Dole thinks price to run for president is ‘unreal’

Asked by AARP Bulletin to name the biggest change in presidential politics since he was the GOP nominee in 1996, former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole said it’s the “unreal” money, marveling that campaigns now talk about raising $1 billion each: “There are a lot of people out there who give big money, and I’ve always believed when they do that they – maybe silently – expect something in return.” Dole, who added he “might not be conservative enough to be the nominee today,” also shared a favorite bit of political humor: “You’re speaking at an event and get up and say, ‘Can you hear me in the back?’ A guy says, ‘No.’ And a lady up front says, ‘I can. I’ll trade places with you.’ That always gets a laugh.” – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published July 4, 2015 at 9:02 AM.