June 25, 1970
Page 21454
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, modest, humble, fair, quiet, low keyed, with simple tastes, unassuming, and without a single enemy – these are uncommon words to use in describing strong leadership. But with MIKE MANSFIELD, the definition of leadership must be expanded and rewritten. Indeed, what these phrases describe – at least in part – are the qualities of the man who, in my judgment, has led the Senate with greater effectiveness than in any other period in the entire history of this institution.
The Senator from Montana has been majority leader of the U.S. Senate longer than any other man. It is not surprising. When asked once how he would like to be recalled in history, he is reported to have replied: "When I am gone, I want to be forgotten." History could never honor that wish.
It is difficult to say now what single achievement will most be remembered about MIKE MANSFIELD – it may be leading the fight to give 18-year-olds the vote. It could be a host of legislative monuments that occurred during the sixties – from medicare for the elderly to civil rights for the racial minorities, from the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to a breakthrough in Federal aid to education. It may be one that has not yet even been attained.
If I were to summarize his influence, it would be to say that MIKE MANSFIELD has set the entire tone for this emerging decade. He has called us quietly and most effectively for a reappraisal – a reappraisal of our objectives, of our policies, and our purposes – both at home and abroad.
At a time when it is not always popular to engage in politics, he has made me proud to be a politician. In an era when the Senate was at times relegated to a less than coequal status, he has led us in regaining the Senate's constitutional role.
Stripping it all away, there is perhaps only a single word that is needed to describe the reason for his success. It is trust. It has been the immense faith generated by this kind and honest man from the West that has been his most valuable asset. With it he has gained the support of all of his colleagues and associates. With it he has affected the very core of the U.S. Senate. With him, I have developed more confidence in the direction of this Republic.
I honor MIKE MANSFIELD today. I do so as he would say it himself, without any ifs, ands or buts.