Robert Dole Salutes Casket of George H.W. Bush

Robert Dole

Pol Light Moment #161 occurred on December 4, 2018, when Robert Dole stood from his wheelchair to salute the casket of President George H.W. Bush who was lying in state at the United States Capital. Robert Dole served as a United States Senator from Kansas from 1969-1996. Dole was the Senate Majority Leader in 1995-1996 and the Senate Minority Leader from 1987-1995. Prior to serving as a senator he served in the House of Representatives from 1961-1969.

On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, when George H.W. Bush was lying in state at the United States Capital, Robert Dole saluted him. Dole and Bush are both veterans of World War II. Robert Dole, who is now 95 years old and bound to a wheel chair, received assistance to stand in respect at the casket. While standing in front of the casket, Robert Dole saluted George H.W. Bush as a final act of respect to his long-time friend.

Here is a video of this touching moment in history.



Robert Dole has been featured on other Pol Light posts. Find them under the label of Robert Dole on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Robert Dole is in the Public Domain.

John McCain Concedes 2008 Presidential Election

John McCain

Pol Light #159 occurred late in the evening of November 4, 2008, when John McCain conceded the 2008 United States Presidential Election to Barack Obama. John McCain has served as a United States Senator from Arizona since 1986. From 1982-1986 he served in the United States House of Representatives.

The following is a video of Senator John McCain's concession speech delivered from the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix on November 4, 2008. 



One of the key portions of the speech included these remarks about Barack Obama:

This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight. 

I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Sen. Obama believes that, too. But we both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still has the power to wound. 

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit -- to dine at the White House -- was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth (Transcript of John McCain Speech, NPR).

The following is an audio of the entire speech.


John McCain has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. You can read them by searching with the "John McCain" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of John McCain in this post is in the Public Domain.

Andrew Jackson Pays Off the National Debt

Andrew Jackson

Pol Light Moment #153 occurred on January 1, 1835, when Andrew Jackson paid off the National Debt. Andrew Jackson served as the 7th President of the United States from 1829 to 1837. He also served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1823 to 1825.

When Andrew Jackson became President in 1829 he inherited a debt of about $58 million. This was the equalivent of $1.4 billion in 2010 dollars (When America Paid Off the National Debt, Brian Lipshutz, July 25, 2011). In 1824 Jackson called the National Debt a "national curse". Jackson believed the borrowing clause in the Constitution was for emergencies and borrowing should not be a permanent practice.

After six years of his policies as President he was able to accomplish his goal of paying off the National Debt. This happened on January 1, 1835, and was the only time since then in the history of the United States that the country has been out of debt.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Andrew Jackson is in the Public Domain.

Lyndon Johnson Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

Lyndon Johnson

Pol Light Moment #145 occurred on March 31, 1968, when President Lyndon Baines Johnson told the United States that he would not seek reelection as President.  Lyndon Johnson was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963-1969. He was the Vice President of the United States from 1961-1963 under President John F. Kennedy and also served as a United States Senator from Texas from 1949-1961.

The following is a video of the announcement by Lyndon Johnson. The reason Johnson gave for not seeking reelection is that he wanted to focus on his Presidential duties during the Vietnam War era instead of partisan politics.

A key part of the speech is when Johnson said,

With America's sons in the fields far away, with America's future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world's hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office—the Presidency of your country.

Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President (Miller Center Website)

What made this announcement so historical is that sitting presidents have rarely ever refused to seek an additional term that they were eligible to fill. A transcript of this speech is available from the Miller Center Website.

Lyndon Johnson has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Lyndon Johnson posts search with Lyndon Johnson label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Lyndon Johnson is in the Public Domain.

Harry Reid Designates Suicide Survivors Day

Harry Reid

Pol Light Moment #143 happened on May 11, 1999, when Harry Reid introduced a Resolution to the United States Senate designating the Saturday before the American Thanksgiving as the annual "National Survivors for Prevention of Suicide Day" (Congress.gov, S. Res. 99).  Harry Reid has been a United States Senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017.

Reid's father Harry Vincent Reid was a miner and killed himself in 1972 (Biography.com, Harry Reid). Harry Reid believed his father struggled with undiagnosed depression (Suicide Prevention Resource Center, Sen. Harry Reid: A Lifetime of Service to Suicide Prevention, November 4, 2016). This personal tragedy motivated Harry Reid at the request of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create a resolution for the US Senate to designate a National Survivors of Suicide Day.

The first observance of Suicide Survivors Day took place on November 20, 1999, and the observance continues to this day on the Saturday before the American Thanksgiving Day. The day is designed to bring people together who have had family or friends commit suicide, so that the survivors may receive comfort and encouragement from others.  The following is a video of a trailer about Reclaiming Life after Loss designed to encourage survivors of suicide.

For More Information: For more information on Survivors of Suicide Day visit these links.

• National Survivors of Suicide Day Wikipedia page. 
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Survivor Day Website

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Harry Reid is in the Public Domain.

Steve Daines Helps Family Adopt a Child from Congo

Steve Daines

Pol Light Moment #142 happened on May 13, 2016, when a boy named Rocky met Steve Daines, who had helped his Montana parents with his adoption process and assisted Rocky with becoming a US citizen. Steve Daines has been a United States Senator from Montana since 2015. From 2013-2015 he had served as the at-large member from Montana to the US House of Representatives.

Rocky is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Steve Daines worked for three years to help Rocky become an American citizen and be adopted by his parents in Montana.

Below is a video of a news story down by KXLF.com on the story of Rocky meeting Steve Daines a few months after he was adopted by his parents in Montana.
KXLF.com | Continuous News | Butte, Montana




Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Steve Daines is in the Public Domain.

Chris Murphy Filibusters over Gun Control Reform

Chris Murphy

Pol Light Moment #141 happened on June 15-16, 2016, when Chris Murphy led a 15 hour filibuster on the floor of the United States Senate appealing for gun control reform. Chris Murphy has been a United States Senator from Connecticut since 2013.

Chris Murphy started his filibuster in the US Senate in the late morning hours on June 15, 2016, in order to raise awareness of gun violence and appeal for gun control reform (CNN Politics, Nearly 15 hours later, Democratic Senator Ends Filibuster over Guns, June 16, 2016). After receiving a commitment from leadership that gun safety measures would be brought forward for a vote in the US Senate, Chris Murphy ended his filibuster 15 hours after he started at about 2:00 am on June 16, 2016.

I am proud to announce that after 14+ hours on the floor, we will have a vote on closing the terror gap & universal background checks

— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 16, 2016

Here is the video where Chris Murphy ends his filibuster by talking about Dylan Hockley, a child with autism, and his teacher Anne Marie Murphy, who were killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut in 2012. Note: Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy were memorialized in 2012 on our companion Autism Light blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Chris Murphy is in the Public Domain.

Ted Cruz Shares About Addiction Problems in His Family

Ted Cruz

Pol Light Moment #140 happened on February 4, 2016, when Ted Cruz shared two stories of addiction problems in his family at the Addiction & Recovery Forum in Hoskett, New Hampshire. Ted Cruz has been a United States Senator from Texas since 2013.

An Addiction & Recovery Forum was held on February 4, 2016, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hoskett, New Hampshire. During this forum Ted Cruz shared about his half-sister's battle with prescription drug addiction and his father's struggle with alcoholism.

Here is a video of Ted Cruz sharing about the prescription drug addiction of his older half sister Miriam. Miriam Cruz died on January 11, 2011 of a drug overdose (DailyMail.com, June 29, 2015). Ted Cruz later paid for military school expenses for Miriam's son Joey.

Rafael Cruz, the father of a Ted Cruz, was an alcoholic. Here he tells the story of his father who would recover from his addiction and become a minister. 

More information about Ted Cruz sharing about addiction problems in his family can be found on the Breitbart website.

Ted Cruz has been the subject of other posts on this blog. To find other Ted Cruz posts search with the label "Ted Cruz" on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Ted Cruz is in the Public Domain.

Marco Rubio Answers an Atheist's Concerns about His Christian Faith

Marco Rubio

Pol Light Moment #139 took place on January 18, 2016, when Marco Rubio answered an atheist's concern about his Christian faith in a town hall meeting in Waverly, Iowa. Marco Rubio has served as a United States Senator for Florida since January, 2011. 
An atheist named Justin Scott attended a Marco Rubio town hall meeting on January 18, 2016, and asked Rubio the following question:

I’m an atheist voter. I represent millions of atheists and non-theists around the country. One of the fastest growing voter blocs. And you said earlier that you wanted to stand up for religious freedom and all of that. My question is: For atheist voters that are looking for somebody that will uphold their rights as Americans, and not pander to a certain religious group, I just noticed your recent ad. It mentioned nothing about policy, it mentioned nothing about ideas, and it simply talked about wanting us to follow faith, and find God, and go to Heaven, and things like that. Which is fine for those people that align with you. My question is: how do you plan on upholding our rights and focusing on non-theists… because there’s talks in our community about running as “pastor in chief” instead of commander in chief, so I’m curious your thoughts (Patheos, Asking Marco Rubio How He'd Protect the Rights of Atheists is not a Gotcha Question, Hemant Mehta, January 21, 2016). 

Here is a video that Justin Scott recorded and placed on YouTube of the answer Marco Rubio gave.

In part of his response to the atheist Justin Scott, Marco Rubio said:

We are also going to have a country where no one is forced to violate their conscience, which means that no one is going to force you to believe in God. But, no one is going to force me to stop talking about God. I am not going to force you to pray. I am not going to force you to go to church. I am not going to force you to espouse beliefs that you don't have. But, no one is going to take away my right and your right to live out the teachings of your faith — no one.

You shouldn't be worried about my faith influencing me. In fact, I think you should hope my faith influences me and here's why. You know what my faith teaches me? My faith teaches me that I have an obligation to care for the less fortunate. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation to love my neighbor. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation for those who are hungry to help try to feed them; for those that are naked, to help clothe them. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation that I need to minister to those in prison. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation that if I want to serve Jesus that I have to serve [others]. I think you should hope that influences me (Marco Rubio as quoted by The Christian Post, Rubio to Atheist, Samuel Smith, January 19, 2016).

For more information on this moment when Marco Rubio answered an atheist read these articles:

• Legal Insurrection.com, Marco Rubio Answers Atheist on Question of Faith, Kemberlee Kaye, January 19, 2016
• Time.com, Marco Rubio Finds God with Atheist Question in Iowa, Zeke J. Miller, January 19, 2016
• The Christian Post, Rubio to Atheist, Samuel Smith, January 19, 2016

Marco Rubio has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Marco Rubio posts search with the "Marco Rubio" label at Pol Light.   Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo in this Post: "Marco Rubio, Official Portrait, 112th Congress" by US Senate - Email from the Office of Senator Marco Rubio. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Marco Rubio Stops Rally to Pray for Elderly Man Who Collapsed

Marco Rubio

Pol Light Moment #135 took place on February 19, 2016, when Marco Rubio stopped his speech to say a spontaneous prayer for an elderly man who had collapsed at his rally in South Carolina. Marco Rubio has served as a United States Senator for Florida since January, 2011. 
It was the eve of the South Carolina Presidential Primary on February 19, 2016, and Marco Rubio was speaking at a campaign rally at the Madren Center on the campus of Clemson University. During his speech to about 400 people an elderly man collapsed and needed medical attention. When the situation happened, Marco Rubio stopped his speech and offered a prayer for the man.
The following is a video of this moment when Marco Rubio prayed for the man who had collapsed at the rally. 

The words of the prayer that Marco Rubio uttered were:

Father Lord we thank you for bringing us here together tonight. We ask you to pray for our brother at this moment that you would put your hand upon him Lord. And that you will help him to deal with whatever circumstances he might be facing. God, all things are possible for you. Lord, you can do everything so Lord we ask for your blessing upon him now and we ask for your blessings upon those of us here today. If any of us has the ability to provide assistance Lord, that we may do that now. We thank you God for all your blessings and ask you God that your spirit would come upon this place and provide assistance to this gentleman at this key moment. That you Lord may do whatever needs to be done father that he may recover from what he is facing. In your son's name we pray Amen (Transcribed from YouTube video at CBN News by Alan Stokes).

Thankfully the man regained consciousness and was laughing and smiling with emergency medical personnel when they arrived (Greenville Online, Rubio Leads Campaign Rally in Prayer after Man Collapses, Amanda Coyne, February 19, 2016).

For more information on this moment read, the article Marco Rubio Stops to Pray for Elderly Man Who Collapses at Campaign Rally, published in the Christian Post on February 21, 2016.

Marco Rubio has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Marco Rubio posts search with the "Marco Rubio" label at Pol Light.   Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo in this Post: "Marco Rubio, Official Portrait, 112th Congress" by US Senate - Email from the Office of Senator Marco Rubio. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Joseph Lieberman Shares About His Jewish Faith

Joseph Lieberman

Pol Light Moment #133 occurred on December 9, 2012, when Joseph Lieberman shared about his religious journey in the Jewish faith, when he received the Orthodox Jewish All-Star Award in 2012. Joseph Lieberman served as a United States Senator from Connecticut from 1989-2013.

The following is a video of Joe Lieberman sharing his Jewish faith. The video was released on February 4, 2014, but it was recorded on December 9, 2012, as part of a presentation for when Joseph Lieberman received the Orthodox Jewish All-Star Award in 2012.

For more information on Joseph Lieberman's faith read Jew in the City, Exclusive on Joe Lieberman: The Story of His Religious Journey, Allison Josephs, February 5, 2014.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Joseph Lieberman is in the Public Domain.

Edward Brooke Raises Male Breast Cancer Awareness

Edward Brooke

Pol Light Moment #128 occurred on June 4, 2003, when Edward Brooke (1919-2015) started to raise awareness for male breast cancer. Edward Brooke served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1967-1979. Prior to that he had served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963-1967.

Edward Brooke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and in September 2002 had a double mastectomy. After a period of recovery and reflection on June 4, 2003, Brooke started to share his story about male breast cancer in order to raise awareness for this rare condition. He would continue to speak on that subject as he had opportunity for the next 12 years of his life.

Edward Brooke said the following in June 2003 about raising awareness of male breast cancer:

I want to produce some male breast cancer awareness on a national level. I'm a very private person, but if I have to give up my privacy to save a life, then I am willing to do that. Because if you have breast tissue, you can get breast cancer. Don't forget that (Edward Brooke as quoted in USA Today, Sen. Brooke Advocates Male Breast Cancer Awareness, June 24, 2003).

The American Cancer Society indicates that 1 in 1,000 men will develop breast cancer (Dr. Sharon Giordano, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Tackling the Rare and Under-Researched Area of Male Breast Cancer, January 23, 2015). Men are less likely than women to get screened for breast cancer because it is a rare disease for them. This can make the prognosis more dire and stresses the importance of famous men like Edward Brooke raising awareness of breast cancer.

The following are some links on Edward Brooke and his crusade for male breast cancer awareness.

• The New York Times, Surprise Roll for Ex-Senator: Male Breast Cancer Patient, Lynette Clemetson, June 10, 2003.
• USA Today, Sen. Brooke Advocates Male Breast Cancer Awareness, June 24, 2003.
• Beliefnet, Famous Men Who Battled Breast Cancer.

Edward Brooke has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. To view them search the blog with the label "Edward Brooke".

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Edward Brooke is in the Public Domain.

Edward Brooke is First Popularly Elected African American Senator

Edward Brooke

Pol Light Moment #127 occurred on January 10, 1967, when Edward Brooke (1919-2015) took office as the first popularly elected African American to the United States Senate. Edward Brooke served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1967-1979. Prior to that he had served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963-1967.

The following news story gives tributes to Edward Brooke after his passing on January 3, 2015.

More information about Edward Booke is available at these links.

• Daily Kos, January 10, 1967 - An Important First in American Political History, January 11, 2012
• Washington Post, Edward Burke, first African American Popularly Elected to U.S. Senate, Dies at 95, January 3, 2015
• Wikipedia: Edward Brooke

Edward Brooke has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. To view them search the blog with the label "Edward Brooke".

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Edward Brooke is in the Public Domain.

Robert Dole Shares About Turning 90

Robert Dole

Pol Light Moment #124 occurred on July 22, 2013, when Robert Dole talked about turning 90. Robert Dole served as a United States Senator from Kansas from 1969-1996. Dole was the Senate Majority Leader in 1995-1996 and the Senate Minority Leader from 1987-1995. Prior to serving as a senator he served in the House of Representatives from 1961-1969.

Here is the televised interview with Bob Dole about his 90th birthday.

In the video Bob Dole thanked the people of Kansas for their support over the years. Dole said, "I've had a great life. Kansas - the people, have been good to me. And I want to say thak you to them for voting for me (KSHB.com, Mark Clegg, Former Senator Bob Dole Reflects on Kansas, Washingon, and the GOP As He Turns 90, July 22, 2013)."

At the occasion of turning 90, Dole mentioned how he wants to be remembered. He said, "I'd just like people to remember me as somebody who kept the faith, had integrity and honesty - but above all, knowing who I was and where I was from (KSHB.com, Mark Clegg, Former Senator Bob Dole Reflects on Kansas, Washingon, and the GOP As He Turns 90, July 22, 2013)."

Robert Dole has been featured on other Pol Light posts. Find them under the label of Robert Dole on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Robert Dole is in the Public Domain.

Edward Kennedy Gives Eulogy for His Brother Robert

Edward "Ted" Kennedy

Pol Light Moment #123 occurred on June 8, 1968, when Edward Kennedy (1932-2009) gave a heartfelt and emotional eulogy at the funeral of his brother Robert F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated and died on June 6, 1968. Edward Kennedy served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1962-2009.

The following is a video recording of Edward Kennedy's eulogy for his brother Robert.

The following are the closing words of this eulogy.

My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it. 

Those of us who loved him and who take him to his rest today, pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will some day come to pass for all the world. 

As he said many times, in many parts of this nation, to those he touched and who sought to touch him: Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.  (Edward Kennedy)

(Source: American Rhetoric: Edward M. Kennedy At Public Memorial Service for Robert F. Kennedy)

Robert F. Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Robert Kennedy posts search with the label Robert Kennedy at Pol Light blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

 "Ted Kennedy, official photo portrait crop" by Ted_Kennedy,_official_photo_portrait.jpg: United States Senatederivative work: Tktru (talk) - Ted_Kennedy,_official_photo_portrait.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Joni Ernst Reports for National Guard Duty 2 Days After Election

Joni Ernst

Pol Light Moment #122 occurred on November 6, 2014, when Joni Ernst reported for National Guard service two days after she was elected as the first woman to the Senate in Iowa. Joni Ernst has served as a United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. From 2011-2014, Joni Ernst served in the Iowa State Senate representing the 12th District.

Lt. Col. Joni Ernst joined the National Guard in 1993. She is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Independent Journal, Victoria Taft, What Newly Elected Senator Joni Ernst Did Two Days After the Election Tells Us All About Her Character).

After winning election to the United States Senate, Ernst reported to her base on November 6, 2014, for two days of training with the 185th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (National Review, Benny Johson, Iowa's New Senator -Elect Has Other Duties Before She Heads to Washington, November 7, 2014).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

"Joni Ernst Official photo portrait 114th Congress" by United States Congress - http://www.ernst.senate.gov/content/about-joni. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Tom Harkin is Grand Marshall for Disability Pride Parade

Tom Harkin

Pol Light Moment #121 occurred on July 12, 2015, when Tom Harkin served as the Grand Marshall for the first-ever Disability Pride Parade in New York City. Tom Harkin served as a United States Senator from Iowa from 1985-2015.

The first of several Disability Pride Parades started in Boston, Massachusetts in 1990. Parades have taken place in several major cities across the country, including an active slate in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Trenton, New Jersey, and New York City. Tom Harkin served as t he Grand Marshall for the first-ever parade in New York City. 2015 also marked the 25th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990.

The following is a video of Tom Harkin speaking at the 2015 Disability Pride Parade in New York City.

Autism Speaks featured this video about the 2015 Disability Pride Parade in New York City.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Tom Harkin used in this post is in the Public Domain.

Bill and Hillary Clinton Share About Marriage Counseling

Pol Light Moment #119 is when Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton shared about going through marriage counseling to save their marriage. While both had written briefly about their marriage counseling, Bill Clinton personally discussed it on the Ophrah Winfrey Show that aired on June 22, 2004. Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993-2001. He also served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1983-1992. Hillary Clinton served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 2001-2009 and Secretary of State from 2009-2013.

Below is the portion of the Oprah Winfrey Show where Bill Clinton discussed the fact that marriage counseling with Hillary Clinton was helpful to him. In the interview Bill Clinton said, "I'm not only not ashamed for having done this counseling, I'm very proud of it. And it was helpful to me. And if it hadn't worked out for us, I would still be glad I did it (Oprah Winfrey Show, June 22, 2004)."

Books: Bill Clinton first shared about his marriage counseling in his book called My Life that was published in June 2004. Hillary Clinton also shared about her marriage counseling in her book called Living History that was first published in June 2003.

Bill and Hillary Clinton have been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Bill Clinton Label or the Hillary Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Bill and Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

Barbara Mikulski Becomes Longest-Serving Woman in History of Congress

Barbara Mikulski

Pol Light Moment #117 happened on March 17, 2012, when Barbara Mikulski became the longest-serving woman in the history of the United States Congress. Barbara Mikulski has been a United States Senator from Maryland since 1987. From 1977-1987 she also served as the U.S. Representative from Maryland's 3rd District.

Barbara Mikulski set the record for longest years of service by a woman in Congress by serving a combined 10 years in the House of Representatives and 25 years in the United States Senate.  On March 17, 2012, Barbara Mikulski's years of service in Congress surpassed Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers, who represented Massachusetts in the House of Representatives from 1925 to 1960 (CNN, March 16, 2012).  Barbara Mikulski also became the longest serving woman in the United States Senate in 2010 (CNN, March 2, 2015).

The following is a CNN news feature on this milestone for Barbara Mikulski.

On March 2, 2015, Barbara Mikulski announced that she will not seek reelection in 2016 and will retire in 2017. She will retire from the United States Senate with almost 40 years of service in Congress, which is a record that could stand for awhile.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Barbara Mikulski is in the Public Domain.

Ted Cruz Reads to His Children from Senate Floor

Ted Cruz

Pol Light Moment #102 happened on September 24, 2013, when Ted Cruz read bedtime stories to his children from the U.S. Senate floor. Ted Cruz has been a United States Senator from Texas since 2013.

Ted Cruz was in the midst of a marathon all night speech in the United States Senate on September 24, 2013 about defunding the health care law, when he took a diversion from his political speech at about 8:00pm EST in order to read bedtime stories to his two daughters, Caroline and Catherine Cruz (The Guardian, Ted Cruz Pulls All-Nighter as Marathon Anti-Obamacare Speech Churns On, September 25, 2013).

Here is a video of Ted Cruz reading to his children from the Senate floor. He read first a passage from Proverbs in the Holy Bible and then from the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Ted Cruz has been the subject of other posts on this blog. To find other Ted Cruz posts search with the label "Ted Cruz" on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Ted Cruz is in the Public Domain.