#dongonyea

[nprpolitics]

End Of An Era: Last World War II Vets To Leave Congress

The next Congress will be the first in 70 years without a veteran of World War II serving in it. The class of greatest generation vets had a profound effect on the institution, beginning in 1944 when the first veteran of the conflict was elected to the House. The House Class of 1946 alone produced two future presidents -- John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon (above) -- and a future House Speaker in Carl Albert.

Below are two Senate giants who overcame severe war injuries on the road to Congress: Daniel Inouye of Hawaii (shown here arriving in Washington in 1959) and Bob Dole (shown here recuperating in 1945 at Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Mich.) 

Don Gonyea will have more on the departure of the last World War II vets from Congress on All Things Considered today. You'll be glad you listened.

[nprpolitics]

As if we needed one more reason to love NPR National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea....he's opened up his personal campaign playlist, taking us on a journey from one battleground state to the next. It's the music that he says keeps him sane on those long drives and many flights. 

And no surprise, it's a great list - no cliche victory songs here (Born To Run, anyone?). Just great music: Ray Charles, James Taylor, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris....

Have a Listen here.

And join Don (in Iowa) & the rest of us on election night here.

[nprpolitics]

Presidents Who Have Had Devastating Midterms

Ouch. Listen to Don Gonyea's story here.