Dole’s age hurt him with voters in '96, some believe

By Mary Clarkin

In 1996, former Sen. Robert Dole of Kansas, 73, challenged a White House incumbent young enough to be his son, President Bill Clinton, then 50.

Don’t raise the age issue yourself, Dole was advised in a debate memo, according to campaign papers in the archives and special collections at the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas.

A debate briefing book offered a potential answer if Dole was asked if he was too old to be President:

“No. Was Winston Churchill too told to be Prime Minister of England? Was Charles DeGualle too old to be President of France: Was Ronald Reagan too old to be President? Is

Nelson Mandela too old to lead South Africa? All of these men served their countries well into their late 70s - and beyond in some cases,” the potential response began.

A briefing book suggested Dole could go on the offensive, asking Clinton why hadn’t he released his extensive health records, and noting a report that showed Dole had better weight, cholesterol and blood pressure numbers than Clinton.

At a town hall debate in October 1996 in San Diego, a university student asked Dole “about the controversy” surrounding his age. “How do you feel you can respond to young voices of America today and tomorrow?” she asked.

“Well, I think age is very — you know, wisdom comes from age, experience and intelligence. And if you have some of each — and I have some age, some experience and some intelligence — that adds up to wisdom. I think it also is a strength. It’s an advantage,” said Dole, soon segueing to his economic plan.

“I can only tell you that I don’t think Sen. Dole is too old to be president. It’s the age of his ideas that I question,” Clinton responded, shifting to college student aid.

Dole addressed his age in his acceptance speech at the Republican nominating convention.

“Now I know that in some quarters I may not — may be expected to run from this, the truth of this, but I was born in 1923, and facts are better than dreams and good presidents and good candidates don’t run from the truth.”

A study two years after the 1996 election chastised the media for not taking a deeper look into Dole’s health and the risks of electing someone in their 70s, when the chance of stroke, dementia, or other health setback is higher.

Authors Herbert L. Abrams and Richard Brody referred to polls during the election that showed “the older the voter, the more likely he was to believe that Dole’s age would be an obstacle.”

“Older Americans,” the study said, “did indeed project on Dole their own experience with health and the problems of aging.”

By Diana Morton

Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas. Hansel & Gretel, presented by the Once Upon a Time Summer Series, July 13-15, 10 am and 12 pm daily. Tickets can be purchased through the Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center, starting at $9, 316-262-2282

Kechi Playhouse, 100 E. Kechi Road, Flaming Idiots. A comedy about two former postal workers trying to open a restaurant. 8 pm Fri–Sat, 2:30 pm Sun,

July 7-30. Reserve space or just walk in! Tickets $15-16. 316-744-2152 show begins 7:50 pm. July 21-Sept 2. Tickets, dinner & show $35-39; Show only $25-29. 316-263-0222

Mosley Street

Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley. No Weddings & A Funeral, by Tom Frye. The lives of sisters Thelma & Louise change instantly when they learn they have inherited 500 acres of prime property in Derby from their late uncle. Musical comedy revue follows: Superstar Search ’77. Dinner 6:15 pm, show begins 7:50 pm. NowJuly 8. Tickets, dinner & show $35-39; Show only $25-29. 316-263-0222

Fresh Prince of Bel Plaine by Carol Hughes, followed by a new musical comedy revue. Dinner 6:15 pm,

All You Can Eat You Come You Like

Music Theatre Wichita, Capital Federal Amphitheater. 2023 Red, White and Broadway. Back by popular demand, but with all-new material, this outdoor production features Broadway tunes, patriotic songs and fireworks. July 1-4. Tickets, call 316-265-3107

Roxy’s Downtown, 412 E. Douglas, cabaret-style theatre, La Cage aux Folles. After 20 years of partnered bliss, Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better or worse, get a bit of both when Georges’ son announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted politician. 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, July 6-28. Tickets $20-$30. 316-265-4400

Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain. Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling and directed by John DaltonWhite. The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon where the outspoken owner dispenses shampoos and free advice. 8 pm Th-Sat and 2 pm Sun, July 27-Aug 6. Tickets $15 or $13 for military/seniors/students. Opening night ticket $11, July 27 only. 316-6861282

Contact Diana Morton at dianamorton12@sbcglobal.net

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The courses are FREE* for Kansas residents 60+ years old, if enrolled by September 13, 2023. All courses will be o ered in-person or online; registration is required. In-person classes will be held at 1-3 pm at the Wichita State University Metropolitan Complex located at 5015 E. 29th St. North. Students who select the online option will receive a link via email each week to view the class on their own device. Students can choose to watch the link live during the class time or can watch the recording at their convenience.

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