Lloyd Bentsen
Lloyd Bentsen (1921 - 2006) was the Democratic candidate for Vice-President in the 1988 presidential election. Previously he served as a United States Senator for Texas, and later served under President Bill Clinton as Secretary of the Treasury. Bentsen was also involved with Scouting at a young age, having earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout.[1]
Attacking Quayle
During the Vice Presidential debate in 1988, the question of whether Republican candidate Dan Quayle had enough experience to serve as Vice President came up for the third time in that debate, and Quayle answered it by comparing his Congressional experience with that of John F. Kennedy when he sought the Presidency. Bentsen had known Kennedy while they were both serving in Congress, and used this fact in his sharp response:
- "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
Quayle responded simply that Bentsen's attack was "uncalled for," which Bentsen countered by blaming Quayle for bringing up the comparison in the first place.
Bentsen was a decorated World War II combat veteran, serving in the Air Force. He was shot down in a bomber raid and rescued. Quotes:
External Links
- http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/24/washington/24bentsen.html?ei=5088&en=76fccf1b5e08e750&ex=1306123200&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=print
- http://www.humanevents.com/rightangle/index.php?id=13562&title=Remembering_Lloyd_Bentsen_a_Different_Way
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/23/AR2006052300593.html