Mike Pence Donates Blood

Mike Pence

Pol Light Moment #154 happened on June 20, 2017, when Mike Pence donated blood to honor members of congress who were shot on June 14, 2017, while practicing for their charity baseball game. Mike Pence is the current Vice-President of the United States, serving since 2017. He was formerly the Governor of the State of Indiana from 2013-2017. Mike Pence represented Indiana's 2nd Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001-2013 before becoming Governor of Indiana.

Inspiring to see members of Congress & staffers at the blood drive organized to help those hurt in last week's shooting. #TeamScalise pic.twitter.com/p0jlhPiC4K

— Vice President Pence (@VP) June 20, 2017

Vice President Mike Pence donated blood at the Rayburn House Building on Capital Hill on June 20, 2017. The blood drive was organized in partnership with the American Red Cross in order to support the Capital Hill blood bank and honor those who were injured in the shooting on the congressional baseball practice field on June 14, 2017. Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La was seriously injured in the shooting.

For more information on this Pol Light moment read the following articles:

• Pence Donates Blood to Support Scalise, Others Injured on Baseball Field (Fox News, June 20, 2017).
• Mike Pence, Others Donate to Capital Hill Blood Bank in Honor of Scalise (ABC News, David Caplan, June 21, 2017)

Mike Pence has been featured on other posts at the Pol Light blog that can be found by searching for the Label Mike Pence.

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 Mike Pence is in the Public Domain.

Kennedy and Nixon at 1960 Al Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #151 occurred on October 19, 1960, when the two people running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon were joint keynote speakers at the 17th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York in 1960, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Wikipedia Page: Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner).

Both speakers reflected on the election of 1928 when Democrat Al Smith was defeated by Republican Herbert Hoover. You can relive the evening by reading the text of both keynote speakers on the American Presidency Project website. A historical photo of the two speakers was published by the New York Daily Post.

Link to John F. Kennedy's Full Remarks

"When this happens then the bitter memory of 1928 will begin to fade, and all that will remain will be the figure of Al Smith, large against the horizon, true, courageous, and honest, who in the words of the cardinal, served his country well, and having served his country well, nobly served his God. [Applause.]"--John F. Kennedy

Link to Richard Nixon's Full Remarks

"And, so, in conclusion, I would add only this last thought: Many years have passed since the year 1928. Many memories have become less bitter through the years. Three weeks from today either Senator Kennedy or I will be the President-elect of this country, and then we will go our separate courses in the years to come. I've been trying to think how I could best close my remarks and refer to him and refer to me, and I go back to the campaign of 1928. Herbert Hoover was elected. Al Smith lost. But both of them lived many, many years longer, and both of them, the longer they lived, gained love and affection from the American people - and I would only hope tonight that, however this election turns out, Senator Kennedy and I in the years ahead will be able to conduct ourselves with the dignity, the decency which earned the esteem and the love of the American people for the two men who were engaged in that great campaign of 1928."--Richard Nixon

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on John F. Kennedy search with the "John F. Kennedy" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Richard Nixon search with the "Richard Nixon" 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.

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.

Joe Biden Joins Facebook to Promote Cancer Initiative

Pol Light Moment #125 is when Joe Biden started a Facebook page on February 4, 2016, making history as the first Vice-President of the United States to join Facebook. The first status message Joe Biden shared on his Facebook page was related to President Obama's Cancer Initiative. Joe Biden has been the Vice President of the United States from 2009 to the present. Prior to that he served as a United States Senator for Delaware from 1973-2009.

President Obama asked Joe Biden to lead a new task force to end cancer. It is especially close to Biden's heart because his oldest son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in May of 2015 (CNN.com, Sophie Tatum, Joe Biden Joins Facebook, Will Field Questions on Cancer Initiative, February 4, 2016). 

Below is the first message and video that Joe Biden posted on his Facebook page. He came back to Facebook a few hours later at 3:14 ET and answered questions for about 45 minutes about the cancer initiative for World Cancer Day. 

Hi, folks. Welcome to my Facebook page. It’s the first time a Vice President has had one of these. I’d like it to be a...
Posted by Vice President Biden on Thursday, February 4, 2016

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

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 Joe Biden is in the Public Domain and is the official United States federal government photo of Joe Biden.

Dick Cheney Receives Heart Transplant

Dick Cheney

Pol Light Moment #114 happened on March 24, 2012, when Dick Cheney had a heart transplant. Dick Cheney served as the Vice-President of the United States from 2001-2009, while George W. Bush was the President.

Heart transplants are providing extended years of life for heart patients of all ages who are in otherwise good health in the rest of their body. Dick Cheney has had a history of heart disease and had 5 heart attacks between 1978 and 2010. On March 24, 2012, Cheney received a heart transplant from an anonymous donor at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. At the time the former Vice-President was 71 years of age and he had been on a waiting list for a heart for 20 months (Wikipedia: Dick Cheney).

The following is a news video of Dick Cheney receiving his transplant.

When asked how he felt 18 months after his transplant, Dick Cheney had this to say:

"Now I'm to the point where-- I literally, you know, feel like I have a new heart. A lot more energy-- than I had previously. There aren't any real physical limits on what I do. I fish, I hunt. And-- I don't ski, but that's because of my knees, not my heart. So it's been a miracle (CBS News, 60 Minutes, October 20, 2013)."

After the success of his transplant, Dick Cheney co-authored a book in 2013 with his chief cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Reiner called Heart: An American Medical Odyssey (USA Today, October 20, 2013).  

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 Dick Cheney is in the Public Domain.

Mike Pence Rings Bells for The Salvation Army

Mike Pence

Pol Light Moment #111 happened on December 3, 2013, when Mike Pence rang bells to help raise funds at Christmas for The Salvation Army. Mike Pence is the current Vice-President of the United States, serving since 2017. He was formerly the Governor of the State of Indiana from 2013-2017. Mike Pence represented Indiana's 2nd Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001-2013 before becoming Governor of Indiana.

At about 11 a.m. on December 3, 2013, Mike Pence served as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army at their red kettle at a Kroger in Rochester, Indiana (WNDU.com, Gabby Gonzalez). His efforts helped raise funds as part of the Red Kettle Campaign for The Salvation Army, which since 1891 has been using the traditional to raise funds to help support needy individuals at Christmas and throughout the year.

Mike Pence said about his experience, "There are more than a quarter million Hoosiers out of work and I thought there was no better way to start the holiday season then coming alongside The Salvation Army here in Rochester and reminding Hoosiers that now is a great time of the year to remember those in need (As Quoted by Tom Shaw for WREX.Com)."

Mike Pence has been featured on other posts at the Pol Light blog that can be found by searching for the Label Mike Pence.

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 Mike Pence is in the Public Domain.

Richard Nixon Meets with Elvis Presley

Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley

Pol Light Moment #97 happened on December 21, 1970, when Richard Nixon had a meeting with Elvis Presley in the Oval Office of the White House. Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969-1974. He was previously the Vice-President of the United States from 1953-1961.

Elvis Presley paid a visit to the White House on the morning of December 21, 1970, and left a note requesting a meeting with Richard Nixon. Elvis wanted to help combat the drug problem among youth in the culture and specifically desired to become a "Federal Agent-at-Large" in the Bureau of Narcotics and Other Dangerous Drugs.  Richard Nixon was able to meet with Elvis Presley at 12:30pm that same day.

There is a memo of the notes about this meeting revealing that Richard Nixon desired to have this meeting to thank Elvis Presley for his offer to help with the problem of drug abuse among youth in the United States. At the time. Elvis was told that he could have the title he wanted though no such position existed. As a follow up to the meeting Richard Nixon wrote a letter to Elvis Presley on December 31, 1970, thanking him for the gift of a World War II Colt 45 gun given to him by Elvis at this meeting on December 21, 1970.  You can read more photos and documents pertaining to the meeting that Richard Nixon had with Elvis Presley at the National Security Archives page on this historical event.

For other posts on Richard Nixon search with the "Richard Nixon" label at Pol Light. Richard Nixon was also mentioned in the post at Pol Light called Gerald Ford Pardons Richard Nixon published on October 11, 2013.

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: Photo taken by Ollie Atkinson/Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and is in the Public Domain. Copies of this photo are requested more than any other from the National Archives.

Al Gore Rescues 270 Katrina Victims

Al Gore

Pol Light Moment #95 happened on September 3-4, 2005, when Al Gore arranged for two private charter flights to airlift 270 people out of New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Al Gore served as the Vice-President of the United States from 1993-2001. He was a candidate for President in 2000.  From 1985-1993 he served as a United States Senator from Tennessee.

Dr. David Kline, a neurosurgeon who operated on Al Gore's son after his life threatening accident in 1989 was in New Orleans at the Charity Hospital helping patients after Katrina. Dr. Kline got a message to Al Gore that the people there were in a terrible situation that was increasingly growing worse. Hearing of the heartbreaking situation, Al Gore decided to personally provide for two flights to evacuate 270 people from New Orleans. He also physically traveled on those flights.

Al Gore's personal physician at the time, Dr. Anderson Spickard accompanied Gore on the flights and said, “Gore told me he wanted to do this because like all of us he wanted to seize the opportunity to do what one guy can do, given the assets that he has (Outside the Beltway, September 10, 2005).”

In addition to funding the flights, "Gore worked to cut through government red tape, personally calling Gov. Phil Bredesen to get Tennessee’s support and U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta to secure landing rights in New Orleans (Outside the Beltway, September 10, 2005)."

Al Gore has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Al Gore posts search with the Al Gore 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 Al Gore is in the Public Domain.

Al Gore Concedes 2000 Presidential Election

Al Gore

Pol Light Moment #90 happened on December 13, 2000, when Al Gore conceded the historically close 2000 Presidential Election to George W. Bush. Al Gore served as the Vice-President of the United States from 1993-2001. He was a candidate for President in 2000.  From 1985-1993 he served as a United States Senator from Tennessee.

The 2000 Presidential Election was historically close. Al Gore had won the popular vote, but the election came down to the State of Florida which had recorded 537 more votes for George W. Bush then Al Gore. The candidate who won Florida would exceed the 270 electoral votes needed to become President. The closeness of the November 7, 2000 election resulted in 36 days of drama which included recounts in select counties in Florida and an eventual case at the Supreme Court. After the Supreme Court affirmed the vote tally in Florida, Al Gore conceded the election.

Here is a video of Al Gore's Concession speech on December 13, 2000.

A political person is often at their best when they give their concession speech and this was no exception for Al Gore.  A transcript of Al Gore's speech is included here.

Good evening.

Just moments ago, I spoke with George W. Bush and congratulated him on becoming the 43rd president of the United States. And I promised him that I wouldn't call him back this time. I offered to meet with him as soon as possible so that we can start to heal the divisions of the campaign and the contest through which we've just passed. 

Almost a century and a half ago, Senator Stephen Douglas told Abraham Lincoln, who had just defeated him for the presidency, "Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. I'm with you, Mr. President, and God bless you." Well, in that same spirit, I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship of this country. Neither he nor I anticipated this long and difficult road. Certainly neither of us wanted it to happen. Yet it came, and now it has ended, resolved, as it must be resolved, through the honored institutions of our democracy.

Over the library of one of our great law schools is inscribed the motto, "Not under man but under God and law." That's the ruling principle of American freedom, the source of our democratic liberties. I've tried to make it my guide throughout this contest, as it has guided America's deliberations of all the complex issues of the past five weeks.

Now the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be no doubt, while I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it. I accept the finality of this outcome which will be ratified next Monday in the Electoral College. And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession. I also accept my responsibility, which I will discharge unconditionally, to honor the new President-elect and do everything possible to help him bring Americans together in fulfillment of the great vision that our Declaration of Independence defines and that our Constitution affirms and defends.

Let me say how grateful I am to all those who supported me and supported the cause for which we have fought. Tipper and I feel a deep gratitude to Joe and Hadassah Lieberman, who brought passion and high purpose to our partnership and opened new doors, not just for our campaign but for our country.

This has been an extraordinary election. But in one of God's unforeseen paths, this belatedly broken impasse can point us all to a new common ground, for its very closeness can serve to remind us that we are one people with a shared history and a shared destiny. Indeed, that history gives us many examples of contests as hotly debated, as fiercely fought, with their own challenges to the popular will. Other disputes have dragged on for weeks before reaching resolution. And each time, both the victor and the vanquished have accepted the result peacefully and in a spirit of reconciliation.

I know that many of my supporters are disappointed. I am too. But our disappointment must be overcome by our love of country.

And I say to our fellow members of the world community, let no one see this contest as a sign of American weakness. The strength of American democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome. Some have expressed concern that the unusual nature of this election might hamper the next president in the conduct of his office. I do not believe it need be so.

President-elect Bush inherits a nation whose citizens will be ready to assist him in the conduct of his large responsibilities. I, personally, will be at his disposal, and I call on all Americans -- I particularly urge all who stood with us -- to unite behind our next president. This is America. Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high, we close ranks and come together when the contest is done. 

And while there will be time enough to debate our continuing differences, now is the time to recognize that that which unites us is greater than that which divides us. While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America and we put country before party; we will stand together behind our new president.

As for what I'll do next, I don't know the answer to that one yet. Like many of you, I'm looking forward to spending the holidays with family and old friends. I know I'll spend time in Tennessee and mend some fences, literally and figuratively.

Some have asked whether I have any regrets, and I do have one regret: that I didn't get the chance to stay and fight for the American people over the next four years, especially for those who need burdens lifted and barriers removed, especially for those who feel their voices have not been heard. I heard you. And I will not forget.

I've seen America in this campaign, and I like what I see. It's worth fighting for and that's a fight I'll never stop. As for the battle that ends tonight, I do believe, as my father once said, that "No matter how hard the loss, defeat might serve as well as victory to shape the soul and let the glory out."

So for me this campaign ends as it began: with the love of Tipper and our family; with faith in God and in the country I have been so proud to serve, from Vietnam to the vice presidency; and with gratitude to our truly tireless campaign staff and volunteers, including all those who worked so hard in Florida for the last 36 days.

Now the political struggle is over and we turn again to the unending struggle for the common good of all Americans and for those multitudes around the world who look to us for leadership in the cause of freedom.

In the words of our great hymn, "America, America": "Let us crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."

And now, my friends, in a phrase I once addressed to others: it's time for me to go.

Thank you, and good night, and God bless America
(Source: American Rhetoric Online Speech Bank).

Al Gore has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Al Gore posts search with the Al Gore 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 Al Gore is in the Public Domain.

Bush and Gore at 2000 Alfred Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #57 took place on October 19, 2000, when the two men running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. Governor George W. Bush (later to be elected President) and Vice-President Al Gore were joint keynote speakers at the 55th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York on October 19, 2000.

Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Source).  During Presidential election years the dinner has frequently featured the candidates for President. The 2000 rendition of this longstanding dinner raised about $900,000 for Catholic charities (Source). The following is an abbreviated highlight version developed by the Alfred Smith Foundation. 

A full version of the speeches at the dinner can be seen in this C-SPAN video below. We apologize but it is not compatible with mobile phones. You can read other posts by the George W. Bush and Al Gore on Pol Light blog. 

• For George W. Bush search with George W. Bush label at Pol Light.
• For Al Gore search with Al Gore 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.

George H.W. Bush Celebrates 88th Birthday

Pol Light Moment #16 is when George H.W. Bush turned 88 years of age on June 12, 2012. George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States, serving from 1989-1993. He also served as the Vice-President of the United States from 1981-1989.

George H.W. Bush suffers from Parkinson's Disease and is no longer able to walk unassisted. Here is the interview that George H.W. Bush had with his Granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager for the occasion of his 88th birthday on June 12, 2012.  In the interview the elder President reflects on his life and eventual death with wit and wisdom. There is a discussion about the bright socks he now dons in public and his joy in recently having a Great-Granddaughter. George H.W. Bush also reads one of his trademark letters to his family at the end that lead the former President to tears.

George H. W. Bush has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all George H. W. Bush posts search with George H. W. Bush 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 George H.W. Bush is in the Public Domain.

Joe Biden Shares About Losing Wife and Daughter

Pol Light Moment #11 is when Joe Biden shared about losing his wife and daughter in a car accident to encourage families of fallen soldiers for a Memorial Day 2012 observance.  Joe Biden has been the Vice President of the United States from 2009 to the present. Prior to that he served as a United States Senator for Delaware from 1973-2009.

Joe Biden lost his first wife and their 18 month daughter in a tragic car accident on December 18, 1972, while he was preparing to start his first term as a United States Senator (Source). His two sons were seriously injured in the accident as well but survived.

On Friday, May 25, 2012, Vice-President Joe Biden shared a new aspect about his loss at an event for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance for Survivors) in Virginia. In the speech for the first time Joe Biden revealed about how he understood feelings of suicide after the loss. His remarks in the speech included this:

I probably shouldn't say this with the press here, but it's more important, you're more important. For the first time in my life, I understood how someone could consciously decide to commit suicide. Not because they were deranged, not because they were nuts, because they had been to the top of the mountain, and they just knew in their heart they would never get there again (ABC News, Devin Dwyer, Joe Biden Reflects on Immense Grief after Loss of Wife, Daughter, May 25, 2012).

Joe Biden went on in the speech to encourage those who had experienced loss of someone in the armed services, saying, "There will come a day, I promise you, and your parents as well, when the thought of your son or daughter or your husband or wife brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye (Source)."

The following is a news feature on this moment by the Rachel Maddow show.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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

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 Joe Biden is in the Public Domain and is the official United States federal government photo of Joe Biden.