With Thanks From a Grateful Nation – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - December 12, 2021
Mark Curtis, MINDSETTER™
With Thanks From a Grateful Nation – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - December 12, 2021
“The Dole Legacy” – Dole was a fascinating mix. He could be the most bitter, frustrated, combative lawmaker, or the funniest guy on Capitol Hill. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, so he could be alternatively caustic and comedic in the same sentence. In 1976 as President Gerald Ford’s vice-presidential nominee, he angered a lot of people by saying more Americans died “in Democrat wars.” But in 1996, after losing the presidential election to Bill Clinton, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Clinton. He started his acceptance speech at the White House by saying, “I, Robert J. Dole, do solemnly swear… sorry, wrong speech!” to much laughter. He said when, President Clinton told him he had a gift for Dole at the White House, “I thought it would be the front door keys!” He was wickedly funny! Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6obRPpPWg8
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“My Dad as Surgeon General?” – My dad ran one of the largest medical practices in the Milwaukee area when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s. One of his patients was an insurance agent from nearby Waukesha, Wisconsin. The patient, whose name escapes me, was one of the soldiers who helped a horribly wounded Bob Dole off a hillside in Italy during World War II. For helping save Dole’s life, the future senator told the man, “If I can ever return the favor, just ask.” In 1996, this brave veteran asked Dole to appoint my dad, William C. Curtis, M.D., as Surgeon General of the United States if he won. Dole didn’t win, but my dad was so proud to be considered at that level. I think “Papa” – who practiced medicine for 61 years - would have been an outstanding Surgeon General! Small world!
“How Did My Dad Get in the Mix?” – Dr. Bill Curtis was not a political guy (at least not as a doctor). If you showed up at his office, he didn’t care if you were a Republican or Democrat, immigrant, or native-born, black or white. In fact, he built his practice on taking care of immigrants. He was a senior in high school on December 7, 1941, when the Pearl Harbor attack occurred. The next day the principal at Campion Jesuit High School in Wisconsin came to him and said, “Bill, you want to be a doctor like your dad, right?” My dad nodded yes. At that point, his principal handed him a bus ticket to Milwaukee and told him he was enrolled immediately in Marquette University’s medical school. My dad never finished high school, nor earned an undergraduate degree. He was a U.S. Navy doctor at age 22. Yes, the “Greatest Generation!”
“A Class Act” – One of the most enduring memories I have of Dole, was when President George H.W. Bush was lying in state at the U.S. Capitol. The two men were fierce political, intra-party enemies. But each man also respected each other’s World War II heroism. Pilot Bush was shot down over the Sea of Japan, and 2LT Dole nearly dying of his wounds in Italy. Dole, who was wheelchair-bound at Bush’s passing, had an aide briefly stand him up and salute his former rival. It was so powerful and touching, and over in a millisecond. But it was one member of the “Greatest Generation” saluting another. They may have had their bitter fights and differences, but in the end, they shared the bond of helping save the world, both in the military and later in politics. Wow!
“In Other News!” – Last week I weighed in on the controversy involving then suspended CNN host Chris Cuomo. He was taken off the news desk after it was revealed he was helping his brother, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) New York, deal with communication strategies in an on-going sex scandal. The CNN host was clearly crossing a journalistic-ethical line. He was fired by CNN. It was the network’s only choice. On a Facebook discussion group of fellow journalists, I said, “He crossed a line that can’t be crossed. But I asked myself in good candor, would I have been tempted to do the same for my own brother? And I was torn and could not answer. He did the WRONG thing, make no mistake. I’m not giving him a pass. But I did my own gut check… and struggled! And I consider myself an utmost ethical journalist. Family ties can tug powerfully….”
“Be Careful What You Wish For” – As he has done in many races, former President Donald Trump has interjected himself into the Georgia Governor’s race. Trump has endorsed former Sen. David Perdue (R) Georgia, in a primary fight against Gov. Brian Kemp (R) Georgia, who is seeking a second term. It could be a very nasty, divisive, and expensive Republican primary. The winner could be wounded and broke. Could that open the door for presumed Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams who barely lost to Kemp in 2018. Remember, Democrats won both special elections on January 5th, seizing control of the U.S. Senate. This is a key race to watch!
“California Abortion Sanctuary” – One of the most fascinating political stories of the week, was the move in California to declare the Golden State and “Abortion Sanctuary.” When the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately votes whether to uphold the strict Mississippi abortion law, we could see a situation where all 50 states set their own rules. Abortion rights supporters are talking about funding travel, housing and even medical payments for out-of-state women seeking the procedure. Stay tuned!
