As Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar points to the bust of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, a fellow Minnesotan, in the Capitol on Wednesday, it's hard not to consider the immense impact he had on American politics and public affairs. Born in 1911 in South Dakota, Humphrey became a pharmacist before entering politics, ultimately serving as the 38th Vice President of the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969.
Chicago has a complicated convention history: protests at the 1968 convention helped to derail Hubert Humphrey's candidacy. Despite this setback, Humphrey's influence continued to be felt in American politics long after his time in the White House. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement, advocating for equal rights for all Americans regardless of race, and was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Humphrey's political journey was not an easy one. He faced formidable opponents throughout his career, including Gerald Ford, who was the president at the time, as well as Morris Udall, Jimmy Carter, and others. However, his perseverance and dedication to progressive ideals left a lasting mark on American politics.
Still, Carter got to know, among others, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and Sens. Henry Jackson of Washington and Eugene McCarthy. These relationships underscored the impact that Humphrey had on other politicians and his enduring legacy in public service.
Today, the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota continues to honor his legacy. Nisha Botchwey, the current dean of the school, is dedicated to upholding the values and principles that Humphrey championed throughout his life.
Curiously, a famous American politician, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and an even more famous attorney-turned-preacher, have both left lasting impacts on public affairs and policy in the United States. Their shared commitment to social justice and equal rights for all citizens continues to inspire future generations of public servants.
Graduates from the University of Minnesota's Hubert Humphrey School of Public Affairs, such as Tengwall, who recently received his master's degree, are now equipped to carry on Humphrey's legacy in public service and make a positive difference in their communities and the world.
The Honorable Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, works in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, named in honor of the former vice president. This building serves as a constant reminder of Humphrey's dedication to healthcare reform and the well-being of all Americans.
Humphrey's legacy is not only felt in politics and public affairs but also in sports. The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, formerly home to the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, was named in his honor. The Metrodome roof famously collapsed under the weight of 17.1 inches of heavy snow on December 12, 2010, but has since been replaced by the U.S. Bank Stadium.
In conclusion, Hubert Humphrey's impact on American politics and public affairs cannot be understated. His dedication to civil rights, healthcare reform, and social justice has left a lasting mark on the United States, and his influence continues to be felt today through institutions like the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the lives of those who continue to fight for the ideals he championed.
