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Mike Mansfield: The Quiet Giant of the Senate

Blake Bell

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Published in Mike Mansfield Majority Leader: A Different Kind Of Senate 1961 76

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Mike Mansfield, A Tall, Thin Man With A Serious Expression, Wearing A Suit And Tie, Standing At A Podium In The Senate Chamber Mike Mansfield Majority Leader: A Different Kind Of Senate 1961 76

Michael Joseph Mansfield (March 16, 1903 – October 5, 2001) was an American politician and diplomat who served as the 25th Speaker of the House (1949-1953) and as the Senate Majority Leader (1961-1977). A Democrat, he represented the state of Montana in the U.S. Senate from 1953 until his retirement in 1977.

Mansfield was born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents. He grew up in Great Falls, Montana, and attended the University of Montana. After graduating from law school, he worked as a lawyer and a journalist before being elected to the Montana State Legislature in 1932. He served in the state legislature for eight years, including two years as Speaker of the House.

Mike Mansfield, Majority Leader: A Different Kind of Senate, 1961-76

by Francis R. Valeo

4.5 out of 5

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In 1942, Mansfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the House for seven terms, and was elected Speaker of the House in 1949. As Speaker, Mansfield was a close ally of President Harry Truman and played a key role in the passage of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan.

In 1952, Mansfield was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served in the Senate for 24 years, and was elected Majority Leader in 1961. As Majority Leader, Mansfield was a key figure in the passage of some of the most important legislation of the 20th century, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Medicare Act of 1965.

Mansfield was known for his quiet demeanor and his ability to work behind the scenes to build consensus. He was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and was often called the "Quiet Giant of the Senate." Mansfield retired from the Senate in 1977, and died in 2001 at the age of 98.

Early life and career

Michael Joseph Mansfield was born in the Bronx, New York City on March 16, 1903, to Irish immigrant parents. His father, John, was a police officer, and his mother, Bridget, was a homemaker. The family moved to Great Falls, Montana, when Mike was four years old.

Mansfield attended the University of Montana, where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1927. He then attended the University of Montana Law School, where he earned a law degree in 1930.

After graduating from law school, Mansfield worked as a lawyer and a journalist. He was also active in politics, serving as a member of the Montana Democratic Party's state central committee.

In 1932, Mansfield was elected to the Montana State Legislature. He served in the state legislature for eight years, including two years as Speaker of the House.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1942, Mansfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the House for seven terms, and was elected Speaker of the House in 1949.

As Speaker, Mansfield was a close ally of President Harry Truman and played a key role in the passage of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. He was also a strong supporter of the civil rights movement.

U.S. Senate

In 1952, Mansfield was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served in the Senate for 24 years, and was elected Majority Leader in 1961.

As Majority Leader, Mansfield was a key figure in the passage of some of the most important legislation of the 20th century, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Medicare Act of 1965.

Mansfield was also a strong opponent of the Vietnam War. He spoke out against the war and voted against the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized the use of military force in Vietnam.

Mansfield retired from the Senate in 1977. He died in 2001 at the age of 98.

Legacy

Mike Mansfield was a towering figure in American politics. He served in Congress for 34 years, and was a key figure in the passage of some of the most important legislation of the 20th century. He was also a strong supporter of the civil rights movement and an opponent of the Vietnam War.

Mansfield's legacy is one of public service and bipartisanship. He was a man of integrity and principle, and he always put the interests of the country first.

Mike Mansfield, Majority Leader: A Different Kind of Senate, 1961-76

by Francis R. Valeo

4.5 out of 5