The Moderation of Robert Dole

Ten years ago, he was “dark-visaged, sardonic,” a “fiery jack-in-the-box” (New York Times). His debating style showed “smiling amorality” and “cruel skill” (Garry Wills). A White House spokesman—from his own party, yet—compared him to a “hungry Doberman pinscher,” while another Republican (William Saxbe) said he “couldn’t sell beer on a troop ship.”

Now he has “sounded an independent voice” (New York Times). His colleagues “take him more seriously” (Time). He’s “our kind of guy” (Village Voice). He “has grown” (George McGovern), “grown more than anybody in this town” (Robert Strauss).

About the Author

Richard Brookhiser

Historian Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor of National Review and a senior fellow at the National Review Institute.

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Ten years ago, he was “dark-visaged, sardonic,” a “fiery jack-in-the-box” (New York Times). His debating style showed “smiling amorality” and “cruel skill” (Garry Wills). A White House spokesman—from his own party, yet—compared him to a “hungry Doberman pinscher,” while another Republican (William Saxbe) said he “couldn’t sell beer on a troop ship.”

Now he has “sounded an independent voice” (New York Times). His colleagues “take him more seriously” (Time). He’s “our kind of guy” (Village Voice). He “has grown” (George McGovern), “grown more than anybody in this town” (Robert Strauss).