Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the 1996 Presidential Debates
Until March 1st, visitors to the Dole Institute can learn how presidential candidates prepare for the high stakes game of televised debates. This exhibit features never-before-seen photographs of Senator Dole and his advisors preparing to debate against President Clinton.
Also on display is the mock podium that Senator Dole used to practice for the debate. Made out of foam core board, it was built to exactly the same dimensions as the podium used in the official debate.
After March 1st, the exhibit will move to the Archive, where it can be seen as part of a “White Glove Tour.”
Bentley Gallery
Seventeen black and white photographs of Senator Dole taken by photographer, P.F. Bentley are currently on display in the Bentley gallery at the Dole Institute. These images were taken during the 1996 Presidential campaign and can be seen during the monthly “White Glove Tour” or by special request at the main desk.
Past Exhibits
Gerald R. Ford 1913-2006
A memorial exhibit of images honoring the late President Gerald R. Ford was on display in the Institute lobby during the month of January 2007. Visitors were asked to sign a condolence book which was to be sent to the Ford Museum and Presidential library.
Washington, D.C. August 31, 1966. House Minority Leader Ford, Congressman Dole.
White House Oval Office [1976]. Senator Dole, President Ford. White House Photograph
President Ford to Senator Bob Dole, Dec 7, 2004
President Ford August 24, 1974 White House Photograph
George McGovern and the Mission of a Lifetime: Fighting Hunger for Nearly Half a Century
Chairman McGovern and Senator Dole at Senate Subcommittee on Nutrition and Human Needs hearings, 1980.
The bipartisan collaboration of former senator Bob Dole and former senator George McGovern (D-SD) resulted in a number of landmark pieces of enacted legislation and an enduring friendship.
The Dole Institute was proud to honor that professional partnership by focusing on George McGovern in a new Reading Room exhibit, George McGovern and the Mission of a Lifetime: Fighting Hunger for Nearly Half a Century.
George McGovern, Catherine Bertini, and Bob Dole attend the World Food Programme Senate Hearings, 2001. Bertini served as Executive Director of the WFP for ten years, and appointed McGovern as the first Global Ambassador on Hunger in 2001.
The exhibit chronicled McGovern’s work on seven different programs which provide food and assistance to the more than 850 million hungry people around the world.
Visitors were able to learn about the heart-wrenching documentary that McGovern saw in 1968 which featured a little boy who went hungry because he could not afford to buy a school lunch, and how this served as a catalyst for the free and reduced price lunches offered by the School Lunch Program today.
World Food Programme Senate Hearings in 2001. McGovern and Dole went on to found the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program in 2002.
Also detailed was McGovern's work on behalf of the international community through programs like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and his continuing efforts to champion the hungry and malnourished by publishing books and raising awareness.
"Dear Colleague" letter from Senators Dole and Mcgovern requesting co-sponsors for food stamp reform legislation, October 9, 1975.
PF Bentley: Behind the Lens of the 1996 Dole Presidential Campaign
An exhibit titled “PF Bentley: Behind the Lens of the Dole 1996 Presidential Campaign.” The exhibit opened July 22 — Bob Dole’s 83rd birthday . Dole Archive summer interns Sarah Gilreath and Jennifer Donnally researched Bentley and created the exhibit from photographs and artifacts belonging to the archive. Donnally graduated from KU in spring 2006 with a bachelor’s in history and philosophy. Gilreath will graduate in fall 2006 with a bachelor’s in history.
From the exhibit brochure:
PF Bentley is an award-winning political photographer from Hawaii. In 1995 and 1996, Bentley followed presidential candidate Robert J. Dole from the Republican primaries until the end of the Kansas Senator’s campaign. During the campaign, he captured intimate moments between Robert J. Dole, Elizabeth Dole, the Bush family, and campaign staff. He also gained the trust and friendship of Robert J. Dole.
Dole stands in a doorway next to one of his many campaign posters.
Bentley’s signature style of intimate black and white photographs derives from his philosophy regarding photography. In his work, Bentley seeks to represent a reality beyond the colorful lives and campaigns of politicians. Mainly, Bentley does not participate in photo ops. Campaign staff stage photo ops in order to present their candidate in the best light. Instead, Bentley strives to capture the story behind political campaigns and who Bentley considers the candidate to be at any given moment.
Bob Dole smiles as he watches his opponent, Bill Clinton, speak from the White House.
This exhibit examines how Bentley achieves his unique style and his relationship with Robert J. Dole. Visitors will enjoy PF Bentley photographs, campaign memorabilia, a brochure, and an interactive photo album.
George W. Bush, Barbara Bush, and George Bush, Sr. greet Elizabeth Dole, Bob Dole, Robin Dole, and John McCain as they exit “Citizen’s Ship,” Dole’s campaign airplane.
The exhibit ran from July 22 to September 30, 2006 in the Reading Room of the Dole Institute of Politics. Robert J. Dole Archive Interns Jennifer Donnally and Sarah Gilreath curated the exhibit as their final summer project. The Reading Room at the Dole Institute of Politics is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM and always welcomes visitors. For more information, call 785-864-1405.
Past Exhibits
"Leader
of The Pack: Life as a Senate Leader"
In addition
to the permanent exhibits in the Dole Institute's Hanson Hall,
new temporary exhibits are regularly added. The latest new exhibit,
"Leader of The Pack: Life as a Senate Leader", offers
an inside peek at Senator Dole's daily activities circa 1985 to
1996, and explores a day in the life of a political leader.
Senator
Dole in Florida, post-1996 election
"Leader
of the Pack: Life as a Senate Leader" is an anthropological
exploration of sorts, displaying photographs and objects, some
of which were removed from the Senator's desk upon his retirement
in 1996. Dole's commitment to fair leadership and his dedication
to public service are emphasized. The exhibit also includes his
daily schedules book, never before viewed by the general public.
Senator
Ted Kennedy extends birthday greetings to
Senator Dole on July 22, 1996. (photo by P.F. Bentley)
The exhibit
was designed and constructed by two of the Institute's summer
archival interns, both graduate students at the University of
Kansas.
Elizabeth
and Robert Dole during the 1988 campaign.
