By John Camenzind, Erin Wolfe
Title: Dole Institute Oral History Project, 2002-2009
Predominant Dates:2002-2004, 2007-2009
ID: 02/018
Primary Creator: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
Other Creators: Smith, Richard Norton, Williams, Brien R., Yates, Lahoma Ruth Dennis (1925-2005)
Extent: 120.0 Items. More info below.
Arrangement: This collection is arranged into two series in order to maintain a clear distinction between the two phases of the project. Within each series, interviews are arranged alphabetically by the interviewee's last name. Series One is titled by phase one's working title: "The Bob Dole Oral History Project." Series Two is titled by phase two's formal title as found in the project's documentation: "The Dole Legacy: Leadership in the U.S. Senate."
Languages: English
The Dole Institute Oral History Project, which spans the years 2002-2009, contains audio, video, and transcribed oral history interviews with a variety of people who knew and worked with Senator Dole in various capacities, including friends, staffers, colleagues, journalists, members of Congress, and others.
Search the full text of all available transcripts using the search box below:
The project was completed in two separate phases, each with distinct characteristics and goals. Combined, they document the accomplishments and legacy of one of America's most respected leaders and statesmen, Senator Robert J. Dole. The first phase was conducted from 2002-2004. It was primarily conceived of and implemented by then-Dole Institute Director Richard Norton Smith and long-time Dole staffer Lahoma Yates, who conducted the majority of the interviews. Interviewees include Kansas-based legislators, Dole volunteers, campaign workers, opposition candidates, and others who worked directly with Dole during his years in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document personal memories, recollections, insights and stories in order to document what Bob Dole was like as a person, how he evolved over the years, and to convey a sense of American history and politics as experienced by Dole.
The second phase was conducted from 2007-2009. It was conceived of and planned by Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy, in collaboration with Dole Institute Senior Archivist Jean Bischoff. Interviews were conducted by Principal Historian Richard Norton Smith and Project Manager and Historian Brien R. Williams. Interviewees include Senator Dole, Senate and House colleagues, key staffers and aides, high-ranking campaign personnel, and others who worked with Senator Dole and had witnessed firsthand his leadership skills in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document his leadership style, with an emphasis on issues and legislation during the Senate years (1968-1996). It was during this time that Senator Dole's impact was critical and had the greatest effect on the national political landscape.
Interviews for both phases were recorded on a variety of media, including compact cassette, micro cassette, MiniDV, DVCam, and BetaCamSP. Transcripts and indexing were done by third party vendors and are available for most interviews. A few of the first phase original media are missing. Digital copies are available for many interviews; availability is noted in the finding aid.
This collection is the result of a multi-phase project that was managed and worked on by numerous people in various stages. As a result, materials were created and processed in different ways over the years, beginning in 2002 and continuing to 2009. In 2013, a new effort was initiated to bring all materials from both phases of the project together, in order to maximize consistency and accessibility.
The Dole Institute Oral History Project was funded through generous support from the Andreas Family Foundation.
Repository: Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archive and Special Collections
Alternate Extent Statement: Series one – 41 compact cassettes, 7 micro cassettes, 1 MiniDV; Series two – 100 hours, 30 MiniDV, 23 DVCam, 1 BetaCamSP
Access Restrictions: This collection is open for research. Any restricted materials are identified at the item level within the finding aid. Questions about these materials may be directed to the Senior Archivist of the Dole Archives.
Use Restrictions: These oral history transcripts may be read, quoted from, cited, and reproduced for purposes of research. They may not be published in full except with permission of the Dole Archives.
Preferred Citation: Oral History Interview with [interviewee's name], [date of interview], The Dole Institute Oral History Project, Robert J. Dole Archives and Special Collections, University of Kansas.
Processing Information:
Search the full text of all available transcripts using the search box below:
The first phase was conducted from 2002-2004. It was primarily conceived of and implemented by then-Dole Institute Director Richard Norton Smith and long-time Dole staffer Lahoma Yates, who conducted the majority of the interviews. Interviewees include Kansas-based legislators, Dole volunteers, campaign workers, opposition candidates, and others who worked directly with Dole during his years in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document personal memories, recollections, insights and stories in order to document what Bob Dole was like as a person, how he evolved over the years, and to convey a sense of American history and politics as experienced by Dole.
This phase of the Oral History Project is still being processed. Please contact the Dole Archives at dolearchives@ku.edu with any questions or to request a copy of any of these interviews.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lew Ferguson and Emerson Lynn, Avery discusses the 1960 election, first term in U.S. House, Avery's Congressional Career, Avery's time as governor, state aid for schools, schoolboard reform, Milford Reserve, Tuttle Creek, and other topics.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.
Bales was a longtime fieldworker for the Republican Party in Kansas and a friend of Dole.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Bales talks about Dole's famous wit. During the presidential campaign, she wondered "why don't they just let Bob be Bob Dole?" when she saw his sense of humor was not showing through like in past campaigns.
PDF Transcript available: bales_polly_2003-08-08Banker grew up in Dole's hometown of Russell, Kansas. He spent three months in a prison camp in Germany during World War II before returning home to take over the family clothing business. Banker actively campaigned for Senator Dole throughout his political career. He was widely interviewed during Dole's 1996 run for president.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Banker talks about the social dynamics of growing up in Russell, the difficulties the town faced during the Great Depression, and Dole as a young man.
PDF Transcript available: banker_dean_2002-06-13Barnes met Dole in a hospital after they were both injured in World War II and has talked with him many times since.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Barnes discusses his war injury and Dole's personality when they met during World War II.
PDF Transcript available: barnes_joe_2002-09-24Bettes is a public affairs specialist at the US Department of State. In 1996, he was a youth delegate to the Republican National Convention at which Dole was announced as the Republican candidate.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Bettes talks about Dole's insistence on keeping a meeting with him even though Bettes was only in high school. Bettes also recounts the bipartisan support that he has seen Dole enjoy in Kansas.
PDF Transcript available:bettes_chad_2002-09-15Bond retired in 2000 as president of the Kansas Senate after spending fourteen years as a state senator. He began his political career by serving as a top aid for three different members of the Kansas state legislature.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Bond discusses how he first became politically associated with Dole. He also talks about Dole's ability to connect with voters from cities despite being from such a small town as Russell.
PDF Transcript available: bond_dick_2003Boyd is the widow of Huck Boyd, who was a two time candidate for governor of Kansas, longtime leader in the state Republican Party, and political mentor to Senator Dole. Marie herself was instrumental in multiple women's organizations in the state.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Boyd talks about Dole's first run for Congress, his ability to impress voters with his humor, and Huck's role in helping finance campaigns.
PDF Transcript available:boyd_marie_2004-01-30Brunson is a former Secretary Representative for the Department of Labor in Kansas City. He now works for the Attorney General in Kansas and has been a longtime supporter of Senator Dole.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Brunson talks about his career working in government and the benefits Dole's influence brought to Kansas.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Cabbage worked in Senator Dole's offices in both Kansas and Washington, D.C. for nine years.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Cabbage discusses her experience being hired for to work for Dole, her job responsibilities, and the senator's habit of working Saturdays.
PDF Transcript available: cabbage_janeal_2004-05-17Chesbro has held offices in the Kansas Republican party for years and was a friend of Senator Dole.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Chesbro talks about the Rural Electrification Administration, a program Dole helped push to improve electric and telephone access in rural areas.
PDF Transcript available: chesbro_vern_2003-11-03Coen worked as a summer intern for Senator Dole, driving a van around the state while meeting constituents.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Coen discusses being motivated to create a Republican Headquarters in his county after Dole visited for a speech. He also recalls being selected for Senator Dole's Internship Program and running into problems on the when meeting constituents.
PDF Transcript available: coen_steve_2003-10-07Conard earned a journalism degree at KU in 1943 before serving as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then returned to Kansas and spent five terms in the Kansas House of Representatives. Finally, he served as Executive Director of the Kansas Board of Regents until his retirement in 1982.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Conard discusses Senator Dole's tenacity on the campaign trail, how soft security in the Capitol was in the old days, and the difference between politicians and statesmen.
PDF Transcript available: conard_john_2004-04-30Cooper worked as a volunteer for Dole campaigns, served as a Republican chairwoman in Anderson County, and as a delegate to the Republican National Committee.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Cooper talks about beginning to work on Bob Dole's campaigns in 1962 and how the Iowa voters almost considered Dole their third senator.
PDF Transcript available: cooper_june_2004-04-12Corbin was a caseworker in Senator Dole's Kansas City office during his tenure in the Senate. She worked to help out constituents who requested help from the senator on various problems.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Corbin talks about how Dole's sterling reputation attracted her to working for him. She recalls a story of helping an exotic bird owner protect a bird from owls.
PDF Transcript available: corbin_ramona_2003-04-25Cushing served as a member of the Kansas Board of Regents from 1965 to 1969. He was the County Young Republican Chairman in Osborne County, where he attended several state functions and political meetings with Bob Dole.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Cushing talks about working on a bus caravan organized by the Kanas Young Republicans. He also discusses how Dole demonstrated his leadership quality when he got to Washington.
PDF Transcript available: cushing_ned_2004-05-12Fambrough coached football at the University of Kansas for thirty years. After he finished coaching, he drove a van around Kansas on behalf of Dole's campaign.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Fambrough talks about giving campaign speeches without really knowing much about government. Dole quipped that he would make a great politician, because Fambrough could "talk forever and not say anything."
PDF Transcript available: fambrough_don_2004-06Ford was the 38th President of the United States. Ford began his political career in the House of Representatives in 1949, where he served until 1973. He assumed the presidency in 1974 in the wake of Nixon's resignation over the Watergate scandal.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Ford recalls the experience of waiting for election returns along with Dole in 1976. He also talks about how spending more time in Washington can have positive impacts on politicians by broadening their perspective.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, the Frizzells talk about how Bob Dole was more prepared on the issues than his primary opponents and his policy of using "little trial balloons" to see how policies would play politically.
PDF Transcript available: frizzell_kent_and_shirley_2003-06-27Hillman became Senator Dole's scheduling secretary after working for him during the 1974 campaign.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Hillman talks about coming back from thirteen percentage points down in the 1974 campaign and how the senator respected her when she asked for better working conditions.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Kay was the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, a former member of the Kansas Legislature, and a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Kay discusses the advantages for Kansans of Bob Dole having become a premier national political figure. He also mentions the value Dole placed on keeping political power decentralized instead of all in Washington.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Kline worked as a co-chair for Senator Dole's campaign in Reno County, Kansas and helped found "Dolls for Dole."
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Kline talks the founding of "Dolls for Dole" and why Dole had so much trouble getting votes in Hutchinson, KS.
PDF Transcript available: kline_aline_2003-11-19Kline served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000. He was elected as the 41st Attorney General of Kansas in 2002, a position he held until 2007.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Kline talks about Dole's ability to connect with people on the campaign trail despite shaking thousands of hands a day. He also discusses how Dole earned the reputation for being "mean spirited" as a vice presidential candidate in 1976.
PDF Transcript available: kline_phill_2003-11-19Krueger served as Kansas Intergovernmental Liaison from 1983-86 and Regional Advocate in the US Small Business Administration from 1986-93. She then worked from 1995-2003 as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Graves.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Krueger talks about how having a husband working for Bob Dole meant that the whole family worked for him. In her time working for Graves, she met with Dole numerous times on the campaign trail during joint events.
PDF Transcript available: krueger_judy_2004-08-03Krueger worked as Kansas Administrative Assistant for Senator Dole from 1973-76. He is currently President and CEO of Leading Edge, Ltd., which provides governmental relation services to corporations.
In this 2004 oral history interview, Krueger discusses Dole's skills as an orator on the campaign trail. He also talks about the idea Polly Bales had to advertise with Dole pineapple juice in order to increase Dole's name recognition.
PDF Transcript available: krueger_nelson_2004-08-03Robert Londerholm is a former Attorney General of Kansas. Beverly, his wife, campaigned for Senator Dole over many elections.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, the Londerholms talk about how working as county attorney early in his career helped prepare Dole for his legislative career. They also compare Dole's political style to Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.
PDF Transcript available: londerholm_robert_2003-11-04Lorson has worked as the local host of "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered" at NPR.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Lorson discusses causing a stir in her elementary school class by saying Dole should be president instead of Gerald Ford. She then talks about the fundamental divide between how rural and urban people perceive politics.
PDF Transcript available: lorson_laura_2004-06-24Lungstrum worked as a legislative assistant for Senator Dole after graduating from Yale. After practicing law for two decades, he was appointed in 1991 by President Bush to be US District Judge for the District of Kansas.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Lungstrum discusses Dole's willingness to take an unpopular political position in a labor dispute early in his political career. He also talks about Dole's decision not to run for governor in 1968.
PDF Transcript available: lungstrum_john_2003-05McAtee served in the Korean War and as an FBI agent. He was the state director of penal institutions from 1965-69.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, McAtee discusses attending law school at the University of Kansas at the same time as Bob Dole. He also talks about Dole helping him in the many elections in which he fell short.
PDF Transcript available: mcatee_charles_c2003Meyers was asked by Dole to be his Third District Chairman in 1966. She later served on the Overland Park City Council and in the State Senate.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Meyers talks about how Dole assuaged her worries that, as a congressman for western Kansas, he was too conservative to represent the whole state as a senator.
PDF Transcript available: meyers_jan_2003-12-18Mong was a staff assistant to Senator Dole in the Washington office.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Mong talks about how Dole did not have many close friends as a result of his political career. She also discusses what congressional wives did in Washington and Dole's ability to juggle responsibilities in both Washington and Kansas.
PDF Transcript available: mong_rosemary_2002-06-12Frank and Joan Mosier were involved with Bob Dole's campaigning over the years. Frank was responsible for taking care of the campaign treasury.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Frank Mosier talks about the increasing complexity of campaigns and Dole's focus on creating good farm bills. Joan Mosier discusses the challenge of campaigning in liberal districts in Kansas.
PDF Transcript available: mosier_frank_and_joan_c2003Mowry has been an active member of the Kansas Republican party since 1964.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Mowry discusses her decision to become a Republican after being a Democrat in her youth. She also talks about how she became responsible for speaking on behalf of Dole at events he was unable to attend.
PDF Transcript available: mowry_cathy_2004-04-18In this 2003 oral history interview, Murray discusses National young Republicans, interning for Dole in D.C, and pro-business topics.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.
Reece was a longtime activist in the Kansas Republican Party. She was a multi-term National Committeewoman as well.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Dyatt talks about the untold hours Dole worked and how he managed lobbyists.
PDF Transcript available: reece_marynell_dyatt_2003-11-14Richardson worked as a clerical assistant for Dole, a job in which he was able to drive Senator Dole around at night. He held a number of other positions in Dole's office over the years.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Richardson talks about how Dole was open to input from all ranks on his staff. He also talks about driven Dole was to help Reagan politically, even at the cost of his health.
PDF Transcript available: richardson_scott_2003-08-11Roberts is a longtime Republican activist and has been a friend and supporter of Bob Dole throughout his career.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Roberts discusses how she quickly became a supporter of Dole after meeting him. She also recounts her role organizing bus trips to Iowa during the Presidential primaries in 1996.
PDF Transcript available: roberts_dixie_2003-11-06Rogers is the Senior United States District Judge in Topeka, Kansas. He also served for eight years in the state legislature.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Rogers discusses how his own political career overlapped with Dole's. He also mentions how Dole's political beliefs moved toward the center over time.
PDF Transcript available: rogers_richard_2003-05-09In this 2004 oral history interview, Russel discusses rallies with Dole, and Elizabeth and Bob's engagement.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.
The Schirmers have been longtime supporters of Senator Dole's political career. David served as the 1st District Chairman for the Republican Party in Kansas.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, David Schirmer discusses the changes to politics resulting from the transfer of population from rural to urban areas. Ellen talks about the tension between "Kansas people" and "Washington people" working on Dole's campaigns.
PDF Transcript available: schirmer_david_and_ellen_2003-08-27Schnacke is an attorney in Topeka, Kansas. He has been a long time worker in the trenches for the Republican Party.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Schnacke discusses his interactions with Dole during their respective political careers and the differences between Goldwater conservatives and the modern movement.
PDF Transcript available: schnacke_don_2004-04-09Smith was a classmate of Senator Dole and a longtime friend. Smith had a long career in the Kansas State legislature, serving as its president for eight years.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Smith discusses how the smart play to get legislation passed in Topeka is to get one key legislator on your side instead of talking to everyone. The need for additional consolidation of school districts is also talked about.
PDF Transcript available: smith_glee_2004-02-26In this 2002(?) interview, Smith discusses working in Dole's Kansas office, answering constituent mail / phone calls, Dole's work ethic, and his V.P. campaign.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Steele was the youngest sister in the Dole family. She grew up in Russell along with Bob and is a lifelong Kansan.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Steele discusses the realities of growing up in Russell in the Dole household. She tells stories of how Dole's workaholic tendencies started at a young age and how popular he was with the other kids in town.
PDF Transcript available: steele_norma_jean_2002-06-13Stones was Executive Vice President of the Kansas Bankers Association from 1967-1997. He worked with Dole numerous times while employed in this capacity.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Stones discusses how he was impressed by Dole's strong influence on national politics. He also talks about Dole's willingness to compromise and reach out amicably to opponents.
PDF Transcript available: stones_harold_2004-04-30Stromer was in the Iowa Legislature for 26 years, including time spent as Speaker of the House. He was a consistent supporter of Dole's political career.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Stromer discusses the first time that he met Dole and the events surrounding the presidential primaries in 1988.
PDF Transcript available: stromer_del_c2003Stromer has been a political supporter of Bob Dole throughout his career. She was very active in Elizabeth Dole's failed bid for the presidency in the 2000 Republican primary.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Stromer discusses the time when Bob Dole bought her a surprise birthday cake and her experience working for Elizabeth Dole's campaign.
PDF Transcript available: stromer_harriet_c2003Taggart was head of advertising for the High Plains Journal in Dodge City and was active in politics since the early 1950s.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Taggart talks about how the main action in Kansas politics is in the Republican primary and how Dole did not show anger when he was removed from Nixon's ticket.
PDF Transcript available: taggart_bill_2002-05-16Thornbrugh was active in the Republican party over his lifetime, serving on many campaigns across the state. He and Dole were both mentored politically by Huck Boyd.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Thornbrugh recalls Dole's "big-hearted" nature and ability to remember everything. He also talks about working with Dole on the campaign trail.
PDF Transcript available: thornbrugh_paul_c2003Tombs was a consistent supporter of the Republican party in Kansas and a friend of Senator Dole.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Tombs talks about the Republican effort to "be more inclusive" in the early part of Bob Dole's political career. He also discusses the "different outlook" that veterans of combat have when they return.
PDF Transcript available: tombs_leroy_2004-01-20Van Bebber was a Senior District Judge in Kansas City, KS. Before entering the judiciary, he was active in politics, serving two terms in the Kansas House of Representatives.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Van Bebber tells the story of getting Dole's support in his bid for U.S. District Judge. The interview also touches on the advantages for Kansas infrastructure of having a powerful politician like Dole in the Senate.
PDF Transcript available: van_bebber_thomas_2004-05-15Vaughn was a longtime supporter of Bob Dole throughout his political career. She worked for Congressman Larry Winn for twenty years as campaign manager in the Kansas Third District.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Vaughn talks about having doors slammed in her face by people who had never heard of Bob Dole in his early years. She also discusses how young people today unfortunately show more interest in national politics than at the state level.
PDF Transcript available: vaughn_shirley_2004-06-22Westbrook is currently President and CEO of Corporate Communications and is a well-known figure in the Kansas City public relations field. He has been an observer of Kansas politics since 1955.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Westbrook discusses how politics has changed from a calling to a business. He also talks about how Dole missed out on the opportunity to be a "kingmaker" for the Republican party by choosing to run for president.
PDF Transcript available: westbrook_david_2002-08-31Westover was the president of the Gary County Republican Women's Federation. She was a supporter of Bob Dole from his first campaign for the Senate.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Westover tells about how Dole had his finger on the pulse of issues in Kansas. She also emphasizes Dole's ability to remember the names of everyone he met.
PDF Transcript available: westover_darlene_c2003Winn served as a Republican congressman from Kansas from 1967 to 1985. During that time, he specialized in foreign policy, including a year spent as Congressional Ambassador to the United Nations in 1977.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Winn discusses the highlights of his time working on the Science and Technology Committee. He also talks about working with Senator Dole while in the Kanas legislative delegation together.
PDF Transcript available: winn_larry_2004-02-18Wohlford was one of Bob Dole's top aids in Washington after the serving as campaign manager in the 1974 race.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Wohlford discusses how Dole's "hokey" slogan of "People are my strength" was accurate. He also recounts the process of making nominations for the judiciary.
PDF Transcript available: wohlford_bill_2003-09-16The second phase was conducted from 2007-2009. It was conceived of and planned by Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy, in collaboration with Dole Institute Senior Archivist Jean Bischoff. Interviews were conducted by Principal Historian Richard Norton Smith and Project Manager and Historian Brien R. Williams. Interviewees include Senator Dole, Senate and House colleagues, key staffers and aides, high-ranking campaign personnel, and others who worked with Senator Dole and had witnessed firsthand his leadership skills in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document his leadership style, with an emphasis on issues and legislation during the Senate years (1968-1996). It was during this time that Senator Dole's impact was critical and had the greatest effect on the national political landscape.
Transcripts of the interviews are linked at the item level.
To view more details and to view or download audio/video copies, please visit our website at http://dolearchives.ku.edu/oralhistory or contact the Dole Archives at dolearchives@ku.edu.
Armitage has served in many governmental sectors including as Assistant Secretary of Defense for President Reagan and Deputy Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. He served as Administrative Assistant for Senator Dole (1978-1980).
Interview length: 0:54:14In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Armitage talks about Senator Dole's personality, humor and governing style, including Dole's 1974 Senate campaign, changes in the Senate, Nancy Kassebaum and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: armitage_richard_2007-06-19Armstrong served as a U.S. Representative (1973-1979) and a U.S. Senator (1979-1991) from Colorado.
Interview length: 1:58:27In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Armstrong talks about the role of government, religion in the Senate and the House of Representatives, tax policy and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: armstrong_william_2007-05-02Bair served as the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (2006-2011). Her many other governmental positions include Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions at the U.S. Treasury Department (2001-2002), Senior Vice President for Government Relations of the New York Stock Exchange (1995-2000), and commissioner and Acting Chair of the Commodity Futures Tradition Commission (1991-1995). She served as Senator Dole's Research Director and Counsel (1981-1988) and on his 1988 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 1:05:32In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Bair talks about the Voting Rights Act of 1982, Supreme Court nominations, 1988 Republican Primary and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: bair_sheila_2007-12-17Baker's many positions included Senate Minority Leader (1977-1981), Senate Majority Leader (1981-1985), White House Chief of Staff (1987-1988), and Ambassador to Japan (2001-2005). He worked very closely with Senator Dole and was the recipient of the 2006 Dole Leadership Prize.
Interview length: 0:57:45In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Baker talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, unwritten procedures of the Senate, the role of the Majority Leader, Nixon and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: baker_howard_2007-05-07Baker served as White House Chief of Staff for President Reagan (1981-1985) and President H.W. Bush (1992-1993). He also served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1985-1988) and as Secretary of State (1985-1988). He worked closely with Senator Dole, especially during the 1991 Gulf War.
Interview length: 0:53:08In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Baker talks about Bob Dole's campaigns in 1976, 1980, 1988, and 1996.
PDF Transcript available: baker_james_2007-05-21Baroody served as Senator Dole's speechwriter and executive assistant. He has also held positions for the Republican National Committee, Reagan White House, and the Department of Labor under Presidents Reagan and H.W. Bush.
Interview length: 1:23:18In this 2008 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Baroody talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, the Republican National Committee, the political consequences of Watergate, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: baroody_michael_2008-02-06Bernhard served as U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Staff Director under President Kennedy. He also served as senior advisor to Secretary of State Edmund S. Muskie (1980-1981) and was his presidential campaign manager (1971-1972).
Interview length: 1:14:12In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Bernhard talks about the Federal Election Committee, the 1996 Presidential election, the Republican Party and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: bernhard_berl_2007-11-29Brock served as U.S. Representative (1963-1971) and U.S. Senator (1971-1977) from Tennessee. He was the Chairman of the latter part of Dole's 1988 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 1:25:23In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Brock discusses the Republican party's platform; Presidents Nixon, Ford and Reagan; the Ford/Dole 1976 campaign and Dole's 1996 campaign, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: brock_william_2007-06-26Burke has worked on the Senate Finance Committee, and she served as Senator Dole's Chief of Staff (1986-1996). She was appointed as Secretary of Senate in 1995.
Interview length: 1:56:25In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Burke talks about Dole's legislative staff, the benefits of majority, her role in Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Healthcare Subcommittee, the Dole/Kemp 1996 presidential campaign and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: burke_sheila_2007-08-23In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Burke talks about general party politics, changes in Congressional politicking, the Dole/Kemp 1996 presidential campaign and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: burke_sheila_2007-12-11Bush served as President of the United States (1989-1993), Vice President of the United States (1981-1989), as well as numerous other government roles. Dole ran against him in the 1988 Presidential Republican primary contest and supported him throughout his Presidency.
Interview length: 0:06:42In this short 2007 interview, President George H. W. Bush recalls his 1988 Presidential campaign, in which he campaigned against Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) for the Republican party ticket. He goes on to talk about the role that Dole played during his Presidency, particularly with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Desert Storm, and the 1990 budget agreement.
PDF Transcript available: bush_george_h_w_2007-06-01Cochran served as a U.S. Representative (1973-1978) and has served as the U.S. Senator from Mississippi since 1978. He was one of Dole's close allies, especially during the 1996 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 1:02:22In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Cochran discusses his experiences with Bob Dole, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Senate Agriculture Committee, the Senate, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: cochran_thad_2007-04-10D'Amato served as U.S. Senator from New York (1981-1999). He was one of Dole's close allies, especially during the 1996 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 0:41:38In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, D'Amato talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, differences in the U.S. House and Senate, changes in the Republican Party, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: d_amato_al_2007-12-08Daschle was a U.S. Representative (1979-1987) and U.S. Senator from South Dakota (1987-2005). He served as both Majority and Minority Leader during his tenure in the Senate and worked closely with Dole in these roles.
Interview length: 1:00:50In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Daschle talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, changes in politics and the Republican party, bipartisanship, the Dole/Kemp 1996 Presidential Campaign and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: daschle_tom_2007-05-25DeArment was Chief of Staff for Senate Majority Leader Dole, (1985-1986). Prior to that position, he held numerous positions on the Senate Committee on Finance.
Interview length: 1:51:35In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, DeArment talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, Senate committee Staffs, the process of legislating, Dole's 1988 and 1996 Presidential campaigns, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dearment_rod_2007-03-01In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, DeArment talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, Newt Gingrich, tax reform (TEFRA and other plans) and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dearment_rod_2007-04-13In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, DeArment talks about his experiences with Bob Dole, the 1996 Presidential campaign (Vice-Presidential vetting, right wing Republicans, Clinton's victory), Dole's life after the 1996 election, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dearment_rod_2007-08-17Senator Bob Dole served in the U.S. Congress for 35 years for the state of Kansas. He is the longest serving Republican Leader to date, the 1996 Republican Nominee for President, and President Ford's Vice-Presidential candidate in 1976.
Interview length: 1:58:32In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Senator Bob Dole talks about getting his start in politics, the role of government, and the outlook for the Republican party.
PDF Transcript available: dole_bob_2007-05-11In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Dole talks about his early career, including his start in the Senate, his period as RNC Chairman, Watergate, the 1974 Senate race, abortion, President Ford and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dole_bob_2007-06-22In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Dole talks about his experiences in the Senate, including Supreme Court nominations, relationships among Senators, C-SPAN, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dole_bob_2007-07-13In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Dole talks about the 1976 Ford/Dole Presidential campaign, the WWII memorial and the Honor Flight program, partisanship and party lines, President Nixon and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dole_bob_2007-09-07In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Dole talks about Reagan-era issues, including supply-side economics, Social Security reform, the White House staff, Dole's role as Majority Leader in the Senate, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: dole_bob_2007-10-16In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Senator Bob Dole talks about the Republican primary of 1988, the ADA, supply-side economics, and the 2008 Presidential candidates.
PDF Transcript available: dole_bob_2007-12-14Dove served on the staff of Senator Dole (1987-1995). He has also served as the Parliamentarian of the U.S. Senate (1981-1987 and 1995-2001).
Interview length: 1:52:05In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Dove talks about the responsibilities of a Parliamentarian, Senate procedures, and the introduction of C-SPAN.
PDF Transcript available: dove_robert_2008-03-27Robert L. Downen, native Kansan, was a Legislative Aide on Senator Dole's personal staff from 1973 to 1979, handling both domestic and foreign policy issues. His 40-year professional career in Washington, DC, included service with the U.S. Department of State, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and several political consulting firms. He retired from government service in 2013.
Interview length: 1:33:07In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Downen talks about Watergate, the Ford/Dole 1976 Presidential Campaign, and the Carter Administration's foreign policy.
PDF Transcript available: downen_robert_2007-12-27Ellsworth served as a U.S. Representative from Kansas (1961-1967), U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO (1969-1971), and as an assistant to President Nixon. He also served as Deputy Secretary of Defense (1975-1977). He was a close friend of Dole's and chaired his 1988 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 0:56:11In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Ellsworth talks about Dole's start in politics, personal life, and Republican National Committee leadership.
PDF Transcript available: ellsworth_bob_2007-08-08Ferguson was a Kansas reporter for the Associated Press and a top political journalist in the state for a long time. He covered much of Dole's career in Kansas.
Interview length: 1:31:45In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Ferguson talks about his time covering Dole's political career, the changing journalism industry, and the Kansas political scene.
PDF Transcript available: ferguson_lewis_2007-04-19Glassner served as travel aide (1987-1995), Senate Campaign manager (1992) and Senior Advisor to Senator Dole (1995 to 2000). He was also Director of Vice Presidential Operations for 2008 McCain/Palin campaign.
Interview length: 1:56:47In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Glassner talks about helping Senator Dole handle constituent relations, working on campaigns, and the Senator's personality.
PDF Transcript available: glassner_mike_2008-03-11Glickman served as U.S. Representative from Kansas (1977-1995) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (1995-2001). He then became the Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) (2004-2010).
Interview length: 1:04:55In this oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Glickman talks about dirty tactics on the campaign trail, the National Intelligence Committee, and political theory.
PDF Transcript available: glickman_dan_2007-06-22Grassley served as a U.S. Representative from Iowa (1974-1981). Since 1981, he has served as a U.S. Senator. He was a close friend and adviser to Dole, especially during the 1988 and 1996 campaigns.
Interview length: 0:49:45In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Grassley talks about Senator Dole's work on Social Security reform and the legislative process in the Senate.
PDF Transcript available: grassley_chuck_2007-05-23Greene worked as Secretary of the Majority/Minority for Howard Baker and Bob Dole, and was Sergeant at Arms of the Senate until 1996.
Interview length: 2:55:38In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Greene talks about the differences between working as Secretary of the Majority and of the Minority, Dole's role as Nixon's hatchet man, and the Senator's work ethic.
PDF Transcript available: greene_howard-2007-07-11Greenspan served as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve (1987-2006). He was the head of the Greenspan Commission (The National Commission on Social Security Reform), on which Dole served.
Interview length: 1:01:40In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Greenspan talks about negative campaigns, lack of leadership in the legislative process, and his interactions with Senator Dole and Ronald Reagan.
PDF Transcript available: greenspan_alan_2007-12-14Harbaugh served as Dole's personal assistant for many years in the Senate. She also worked on scheduling during his 1988 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 2:31:42In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Harbaugh talks about Bob Dole's work in regards to the Vietnam war, work ethic, and the 1988 Republican Presidential Primary.
PDF Transcript available: harbaugh_judy_2008-03-15Harkin served as a U.S. Representative from Iowa (1975-1985). Since 1985, he has served as a U.S. Senator.
Interview length: 0:36:40In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Harkin talks about Senator Dole's role in the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the government debt, and farm policy.
PDF Transcript available: harkin_tom_2008-01-30Hoagland is an agricultural economist who worked on Dole's agriculture staff, primarily focused on food stamp programs.
Interview length: 1:11:30In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Hoagland talks about the Senate Agricultural Committee, food subsidies, supply-side economics, and government spending.
PDF Transcript available: hoagland_g_willard_2007-12-04Inouye was the second-longest serving U.S. Senator in history serving from 1963 until his death in 2012. He also served as a U.S. Representative (1959-1963). He also served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during World War II where he and Dole first met and became friends.
Interview length: 0:49:04In this 2008 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Inouye talks about meeting Senator Dole in the Hart Military Hospital, and specific role of the Senate in government in comparison to the House or the Presidency.
PDF Transcript available: inouye_daniel_2008-02-11Baker represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate (1978-1997). She was the first female senator not elected to a seat held by her husband nor appointed to fill out a deceased husband's term.
Interview length: 1:16:09In this 2009 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Kassebaum-Baker talks about Senator Dole's work ethic and the issues of abortion, the Panama Canal, and wheat subsidies on the campaign trail.
PDF Transcript available: kassebaum-baker_nancy_2009-04-16Kemp was a professional football star who was the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate for Bob Dole's 1996 presidential run. He also served as a U.S. Representative from New York (1971-1989) and as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1989-1993).
Interview length: 0:58:17In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Kemp talks about the rise of supply-side economics, John F. Kennedy's tax cuts over Republican objections, and Newt Gingrich's government shutdown.
PDF Transcript available: kemp_jack_2007-05-23Koch was a speechwriter for Senator Dole. He also worked on the 1976 Ford-Dole presidential campaign as well as Senator Dole's run for president in 1980. He has held many positions in government including the Department of Defense and the Nixon White House.
Interview length: 1:38:49In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Koch talks about Dole's bid for Vice President in 1976, the Watergate scandal, and Dole's role as "hatchet man" for President Nixon.
PDF Transcript available: koch_noel_2008-02-20Korologos served as senior advisor to Senator Dole on his 1996 presidential campaign. He also served in the Nixon and Ford Administrations in the capacity of Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs.
Interview length: 1:45:03In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Korologos talks about Senator Dole's work as RNC Chairman, the 1996 Presidential campaign, and Watergate.
PDF Transcript available: korologos_tom_2007-04-11Lacy was a Republican strategist who worked on campaigns for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Senator Dole. He is currently the Director of the Dole Institute.
Interview length: 1:32:42In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Lacy talks about his own political career, being interviewed by Dole for the position of campaign director, and working the campaign trail.
PDF Transcript available: lacy_bill_2008-06-18In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Lacy talks about Dole's 1996 Presidential campaign, Dole's personality and legacy, and the changing nature of politics.
PDF Transcript available: lacy_bill_2008-06-19Lighthizer served as the treasurer for the 1996 Dole/Kemp presidential campaign. He also was Chief of Staff of the Senate committee on Finance. He also served as a deputy US Trade Representative during the Reagan Administration and vice chairman of the board of Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Interview length: 1:49:12In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Lighthizer talks about working for the Senate Finance Committee, the 1988 Dole Presidential Campaign, and Jimmy Carter's Presidency.
PDF Transcript not available at this time.Lott was a U.S. Congressman (1973-1989) and a U.S. Senator (1989-2007). He served in many leadership positions in the House of Representatives and Senate including House Minority Whip, Senate Majority Whip, Senate Minority Whip, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.
Interview length: 0:32:12In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Lott talks about changes in partisanship in the Senate and the role of government.
PDF Transcript available: lott_trent_2007-06-20McCluney was appointed as Deputy Sergeant at Arms in 1995. Prior to that, she worked for the Senate Finance Committee, the White House, the Commerce Department, the State Department. She served as office manager for Senator Dole's leadership offices (1985-1994).
Interview length: 1:37:01In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, McCluney talks about working in Bob Dole's office, the Dole Institute, and working on the Senate Finance Committee.
PDF Transcript available: mccluney_joyce_2008-01-23McClure served in the Reagan and the George H.W. Bush presidential administrations, as Legislative Director for Senator John Tower, and as Associate Deputy U.S. Attorney General.
Interview length: 1:38:31In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, McClure talks about the 1995 government shutdown, the role of expanding media, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Gulf War.
PDF Transcript available: mcclure_fred_2007-11-30In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed McGovern as the first director of the Food for Peace program, marking the start of McGovern's work to help people suffering from malnourishment across the world. McGovern reached across the aisle in Washington to gain bipartisan support for several pieces of legislation to fund programs still prominent today. Dole was involved with many of the programs initiated by McGovern, including the restructuring of the Food Stamp program, the World Food Programme, and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. McGovern served as a U.S Representative (1957-1961) and U.S. Senator (1963-1981) from South Dakota. He was also the Democratic nominee for President in 1972.
Interview length: 0:55:14In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, George McGovern talks about obstructionism in the Senate, his interactions with Bob Dole, and nutrition programs.
PDF Transcript available: mcgovern_george_2007-07-13Meyer worked on Bob Dole's staff in positions including personal secretary and legislative correspondent.
Interview length: 2:19:36In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Meyer talks about her fond memories of working for Bob Dole, what it means to "be presidential," and the campaign trail.
PDF Transcript available: meyer_betty_2007-11-25Michel served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois (1957-1995). He served as House Minority Whip (1975-1981) and House Minority Leader (1981-1995).
Interview length: 1:31:04In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Michel talks about his upbringing, work as Whip, the Gulf War, and Robert Byrd.
PDF Transcript available: michel_bob_2007-05-24Mitchell served as a U.S. Senator from Maine (1980-1995). He was Senate Majority Leader (1989-1995). He also served as U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland (1995-2001), and U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace (2009-2011).
Interview length: 1:30:31In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, George Mitchell talks about his time in the Senate with Bob Dole, the Gulf War, and the legacy of George H.W. Bush.
PDF Transcript available: mitchell_george_2007-04-11Mondale was a U.S. Senator from Minnesota (1964-1976), Vice President of the United States (1977-1981), and the 1984 Democratic nominee for President. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan (1993-1996).
Interview length: 1:03:40In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Mondale talks about the breakdown in accountability under George W. Bush, Senator Dole's nutrition programs, supply-side economics, and the Panama Canal.
PDF Transcript available: mondale_walter_2007-11-28Nickles served as U.S Senator from Oklahoma (1981-2005). He was Senate Minority/Majority Whip (1996-2003).
Interview length: 1:02:16In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Nickles talks about Senator Dole's Eastern Europe policies, the 1996 Presidential campaign, and tax reform.
PDF Transcript available: nickles_don_2007-03-27Nunn served as a U.S. Senator from Georgia (1972-1997). He has been nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Interview length: 0:32:36In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Nunn talks about the role of relationships in politics, the transformation of the Senate, and political theory.
PDF Transcript available: nunn_sam_2008-12-16Owen served as Kansas Lieutenant Governor (1973--1974), state senator, Senator Bob Dole's close associate and campaign manager (1974). He was credited with turning Dole's 1974 Senate campaign around for a close win.
Interview length: 1:51:32In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Owen talks about his family's move to Kansas, his beginnings in politics, and running Bob Dole's Vice Presidential campaign.
PDF Transcript available: owen_dave_2007-04-20Packwood served as U.S. Senator from Oregon (1969-1995).
Interview length: 1:52:34In this 2008 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Packwood talks about hierarchy and procedures in the Senate, working with Senator Dole, and campaign financing.
PDF Transcript available: packwood_bob_2007-07-20Pettit served as Administrative Assistant to Senator Dole (1981-1987). He also served as adviser to Senator Dole's presidential campaigns (1988-1996).
Interview length: 0:58:43In this 2008 oral history with Brien R. Williams, Mike Pettit talks about his time working for Bob Dole, including the Senator's work ethic and relationship with his staff.
PDF Transcript available: pettit_mike_2008-02-20In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Pettit talks about Dole's campaign strategy, his foreign policy, and the leadership of Ronald Reagan.
PDF Transcript available: pettit_mike_2008-04-01Reed managed Senator Dole's 1996 presidential campaign.
Interview length: 0:58:01In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Reed talks about Dole's time as Senate Majority Leader and the 1996 Dole/Kemp Presidential campaign.
PDF Transcript available: reed_scott_2007-11-08Richardson was a staff member for Senator Dole for six years in the 1980s and he primarily served as a press aide.
Interview length: 1:34:40In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Scott Richardson talks about Bob Dole's personality, Reagan's Tax Policy, and the effects of the media on politics.
PDF Transcript available: richardson_scott_2007-04-17Riker served as Senator Dole's Press Secretary (1981-1993).
Interview length: 2:10:32In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Riker talks about his relationship with Bob Dole and the Senator's work ethic, humor, and legacy.
PDF Transcript available: riker_walt_2008-03-12Roberts has served as Senator from Kansas since 1997. He has served as member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas (1981-1997), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture (1995-1997), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (2003-2007), and other governmental roles.
Interview length: 0:46:03In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Roberts discusses many important aspects of Dole's political career, partisanship in contemporary politics, the relationship between the House and the Senate, and other topics.
PDF Transcript available: roberts_pat_2007-05-11Dave Rodgers was a Congressional correspondent for the Boston Globe.
Interview length: 1:49:17In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Dave Rodgers talks about his investigative reporting, the media coverage of John F. Kennedy, the course of the Republican party, and deficit negotiations.
PDF Transcript available: rogers_dave_2008-04-05Rostenkowski was a Representative from Illinois (1959-1995) and served as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (1981-1994).
Interview length: 1:08:25In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Dan Rostenkowski talks about his relationship with Bob Dole, the importance of election demographics, and the stigma surrounding the legislative process.
PDF Transcript available: rostenkowski_dan_2008-04-01Dr. Roy was a Representative from Kansas (1971-1975). He challenged Senator Dole for his seat in 1974 but lost narrowly.
Interview length: 1:06:08In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Bill Roy talks about his experience on the campaign trail, interactions with Bob Dole, and healthcare reform.
PDF Transcript available: roy_bill_2007-04-18Rudman served as a U.S. Senator (1980-1993). He was a close friend of Dole's and served as advisor on his 1996 Presidential campaign.
Interview length: 0:22:48In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Warren Rudman talks about Bob Dole's personality, leadership style, and legacy.
PDF Transcript available: rudman_warren_2007-12-12Seelye has covered a number of campaigns for The New York Times including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Bob Dole in 1996.
Interview length: 1:49:33In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Katharine Seelye talks about the 1996 Presidential campaign, Senator Dole's unscripted speaking style and his attitude toward the media.
PDF Transcript available: seelye_katharine_2007-12-02Simpson served as a U.S. Senator from Wyoming (1979-1997). He also served as Majority/Minority Whip (1985-1995). He recently served as Chairperson of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform with Senator Erskine Bowles.
Interview length: 1:31:04In this 2007 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Alan Simpson talks about his interactions with Bob Dole, the influence of the Religious Right, and changes in citizens' trust in the Senate.
PDF Transcript available: simpson_alan_2007-10-09Slattery was a U.S. Representative from Kansas (1983-1995) and a close friend of Dole's.
Interview length: 1:21:11In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Rep. Jim Slattery talks about the beginning of his political career, the first Clinton Administration, the 1974 Kansas Senate race, and the Iran Contra affair.
PDF Transcript available: slattery_jim_2007-04-26Smith was a former speechwriter for Senator Dole. He is also a historian who has written many books on U.S. presidents. He has worked on updating many presidential libraries including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Dwight. D. Eisenhower Center, and Gerald R. Ford Museum. He also served as Director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. He was Director of the Dole Institute of Politics (2001-2003).
Interview length: 1:51:03In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Richard Norton Smith talks about his time writing speeches for Bob Dole, mistakes made on the campaign trail, and the 1996 Presidential campaign.
PDF Transcript available: smith_richard_norton_2008-06-04Taggart was an advisor to Bob Dole in his U.S. House, Senate, Vice Presidential, and Presidential campaigns. In 1969, he became Senator Dole's agriculture legislative assistant.
Interview length: 1:51:43In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Bill Taggart talks about his upbringing, his time on Dole's personal staff and agricultural issues.
PDF Transcript available: taggart_bill_2007-07-18Tymchuk was a speechwriter for Senator Dole and for his 1996 presidential campaign.
Interview length: 1:18:23In this 2008 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Kerry Tymchuk talks about his time working with Bob Dole and the importance of humility and truthfulness in politics.
PDF Transcript available: tymchuk_kerry_2008-02-05Wells served as Kansas Republican State Party Central Committee Chair (1991-1995). He also served as an aide to Senator Dole in the 1970s and as an informal advisor on several of Dole's campaigns.
Interview length: 1:25:25In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Kim Wells talks about his time working as a legislative assistant for Bob Dole, including Dole's campaign style, farm policy, and nutrition programs.
PDF Transcript available: wells_kim_2007-04-18Wilson served as Mayor of San Diego (1971-1983), U.S. Senator from California (1983-1991), and Governor of California (1991-1999).
Interview length: 1:44:13In this 2007 oral history interview with Brien R. Williams, Pete Wilson talks about working with Senator Dole, and remarks on former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
PDF Transcript available: wilson_pete_2007-10-26
