H. Ross Perot

H. Ross Perot
Name	H. Ross Perot
Caption	Perot in 1992
Birth name	Henry Ross Perot
Birth date	27 June 1930
Birth place	Texarkana, Texas, U.S.
Death date	9 July 2019
Death place	Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Party	Independent (1992), Reform (1995–2019)
Otherparty	Republican (before 1992; 1996–2019)
Spouse	Margot Birmingham, 1956
Children	5, including Ross Perot Jr.
Education	Texarkana College
Alma mater	United States Naval Academy (BS)
Occupation	Businessman, politician
Net worth	US$4.1 billion (July 2019)

H. Ross Perot was an American businessman, philanthropist, and political figure who achieved national prominence as a third-party candidate in two presidential elections. His unconventional campaigns, particularly in 1992, significantly disrupted the American political landscape by focusing on issues like the NAFTA, the federal budget deficit, and government reform. Perot founded the highly successful data processing company Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and later the technology services firm Perot Systems, amassing a fortune that made him one of the nation's wealthiest individuals. His direct, plain-spoken style and use of televised forums like Larry King Live reshaped political communication.

Early life and career

Henry Ross Perot was born in Texarkana, Texas, and began his business career early by selling goods such as The Saturday Evening Post. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in 1953 and serving as a United States Navy officer. After his military service, he became a top salesman for IBM before founding Electronic Data Systems in 1962 in Dallas, Texas. The company secured a landmark contract with the Medicare program, growing rapidly and making its founder a billionaire after its initial public offering in 1968. His dramatic, privately-funded 1979 rescue of two EDS employees imprisoned in Iran during the Iranian Revolution was later dramatized in a miniseries.

Business career

Following the success of Electronic Data Systems, which was sold to General Motors in 1984, Perot founded Perot Systems in 1988, again building a major information technology services corporation. His tenure on the GM board was marked by public clashes with executives like Roger Smith over the company's direction. Perot was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education reform in Texas, and for his advocacy on behalf of POW/MIA issues from the Vietnam War. His business acumen and immense personal wealth, often estimated in the billions, provided the financial foundation for his subsequent political ventures.

1992 presidential campaign

Perot's 1992 presidential campaign as an independent candidate was a historic political phenomenon. Announcing his candidacy on Larry King Live, he focused on the federal deficit, opposition to the proposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and criticism of the United States Congress. His campaign made extensive use of infomercials and talk radio, and he famously participated in presidential debates alongside Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush. After briefly suspending his campaign in July, he re-entered the race and ultimately won 18.9% of the popular vote, one of the strongest showings for a non-major party candidate in U.S. history.

1996 presidential campaign

In 1996, Perot became the presidential nominee of the newly formed Reform Party, which he helped establish. His campaign again emphasized deficit reduction, campaign finance reform, and opposition to NAFTA. However, his support diminished significantly compared to 1992; he was excluded from the presidential debates and received only 8.4% of the popular vote. The Reform Party itself became a vehicle for other political figures, including Pat Buchanan and Jesse Ventura, in subsequent elections.

Political positions and legacy

Perot's political platform was a mix of fiscal conservatism, economic nationalism, and support for certain social liberal reforms. He was a staunch critic of free trade agreements, particularly NAFTA, and advocated for a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution. His legacy includes popularizing issues like the national debt and the perceived negative effects of globalization, influencing both the Republican and Democratic parties. His campaigns demonstrated the potential power of independent political movements and altered the tactics of modern political communication.

Personal life and death

Perot married Margot Birmingham in 1956, and they had five children, including businessman and philanthropist Ross Perot Jr. A lifelong resident of Texas, he was known for his collection of historical American artifacts and his significant charitable donations, including major gifts to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. He remained a prominent figure in Dallas civic life and continued to comment on political affairs. Perot died from leukemia at his home in Dallas on July 9, 2019, at the age of 89, and was interred at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Category:American businesspeople Category:American philanthropists Category:Reform Party (United States) politicians