BOB DOLE : The Life that Brought Him There

Randal Wallace
  • 4.5 (11)
  • Politics
  • Updated Semiweekly

 Randal Wallace Presents : Bob Dole The Life that Brought Him There We begin our second season on Bob Dole's life and career, by traveling back in time to the battlefield of Italy in World War 2. A story that will begin with Bob Dole gravely wounded on a battlefield in Italy, and end on the threshold of the 1996 Campaign for President. It is truly one of America's greatest stories.  Over the next three seasons we will tell his story and the story of the rise of the modern Republican Party. It will be the final story of National leadership for the generation of people who built the American Century. For all the attention a new generation of Republican leaders would garner, it was in fact, Bob Dole, so often in the shadow of the giants of his age, from Nixon to Reagan to Bush, and who would largely be forgotten in the coming era of Gingrich , Clinton, and the second George W. Bush, who actually led the Republican Party out of the political wilderness and back to power in both houses of Congress, even as his own efforts to win the Presidency would fall short.  In our second of three seasons, we will look back at Bob Dole's life from his tragic injury, to the eve of his Presidential Campaign in 1996. In these episodes, we will see one of the most remarkable stories of resilience, faith, and willpower,  in all of American history.   We invite you to come along with us on a wild ride through the high points and low moments of modern American History, in an effort to show the citizens of today that we are an amazing and resilient nation.  Our Podcasts are separated by individual Documentary style titles. --Season 1 : Bridging the Political Gap episodes 1 -11 --- Season 2 : Lessons in Leadership : --- The GIANTS of the Senate and Joe Biden episodes 14 - 16 ---- World War 2 Episodes 17 - 20 --- General MacArthur You're Fired Episodes 21 - 23 ---- A Celebration of the life of George Shultz episodes 26 - 28 ---- November 1963 : The end of the Age of Innocence episode 29 ---   Season 3 ----The Johnson Treatment episodes 32 - 39 ---- Upheaval 1968 episodes 40 - 50 ---- Season 4: Richard Nixon 1968 -1971 The Man Who Saved the Union episodes 51 -67 ----- Season 5 Richard Nixon 1972 The Foundation of Peace episodes 71 - 96 -----1973 Ten Days in January 97 - 100 -- Season 6 Richard Nixon 1973 : Enemies at the Gate 101 - 125 ---- Season 7 Richard Nixon 1974 Through the Fire 126 - 147 ---- Season 8 Richard Nixon 1974 - 1994 The Fall and the Re-Rise of Richard Nixon. 148 - 174 plus bonus materials --- Season 9 Gerald Ford Beyond Watergate 175 -190 -- Season 10 John Jenrette. & Jimmy Carter too  191 -  224 -- Season 11 George H.W. Bush : The Leadership Lessons 225 -  250 --- Season 12: Mayor Hirsch  253 - 259,  George H.W. Bush : The Sweep of History 260 - 285, Season 13 George H.W. Bush The Gulf War, The Coup, Clarence Thomas & the Cold War's End 286 - 318, Season 14 George H. W. Bush 1992 The Changing of the Guard 319 - 363  Season 15 Bob Dole 1993 - 1995 The Last Man Standing 364 - 402,  Special Season 16  The Great American Authors 403  -  419 , Season Seventeen Bob Dole The Life that Brought him there 420 -   (FAIR USE NOTICE : This presentation contains copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The use of this footage is for educational and historical commentary. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material.)

  1. 15h ago

    Episode 453 BOB DOLE The Life That Brought Him There (part 34) Bush vs Dole: The 1988 Republican Primary (A) The Iowa Caucus Campaign

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 453 — Bob Dole: The Life That Brought Him There (Part 34) Bush vs. Dole: The 1988 Republican Primary (A) — The Iowa Caucus Campaign In Episode 453 of our continuing series on the life and career of Bob Dole, we begin our examination of one of the most important and hard-fought campaigns of his political life — the 1988 Republican presidential primary. For years, Dole had risen through the ranks of American politics: Congressman, Senator, Vice Presidential nominee, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Senate Republican Leader. Now, with Ronald Reagan preparing to leave office, Dole saw what many believed would be his best opportunity to capture the Republican nomination for President. Standing in his way was Reagan's Vice President, George H. W. Bush, the early favorite and heir apparent to much of the Reagan coalition. This episode focuses on the opening battleground of the campaign — the Iowa Caucuses. We explore: • Why Iowa became so critical to Dole's strategy  • The strengths and weaknesses of the Dole and Bush campaigns  • The role of retail politics and grassroots organization in Iowa  • The issues and themes shaping the Republican contest  • The intense competition between two longtime Republican leaders The Iowa campaign showcased two very different political styles. Dole relied on his legislative experience, sharp debating skills, and Midwestern roots, while Bush sought to build upon the popularity of the Reagan administration and his standing as Vice President. As the candidates crisscrossed Iowa, the stakes could not have been higher. A strong showing could provide momentum toward the nomination. A poor performance could bring a campaign to a sudden halt. This is the beginning of a rivalry that would shape the Republican Party's future — and one of the most fascinating presidential contests of the Reagan era. The battle lines are drawn. The caucuses are approaching. And the road to the 1988 Republican nomination begins in Iowa. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    1h 9m

  2. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Elizabeth Dole Delivers the Landon Lecture in 1990 (Special Edition)

    Send us Fan Mail In this special edition episode, we turn our attention to one of the most accomplished public servants of her generation, Elizabeth Dole, as we revisit her 1990 Landon Lecture delivered at Kansas State University. At the time serving as U.S. Secretary of Labor, Dole brought to the podium a wealth of experience gained through leadership roles in multiple presidential administrations. Her lecture explored the challenges and opportunities facing America at the dawn of a new decade, addressing issues of work, economic change, personal responsibility, public service, and the evolving role of government in American life. Known for her intellect, poise, and commitment to public service, Dole offered thoughtful reflections on the values that strengthen communities and the importance of leadership in times of transition. Her remarks provide a fascinating snapshot of the political and economic landscape of 1990 while highlighting themes that remain relevant today. Join us as we examine Elizabeth Dole’s message, the historical context surrounding her address, and the lasting significance of her contributions to American public life in this special presentation of the 1990 Landon Lecture. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    46 min

  3. 6d ago

    Episode 452 BOB DOLE The Life That Brought Him There (Part 33) Bob Dole Delivers the 1985 Landon Lecture

    Send us Fan Mail For Episode 452 of the podcast, we continue our in-depth exploration of the remarkable life and career of Bob Dole with Part 33 of The Life That Brought Him There. In this episode, we revisit Dole's March 25, 1985 appearance at the prestigious Landon Lecture, where the Kansas senator delivered a speech titled “The Dream of America.” The lecture came at a pivotal moment in Dole’s political rise, as he was emerging as one of the most influential voices in the United States Senate and would soon become Senate Majority Leader.  Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Alf Landon, Dole reflected on American ideals, opportunity, technological progress, national responsibility, and the challenges facing a new generation. He spoke about the importance of courage in public life, the promise of individual dreams, and the need to confront issues such as poverty, nuclear tensions, and fiscal responsibility while preserving the values that define the American experiment.  Join us as we examine the themes, historical context, and political significance of this landmark address, offering a window into Dole’s vision for America and the principles that shaped one of the most consequential public servants of the twentieth century. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    1 hr

  4. May 28

    Episode 451 BOB DOLE The Life That Brought Him There ( Part 32) Senate Republican Leader (C) Policy Passed and Changes in the Senate

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 451 of our continuing series on the life and career of Bob Dole, we examine the substance of Bob Dole’s years as Senate Republican Leader — the legislation passed, the compromises forged, and the institutional changes that reshaped the United States Senate during his watch. By the time Dole reached the height of Senate leadership, Washington was entering a period of major political and procedural transformation. The Senate of his early years — built heavily on personal relationships, committee power, and bipartisan negotiation — was beginning to evolve into a more partisan, media-driven institution. At the same time, major policy battles were unfolding across nearly every area of government. This episode explores: • Key legislation and policy accomplishments during Dole’s leadership years  • Budget battles, tax policy, and fiscal negotiations  • The increasing nationalization of Senate politics  • Changes in Senate procedure, leadership dynamics, and party strategy  • How television, media, and messaging began reshaping the institution  • The challenge of governing during an era of growing polarization Throughout the episode, we see Dole operating not simply as a partisan leader, but as a legislative manager trying to balance ideology, political reality, and the practical demands of governing. The Senate was changing.  The country was changing.  And Bob Dole stood at the center of that transition. This is the story of leadership during a transformative era —  when major policy was still being passed,  but the institution itself was beginning to become something very different. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    55 min

  5. May 25

    Episode 450 BOB DOLE The Life that Brought Him There (Part 31) The Senate Republican Leader (B) The Leadership Characteristics of Bob Dole

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 450 of our continuing series on the life and career of Bob Dole, we move beyond the title of Senate Republican Leader and examine the qualities Bob Dole brought to the job — both as Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the United States Senate. Leadership in the Senate is unlike leadership anywhere else in American government. It requires patience, discipline, persuasion, timing, and above all, the ability to manage strong personalities while navigating constantly shifting political realities. This episode explores the leadership characteristics that defined Dole’s approach and helped him become one of the most respected congressional leaders of his generation. Among the traits examined: • His sharp political instincts and tactical discipline  • His mastery of Senate procedure and legislative strategy  • His ability to negotiate and build coalitions  • His use of humor and wit as political tools  • His loyalty to the institution of the Senate itself  • His balancing act between ideology and practical governance Whether serving in the majority or the minority, Dole understood that Senate leadership required flexibility as much as conviction. He could be partisan when necessary, bipartisan when possible, and pragmatic when governing demanded it. The episode also reflects on how Dole’s wartime experiences, personal resilience, and years in public service shaped his leadership style — giving him both toughness and perspective in moments of conflict and crisis. This is a portrait of leadership not built on charisma alone, but on preparation, endurance, and understanding how power actually works inside the Senate. A leader of strategy.  A leader of relationships.  And a leader shaped by both ambition and experience. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    1h 9m

  6. May 23 ·  Bonus

    Farewell to CBS News Radio - Special Edition rebroadcast of their final show

    Send us Fan Mail In this special tribute edition, we say goodbye to one of the great institutions in American broadcasting history — CBS News Radio — with a rebroadcast of its final network broadcast after nearly a century on the air. For generations of Americans, CBS News Radio was more than a news service. It was a trusted companion through war, triumph, tragedy, elections, disasters, and defining moments in world history. From the earliest days of modern broadcasting through the rise of television, cable news, and now podcasting, CBS Radio helped define what broadcast journalism sounded like. Its voices carried history into homes, cars, offices, and communities across the country. This special edition honors that legacy by revisiting the network’s final sign-off — a moment filled with reflection, gratitude, and the recognition that an extraordinary chapter in American media history has come to a close. Throughout its existence, CBS News Radio represented: • The golden age of radio journalism  • Live coverage during moments of national crisis and world conflict  • The evolution of modern news reporting  • The foundation upon which much of today’s audio broadcasting and podcasting culture was built For those of us working in audio today, this is not simply the end of a network — it is the farewell to one of the pioneers that made everything we do possible. The technology changed.  The platforms changed.  But the power of a voice telling the story of the world remained. This episode is offered in tribute and appreciation to the journalists, broadcasters, engineers, producers, and storytellers who carried the CBS News Radio tradition forward for nearly 100 years. From one era of broadcasting to another…  thank you, CBS News Radio. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    14 min

  7. May 21

    Episode 449 BOB DOLE The Life that Brought Him There (Part 30) The Senate Republican Leader (A) Defining a Leader

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 449 of our continuing series on the life and career of Bob Dole, we examine one of the defining turning points of his career — his election as Senate Republican Leader. After years of legislative battles, committee leadership, presidential campaigns, and political setbacks, Dole rose to one of the most powerful positions in Washington: leader of the Republicans in the United States Senate. But what exactly makes a Senate leader? This episode explores not only how Dole secured the position, but what leadership inside the Senate truly required during an era of intense political change. More than a title, Senate leadership demanded strategy, negotiation, discipline, coalition-building, and the ability to manage competing personalities and priorities within the Republican conference. In this episode, we explore: • The political circumstances surrounding Dole’s rise to leadership  • The internal dynamics of the Senate Republican caucus  • How Dole earned the trust and support of fellow senators  • The leadership qualities that defined his approach  • The challenges of balancing ideology, governance, and party unity As Republican Leader, Dole became more than a senator from Kansas — he became one of the central figures in national politics and a key architect of Senate Republican strategy during the Reagan era and beyond. This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter: From legislator…  to strategist…  to leader. And in the process, we begin to see the qualities that made Bob Dole one of the most consequential Senate leaders of his generation. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    48 min

  8. May 18

    Episode 448 BOB DOLE The Life That Brought Him There (Part 29) Feeding Children All Around the World with Senator George McGovern

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 448 — Bob Dole: The Life That Brought Him There (Part 29) Feeding Children All Around the World with Senator George McGovern In Episode 448 of our continuing series on the life and career of Bob Dole, we explore one of the most remarkable bipartisan partnerships in modern American political history — Bob Dole’s work with former Senator George McGovern to combat hunger and feed children around the world. Though they stood on opposite sides of the political spectrum — and had once represented very different visions for America — Dole and McGovern forged a friendship and working relationship rooted in shared humanity and a belief that fighting hunger should rise above politics. Together, they became leading advocates for international food assistance programs and school nutrition initiatives designed to help children in some of the poorest regions of the world. Their efforts would eventually contribute to programs that provided meals, hope, and opportunity to millions. This episode explores: • How the unlikely partnership between Dole and McGovern developed  • Their shared commitment to fighting hunger and malnutrition  • The creation and expansion of international school feeding programs  • How bipartisan cooperation made these efforts possible  • The personal respect and friendship that grew between the two senators At a time when politics is often defined by division, the story of Bob Dole and George McGovern stands as a reminder that public service can still be guided by compassion, common purpose, and the willingness to work across ideological lines. This is not a story about campaigns or elections. It is a story about feeding children.  About finding common ground.  And about two former political rivals who chose to leave the world better than they found it. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/ Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcasts Thanks for listening!!

    53 min
See All (687)

Trailers

4.5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

 Randal Wallace Presents : Bob Dole The Life that Brought Him There We begin our second season on Bob Dole's life and career, by traveling back in time to the battlefield of Italy in World War 2. A story that will begin with Bob Dole gravely wounded on a battlefield in Italy, and end on the threshold of the 1996 Campaign for President. It is truly one of America's greatest stories.  Over the next three seasons we will tell his story and the story of the rise of the modern Republican Party. It will be the final story of National leadership for the generation of people who built the American Century. For all the attention a new generation of Republican leaders would garner, it was in fact, Bob Dole, so often in the shadow of the giants of his age, from Nixon to Reagan to Bush, and who would largely be forgotten in the coming era of Gingrich , Clinton, and the second George W. Bush, who actually led the Republican Party out of the political wilderness and back to power in both houses of Congress, even as his own efforts to win the Presidency would fall short.  In our second of three seasons, we will look back at Bob Dole's life from his tragic injury, to the eve of his Presidential Campaign in 1996. In these episodes, we will see one of the most remarkable stories of resilience, faith, and willpower,  in all of American history.   We invite you to come along with us on a wild ride through the high points and low moments of modern American History, in an effort to show the citizens of today that we are an amazing and resilient nation.  Our Podcasts are separated by individual Documentary style titles. --Season 1 : Bridging the Political Gap episodes 1 -11 --- Season 2 : Lessons in Leadership : --- The GIANTS of the Senate and Joe Biden episodes 14 - 16 ---- World War 2 Episodes 17 - 20 --- General MacArthur You're Fired Episodes 21 - 23 ---- A Celebration of the life of George Shultz episodes 26 - 28 ---- November 1963 : The end of the Age of Innocence episode 29 ---   Season 3 ----The Johnson Treatment episodes 32 - 39 ---- Upheaval 1968 episodes 40 - 50 ---- Season 4: Richard Nixon 1968 -1971 The Man Who Saved the Union episodes 51 -67 ----- Season 5 Richard Nixon 1972 The Foundation of Peace episodes 71 - 96 -----1973 Ten Days in January 97 - 100 -- Season 6 Richard Nixon 1973 : Enemies at the Gate 101 - 125 ---- Season 7 Richard Nixon 1974 Through the Fire 126 - 147 ---- Season 8 Richard Nixon 1974 - 1994 The Fall and the Re-Rise of Richard Nixon. 148 - 174 plus bonus materials --- Season 9 Gerald Ford Beyond Watergate 175 -190 -- Season 10 John Jenrette. & Jimmy Carter too  191 -  224 -- Season 11 George H.W. Bush : The Leadership Lessons 225 -  250 --- Season 12: Mayor Hirsch  253 - 259,  George H.W. Bush : The Sweep of History 260 - 285, Season 13 George H.W. Bush The Gulf War, The Coup, Clarence Thomas & the Cold War's End 286 - 318, Season 14 George H. W. Bush 1992 The Changing of the Guard 319 - 363  Season 15 Bob Dole 1993 - 1995 The Last Man Standing 364 - 402,  Special Season 16  The Great American Authors 403  -  419 , Season Seventeen Bob Dole The Life that Brought him there 420 -   (FAIR USE NOTICE : This presentation contains copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The use of this footage is for educational and historical commentary. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material.)

Information

You Might Also Like