meeting is over. This exchange exemplified Dole's characteristic wit and directness. It serves as a representation of Dole's approach to Washington, as a Kansas Republican who brought his prairie values and straightforward manner to the capital in 1961. During his 35 years in politics, spanning from his time in the House to the Senate and multiple failed presidential bids, Bob Dole thrived in a Washington environment that favored his skills as a negotiator. While there was certainly partisanship during Dole's tenure, including bitter disputes, there was also a different atmosphere that allowed for bipartisan cooperation. Dole, both as a senator and as the Republican leader, worked across party lines to pass significant legislation, such as bills to save 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. They continued to collaborate on nutrition issues even after leaving the Senate. Senator Patrick Leahy, a friend of Dole, mentioned the strong relationship between George Mitchell and Dole, who would frequently visit each other's offices. Leahy also noted that both men trusted each other and never surprised each other. Additionally, Mitchell and Dole had direct phone lines on their desks for easy communication. The button proved to be useful in November 1994 when the Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who did not run for reelection, requested that Dole be informed that he planned to visit his office to congratulate him. Dole responded quickly, insisting that Mitchell should not make the effort and that he would instead go to Mitchell's office, a gesture that was seen as courteous and considerate by Mitchell and his team. According to presidential historian Robert Dallek, Dole operated in a time when bipartisanship was valued, and politicians understood the importance of working with members from different parties. Dallek praised Dole for his skill in working with others, even though he was known for his strong conservative beliefs. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House who is known for bringing about Washington's era of partisan conflict, collaborated closely with Dole to pass tax cuts and defeat President Bill Clinton's universal health care plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is disliked by Democrats. Gingrich noted similarities between Dole and McConnell, stating that they are both Senate veterans who excel tactically in both preventing and achieving legislative goals. Despite their alliance, Dole did not embrace Gingrich's confrontational approach. In 1995, when Gingrich and House Republicans caused a government shutdown by refusing to pass federal spending bills, Dole expressed his frustration on the Senate floor, declaring that the situation had become ridiculous. Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were considered a powerful couple in Washington, symbolizing the city's institutions. Dole represented World War II, the Greatest Generation, and a time 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. "He was essentially a representation of America," stated Dallek, the historian. Dole, who had been a long-serving member of the Senate, decided to leave in 1996 to pursue the presidency during a time of political change in Washington. Gingrich was influential, and Clinton's scandal with Monica Lewinsky added to the increasing partisan divide. When Dole, the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader at the time, went to the chamber to announce his departure, the traditional customs of the Capitol were still observed. Despite knowing he was going to run against Bill Clinton, Democratic senators showed their respect by applauding him after his speech.