Political Quotes

Tom Harkin: “I have always said that it took a disabled President to lead a disabled nation. President Clinton has taken the right…”

On the recordMay 1, 1997
I have always said that it took a disabled President to lead a disabled nation. President Clinton has taken the right step in improving the FDR Memorial by allowing Americans to view a more complete picture of one of our Nation's greatest Presidents. I have long thought this very important new memorial should include a statue depicting FDR in a wheelchair. Contrary to popular belief, President Roosevelt did at times purposely display his disability to inspire wounded veterans, persons with polio, and other groups of Americans. A statue portraying his disability will stand as a reminder to current and future generations of Americans that disability is a natural part of the human experience that in no way diminishes the ability of a person to fully participate in all aspects of American life.
Said by
Tom Harkin
Democratic · Iowa
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Introducing legislation to add a statue of FDR depicting his disability to the FDR Memorial.

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