Exclusive: Sen. Bob Dole discusses career, continued service in nation's Capitol

Senator Bob Dole was back in the national spotlight late last year when he made quite the physical and emotional gesture. With the help of his nurse, the 95-year-old stood to salute the casket of his once political rival-turned-friend, President George H.W. Bush.

The truth is Dole has never left the national scene. To this day, he's still offering his insight, humor, and Kansas common sense "behind the scenes" to some of Washington's most powerful.

He invited KWCH to come see him in D.C. So, we took him up on his offer in this exclusive interview.

"I'm feeling fairly good,” Senator Dole said.

Senator Dole hasn't retired at the age of 95. We recently met with the Senator at his D.C. office.

"Except for my physical limitation, my mind is alert,” Senator Dole said.

It's his wisdom that's so valuable to Kansans in D.C.

"One of the things he always does is [he] tells me when I get it wrong, too,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

According to Senator Dole, Pompeo is a “star.”

"We can be proud in Kansas of Mike and Susan Pompeo,” Senator Dole said.

"Bob is friend. A legend. And a true patriot. A truly great American. When you think about the arc of American history over the last 50 years now, Senator Dole has been at the front of a lot of it,” Secretary Pompeo said.

Go back even further and Bob Dole was on the front lines. The young Army lieutenant from Russell was badly wounded during World War II.

His dedication to his country and fellow veterans inspired one of the most famous stops in Washington D-C for Honor Flight recipients and tourists... the World War II Memorial.

"Where I've seen Bob Dole most frequently is at the World War II memorial,” Senator Jerry Moran said.

"Undeniably, the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. is one of Senator Dole's greatest achievements. He helped raise millions of dollars for the tribute to his fellow veterans. Something his fellow Kansans say, couldn't have been done without him.

Senator Dole says he’ll be back at the memorial this spring.

"Oh, yes. First Saturday they tell us it's warm enough,” Senator Dole said.

Ask Kansas leaders, and they'll tell you about a Dole achievement they remember, they're proud of, or they want to continue.

"Legislation we refer to as Dole/McGovern Food and Education Bill. What it does is help feed the kids across the world and it ties that feeding with education,” Congressman Roger Marshall said.

"His willingness to work together to solve problems, to focus on so many things that are important for the country,” Congressman Ron Estes said.

"He had a way of convincing you to do something and let you think it was your own idea,” Senator Pat Roberts said.

"The work that he did on the Americans with Disabilities Act, was truly changing for lots of lives all around America, and indeed all around the world,” Secretary Pompeo said.

The longtime lawmaker says saving social security is his greatest achievement.

"I was working with Senator Moynihan and we finally got something together that people would agree on. And, the payments are still being made,” Senator Dole said.

That was then. Now, he's working with those influential Kansans willing to listen to his advice.

"Yeah. It's free,” Senator Dole joked.

They think so much of Dole, they're honoring him with a promotion to colonel in the Army.

"We were successful in legislation and the Army's support for his rise in rank. And his attitude was, ‘well, why not general?’ It's just a typical kind of Dole response,” Senator Moran said.

Colonel Dole. Supporting and encouraging his soldiers along the way in Washington.

“When I was nominated to be the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, I called Senator Dole and on the phone came both he and Elizabeth. And they were so happy.‘It's so great we have a Kansan.

You'll do a wonderful job, Mike. Tell me what I can do to help you.’ I still had a confirmation battle ahead. ‘Tell me the things we can do to help. You'll be great.’ They were so kind, so generous, so willing to step out... they were so willing to engage, it was enormously humbling and gave me confidence in what I was about to undertake,” Secretary Pompeo said.

Now, Dole waits to see who Kansas will send to D.C. next... to fill Senator Pat Robert's seat.

“There are about 10 people wanting to [fill the seat],” Senator Dole said.

We asked if he was up for it.

"I thought about it. But I think I'll wait until next time,” Senator Dole said with a smile on his face.

We're told Elizabeth is doing well too. They both still go to Sunday brunch, sometimes with the Pompeos. Senator Dole orders a Cosmo Light every time they go.