US President Joe Biden presents former US Senator Alan Simpson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, during a ceremony honoring 17 recipients, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, July 7, 2022.
On my very first week on Capitol Hill almost 40 years ago, a friend of a friend worked for Sen. Alan Simpson. When I arrived, I reached out to her, and she invited me to lunch. I walked over to meet her on the Senate side of the Capitol, and to my astonishment, she said, "We're going to have lunch with the senator." I was shocked.
We went into his office and sat eating sandwiches for about 15 minutes or so. I remember it being quick but memorable. He mentioned words to the effect that he remembered how hard it was to make friends when he first moved to D.C., so he tried to make time to ensure I, as a newcomer, felt welcomed. It was all brief and whirlwindish, but I’ll never forget his kindness.
Perhaps this anecdote encapsulates the essence of Simpson, who passed away Friday at the age of 93. Simpson's political journey was deeply rooted in Wyoming, a state he represented in the upper chamber for nearly 20 years. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Milward Simpson, who served as governor and U.S. senator. His father was legendary, and he lives on in the form of the Milward Simpson Award, which is given annually to the top male and female high school students in Wyoming.
Equally legendary was his son, Alan, who was known for his sharp wit, bipartisan approach, and a legacy that defied the conventional mold of conservative Republicans. I particularly remember Simpson speaking at the funeral of his friend former President George H.W. Bush. He said something that has stuck with me: “Those who travel the high road of humility are not troubled by heavy traffic.”
Simpson's self-deprecating sense of humor was legendary on Capitol Hill. He once quipped, “I have a view of life: You’re allowed to be called a fool, an idiot, a son of a bitch, but never let them distort who you are, and if anything triggers me, it is to be called a bigot without a single shred of evidence in any part of my life.”
His humor was not just for show. It reflected his genuine approachability and the respect he had for people from all walks of life. I remember it being said about Simpson that he treated everyone with kindness, from janitors to fellow senators, embodying the principle that every individual deserved respect. Can you imagine anyone saying that about a Republican senator today?
Simpson was also a formidable legislator. He served in the Republican leadership as Senate whip from 1985 to 1995. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to immigration reform, veterans' affairs (he served in the U.S. Army), and environmental causes. Again, in Simpson lingo, can you imagine a Republican senator today giving a rat’s ass about the environment?
Notably, he cosponsored a bill regulating immigration and chaired the Immigration and Refugee Subcommittee of the Judiciary. His moderate views on issues like abortion rights set him apart from many in his party, showcasing his ability to think independently and prioritize the nation's well-being over partisan politics. Ditto again to find a Republican senator who meets that description today.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Simpson's legacy was his unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights, a stance uncommon among conservative Republicans of his time. In 2001, he became the honorary chairman of the Republican Unity Coalition, a gay-straight alliance within the Republican Party.
He recruited former President Gerald Ford to serve on the advisory board, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity within the party. Simpson's advocacy was deeply personal; he believed that the government should not interfere in the private lives of individuals.
This is how he described the dichotomy of the Republican Party on queer rights. “Here’s a party that believes in government out of your life, the precious right of privacy, and the right to be left alone," Simpson said in an interview with CBS. "How then can they be the hypocrisy of fiddling around in these social issues? We won't have a prayer."
He often remarked that matters of personal freedom, including sexual orientation, were not the government's business, aligning with his broader philosophy of limited government intervention. In 2014, he signed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to recognize same-sex marriage, further solidifying his commitment to equality.
Clearly, Simpson's approach to bipartisanship is a rarity in today's polarized political climate. He maintained genuine friendships across the aisle, understanding that collaboration was essential for effective governance.
I also recall that Simpson had a close relationship with Democratic Congressman Norman Mineta, whom he met during their youth. Mineta was a friend of the congressman I worked for. Despite their political differences, their enduring friendship highlighted Simpson's belief in finding common ground. He once said, "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." This principle guided his interactions, allowing him to work effectively with those holding opposing views.
After retiring from the Senate, Simpson continued to serve the public. He was appointed cochair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in 2010, addressing the nation's fiscal challenges. His dedication to public service was recognized in 2022 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden. This honor reflected his lifelong commitment to the country and his efforts to bridge divides.
Simpson's legacy is a testament to the impact of authenticity, humor, and genuine respect for others in politics. His support for LGBTQ+ rights, commitment to bipartisanship, and dedication to public service serve as enduring examples of leadership that transcends party lines.
In an era where such qualities are increasingly rare, exceedingly rare to the point of almost being nonexistent, remembering and emulating Simpson's approach could guide us toward a more inclusive and collaborative political future.
And one other thing: I can’t imagine having a sandwich with any GOP senator today, who I am sure, given my sexuality, would not make me feel very welcomed on Capitol Hill.
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