Bob Kerrey

Bob Kerrey is an American politician and military veteran who served as the 35th Governor of Nebraska and later as a United States Senator from the state. A member of the Democratic Party, he was a candidate for the 1992 Democratic presidential nomination. Kerrey's career has been defined by his decorated service in the Vietnam War, for which he received the Medal of Honor, and his subsequent work in public service and higher education.

Early life and education

Joseph Robert Kerrey was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he studied pharmacy. During his time at the university, he was active in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, he initially pursued a career in the private sector before his life took a decisive turn with his enlistment in the United States Navy.

Military service and Medal of Honor

Kerrey was commissioned as an officer and volunteered for the United States Navy SEALs, joining the elite SEAL Team 1. During the Vietnam War, in March 1969, he led a mission on Nha Trang in South Vietnam. The operation resulted in a fierce firefight where Kerrey was severely wounded, ultimately leading to the amputation of part of his right leg below the knee. For his "conspicuous gallantry" and leadership under fire, President Richard Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor in 1970. He also received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his service.

Political career

His military heroism provided a foundation for his political career. Kerrey was elected as the Governor of Nebraska in 1982, defeating incumbent Republican Charles Thone. As governor, he focused on economic development and education policy. In 1988, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he served two terms. In the Senate, he was a member of the Finance Committee and the Agriculture Committee. He was a key figure in debates over the NAFTA, health care reform, and federal budget issues. He sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1992, but lost to Bill Clinton.

Post-Senate career

After leaving the Senate in 2001, Kerrey served as president of The New School in New York City from 2001 to 2010. He later returned to Nebraska to serve as the executive chairman of the Museum of Nebraska Art. He was appointed to the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in 2010. In 2012, he was the Democratic nominee in a special election for the Nebraska Senate seat previously held by Ben Nelson, but lost to Republican Deb Fischer. He has remained active in public policy discussions, particularly concerning veterans' affairs and federal fiscal policy.

Personal life

Kerrey has been married twice, first to Beverly Defnall and later to author Sarah Paley. He has two children. His military service and the lasting impact of his combat injuries have been a consistent part of his public identity. In later years, his actions during the 1969 mission in Vietnam were re-examined in a controversial CBS News report, which he disputed. He resides in Nebraska and maintains involvement in the state's civic life.

Category:1943 births Category:Living people Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:Governors of Nebraska Category:United States senators from Nebraska Category:Democratic Party governors of Nebraska Category:Democratic Party United States senators from Nebraska Category:Recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumni