February 22nd, 2010
08:11 PM ET
13 years ago

Ex-GOP presidential nominee hospitalized

Washington (CNN) – Former Sen. Bob Dole is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after knee surgery and a bout with pneumonia, his consulting firm said Monday.

"Thanks to the great doctors and nurses at Walter Reed, I am making great strides, working between sessions and hope to be fully recovered and back at the office in a few weeks," the former senate majority leader said in a statement through Alston & Bird, the Washington firm where he serves as special counsel.

Dole, 86, is a World War II veteran who overcame serious injuries to pursue a lengthy career in politics. He was the Republican Party's presidential nominee in 1996, but lost to Bill Clinton.

He retired from office that year after serving in the Senate for more than 25 years.


Filed under: Popular Posts • Robert Dole
soundoff (31 Responses)
  1. Mike S.

    I'm a libertarian, and never voted for Bob Dole. But I respect the man beyond description, and think he is a true American hero. He was honest, straightforward, and refused to sink into the Republican mud slinging "seek and destroy" brand of Bush politics. No wonder he never became a Republican president.

    Here's a prayer for Bob and his family.

    February 22, 2010 08:18 pm at 8:18 pm |
  2. Michael from Ventura

    Speedy recovery sir.

    February 22, 2010 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |
  3. Anne Eisen

    I wish him well...Did not realize he was 86 years old!

    February 22, 2010 08:44 pm at 8:44 pm |
  4. Jim

    Senator Dole,

    If you or you staff reads this, I wish you all the very best in your recovery. Yours has been and continues to be a remarkable journey, filled with love of country and selfless service to soldier, family member and veteran. My best also to Elizabeth for making the best decision of her life in marrying a great guy like YOU!

    February 22, 2010 08:53 pm at 8:53 pm |
  5. Aimee

    Get well soon. Seems like everyone's in the hospital aye

    February 22, 2010 08:55 pm at 8:55 pm |
  6. Margaret

    I am sorry to hear that Bob Dole is in hospital. I have always admired his honesty and candor. I hope he will be well soon and back in his office.

    Margaret

    February 22, 2010 08:57 pm at 8:57 pm |
  7. Karen

    God speed, Senator Dole.

    February 22, 2010 08:57 pm at 8:57 pm |
  8. Karen

    Senator Bob Dole,
    I wish you a speedy recovery and thank you for your many years of service to our country!

    February 22, 2010 08:58 pm at 8:58 pm |
  9. Greg, San Francisco, CA

    Get well, Senator. I am a Dem but I miss real Republicans like Bob Dole.

    February 22, 2010 09:02 pm at 9:02 pm |
  10. brian flynn

    didn't vote for him, nor would i today, but respect the sacrifices he made for his country, and the honest politician and class act he is and was. hope all the best for a speedy recovery. washington could use several more like him today.

    February 22, 2010 09:12 pm at 9:12 pm |
  11. louise Zeitlin

    Get well, Mr. Dole!

    February 22, 2010 09:18 pm at 9:18 pm |
  12. Big Joe

    A good man and great politician from an era long gone.

    February 22, 2010 09:24 pm at 9:24 pm |
  13. Beverly

    Prayers and best wishes for a swift recovery for our war hero and storied public servant.

    February 22, 2010 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |
  14. David L. Youngblood

    Get well soon!!

    February 22, 2010 09:29 pm at 9:29 pm |
  15. Johnny Salami

    I'm a left winger, but I've always had a great deal of respect for Bob Dole. He was an athlete who was horribly injured in WW 2. His service was heroic.

    February 22, 2010 09:29 pm at 9:29 pm |
  16. Ronald Gibson

    Dear Bob Dole, We all wish you a speedy recovery and a return to a normal state of health. The nation owes you a great deal for your dedicated service to the country and the flag. God grant you health and enjoyment of your retirement years. The very best from all of us to you and Elizabeth Dole.

    February 22, 2010 09:36 pm at 9:36 pm |
  17. Vic

    Saddened to hear about Senator Dole's hospitalization. However, he could not have gotten to a better treatment facility than Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
    I'm sure his recovery will be swift and complete.
    His service; both in WWII and for the 25 years he served in the Senate are deeply appreciated by a very great many true Americans.
    God Speed, Bob. May the wind always be at your back and calm seas under your craft.
    Our prayers are with you and Elizabeth and all of your family.

    February 22, 2010 09:40 pm at 9:40 pm |
  18. pastorwarren j smith

    hope
    you get better senater

    February 22, 2010 09:54 pm at 9:54 pm |
  19. greg

    Mr. Dole,

    I sincerely hope your recovery goes well. You are a true American Hero and we thank you for all you have done for our Country. God bless and get well soon. I hope you have family and friends by your side. 🙂

    February 22, 2010 09:56 pm at 9:56 pm |
  20. Ed Stack Sr

    Bob Dole is a good man and an honest man....I wish him well.....

    February 22, 2010 10:07 pm at 10:07 pm |
  21. USAman

    Good to hear you are recovering and had such good care. What is really sad however is the majority of the tax payers of this nation can not get that quality of care if any at all. How is it that our elected representatives are of the special class above those that elected them? How sad that is and how sad this nation has got to this point in its history.

    February 22, 2010 10:25 pm at 10:25 pm |
  22. daehttub

    Get well soon Senator Dole. I didn't agree with all of your politics but you served your country well and we still need you with so much work yet to be done. People accused you of having a mean streak but after taking more than a few rounds from a German machine gun in WWII that nearly killed you, you've earned the right. In contrast to some who claim to lead your party, you're a ray of sunshine. Get your strength back and start kicking some butts in the GOP.

    February 22, 2010 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |
  23. Anonymous

    great american

    February 22, 2010 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |
  24. Brian

    get well Bob Dole

    February 22, 2010 10:54 pm at 10:54 pm |
  25. Constantin Dumitru

    I am glad Mr. Bob Dole is know in better health condition. I wish him
    a good health in many years in future time.

    Sincerely

    Constantin Dumitru

    February 22, 2010 10:55 pm at 10:55 pm |
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