Montana Medicine Show: Mike Mansfield

Welcome to the Montana Medicine Show. I'm Derrick strong. Mike Mansfield was Montana's gift to American statesmanship and to world diplomacy. Tall and thin often described as Lincolnesque he possessed what political consultant Mark Johnson called a rare combination of intelligence honesty modesty and staying power. Mansfield represented Montana in Washington from 1942 to 1977 the Democrat was Senate majority leader for 16 years longer than anyone else in history. Montana legislator Steve Doherty observed Mansfield presided over a tempestuous body in a tumultuous period. Civil rights and Asian war turned to strife at home a war on poverty a race to the moon and the resignation of a president. All hurtled forward under his hand. Former Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska called him the best leader we ever had in the U.S. Senate. Following Washington Mansfield served a 12 year stint as U.S. ambassador to Japan a Tokyo newspaper

declared a giant walks among us. Mansfield once stated when I'm gone I want to be forgotten. The chances of this are slim to none. Historian Dave Walter wrote. He dwarves the legends and heroes with whom he has been cast on stages in both Montana and Washington D.C. in influence and example Mike Mansfield has no 20th century political equal. Mike Mansfield died October 5th 2001. From KGO studios. I'm Derrick strong. Montana medicine show is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. A private corporation funded by the American people.