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* The Question of the Day on a Friday afternoon ahead of Father’s Day weekend in 2014…
Do you have any fond political memories of your father?
Here is the late, great Wordslinger’s contribution…
Late in his much-too-short life, my old man developed a highly unlikely and completely accidental friendship with Bob Dole.
When I was a kid, in 1977, my peeps and I went to Norfolk to see my old man’s brother, who was in port as chief engineer on an oil tanker.
On the way back, we stopped for a few days in DC to see the sites.
Back then, security was nil. You pretty much had the run of the place. We went to Rep. Simon’s office on the Hill and the very nice people there loaded us up with same-day passes for the White House, the Pentagon, and some special exhibitions at the Smithsonian.
Just imagine; on the same day, we got a pass for a special White House Rose Garden tour, and got to shake hands with Pres. Carter, Rosalyn and Jackie O., who was there for some reason (my mom thought that was way cool).
Long story short, over the course of a couple of days, we kept bumping into Sen. Dole, all over town.
You have to remember, Dole had been Jerry Ford’s hatchet man in the 1976 race, and was considered to be in the GOP right wing (can you believe it?).
My folks were Norwegians and red-hot, anti-fascist, anti-commie, civil rights liberals.
Finally, after bumping into him one more time, Dole approached us and said “we have to stop meeting like this” and started chatting up the old man.
My parents were immigrants and could be very self-conscious about their accents. So when Dole asked if there was something he could do for us, they kept mum.
I knew what my folks wanted, though, so I piped up “we’d like to meet Sen. Humphrey.”
“Let’s go,” Dole said.
“Senator, we need to be…” a Dole aide started to protest.
“Shut up,” Dole explained.
As we made our way down to the Capitol Hill subway system, Dole and my old man got lost in conversation. Dole had had a tough time in WWII, and I know the old man had, too, though he never talked about it.
As my aunts recounted over the years, when he was about 21, the old man and his crew had been arrested by the Gestapo for stealing food from a Nazi storehouse. They were in a slave labor camp until VE Day and some of them were worked and starved to death.
Meanwhile, the Dole aide who had been told to “shut up” was trying to find out why the Senator was taking such an interest in us.
My mom wouldn’t talk, so he was pressing me, the kid with corncobs coming out of his ears.
“So, where in Kansas are you folks from?” he asked.
“We’re from Illinois,” I said.
“Oh? Huh. So how do you know Sen. Dole?”
“Um, from TV.”
Now he’s getting pissed. “No, I mean why is he taking you to see Sen. Humphrey right now?”
“I don’t know.”
We took the subway to some huge Senate hearing room. The old man and Dole sat together and continued talking. I sat with Mr. Shut Up. My mom sat with Sen. Kennedy (she considered herself an honorary Kennedy after meeting Jackie O and Teddy, and would talk about them like family whenever they popped up in the news).
I think it was the Foreign Relations Committee.
But we didn’t go in for a while. The old man and Dole stood to the side, continuing to talk.
I know they were talking about the war, when they were young men.
The old man had never said ten words to anyone in his family about the war, but here was this old Norsky liberal, thick accent and all, chewing the ear of the GOP vice presidential nominee. And Dole was listening.
Finally, Dole approaches the big doors, and they’re swung open for him.
He marches us down the center aisle of this huge, crowded hearing room, takes us right up to Humphrey and says “Hubert, your Illinois fan club is here.”
Humphrey was dying from the cancer and didn’t have any hair. But he lit up like a light bulb, took us to some back corridor and he, Dole and my folks chatted like old friends about this, that and nothing in particular.
My parents were thrilled and talked about their day with Dole and Humphrey for the rest of their lives.
Dole didn’t have to do any of that. We were nobodies. My parents weren’t from Kansas; they weren’t citizens, they couldn’t even vote.
But he did because he was just a decent man, and made my folks feel like big shots in Washington, like they’d really made it in America.
It’s about the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Just a sweet, selfless act of kindness.
Dole and the old man would exchange Christmas cards til my Dad died. My old man didn’t change his politics, but nobody could say a word against his pal Bob.
Years later, when Dole was running for president in Iowa, I got to know Dole a little better. I liked him a lot then, I like him more now.
And I voted for him for president, for me, my mom and my old man.
That story says more about Wordslinger than just about anything he ever wrote here. This blog is just never going to be the same without him.
* By the way, Karl’s daughter Emma is studying journalism at DePaul and is doing an internship with the Chicago Sun-Times this summer. We’re going to talk a bit more about her today, but I wanted to show you this…
A very big thank you to everyone at @capitolfax for the outpour of love and admiration expressed for my dad and his work. My gratitude can never be expressed enough. https://t.co/ZZ4Orhja0L
— Emma Oxnevad (@emmaoxnevad) July 2, 2019
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:10 am
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RIP Mr. Oxnevad.
Comment by Robert the 1st Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:20 am
Awesome story. Thanks for sharing, Rich.
Comment by ??? Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:21 am
Thanks for sharing this what an awesome story. I don’t think I’m wrong in thinking something like this will ever happen again in the near future the way how politicized things are.
Comment by Almost the weekend Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:23 am
That is a great story. Thanks for recounting is here and today. Deepest condolences to Wordslinger’s family and personal friends. As anyone can tell from the posts on this blog he was highly respected and will be missed by all.
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:24 am
** “Shut up,” Dole explained. **
Lol, loved it. Sen. Dole of course is still alive but very old (bless him). Sen. Dole, if by any slim chance you become aware of this, know that you had a profound impact on a great Illinoisan’s life.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:24 am
Thanks for the story Rich. Word perfectly reminds us that politics can have better side than what we see too often today.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:27 am
I choked up when I read this the first time, back in the day. It had the same effect just now. Classic Wordslinger.
Thanks for sharing this Rich.
Comment by Shamrockery Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:27 am
makes you proud to be American and appreciate what we have in this country
Comment by rocky Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:29 am
amazing story….back to a time when you could disagree with a persons politics but still have respect for the person.
Comment by reddevil1 Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:31 am
Nothing tickled me more than when Word referred to me as ‘hayseed’. Gonna retire that phrase as special reminder of a man I never knew.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:31 am
Great story. Very sorry for his family. So sad.
His obit didn’t say where Ox was working when he died. Was it at the Sun Times?
Comment by QCT Alum Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:33 am
Wordslinger. Unmatched.
The details about himself, his family, and his family history, interwoven in a Forrest Gumpian story that if the story was told without the fascinating personal details, would hold up as an epic tale.
But, here on this blog, that was Wordslinger.
Karl had a knack of going deep-deep in the weeds, but you were in those weeds while hearing him spin a yarn that kept your eyes glued to every word. I loved that about his ways. Can’t teach it. It’s how his own style really was just Karl being himself.
He will be missed, he is missed now.
This is the comment that best defines his greatness, I’m glad Rich chose it.
Godspeed, Wordslinger.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:37 am
Any chance she’ll be the next Barton?
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:38 am
Great story. I seem to have something in my eyes after reading this as I tell my coworkers when they ask why I keep taking my glasses off and wiping the tears.
Comment by LTSW Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:39 am
A masterpiece. Full of soul, wit, and insight. God, what a talent.
Comment by King Louis XVI Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:42 am
I didn’t want that story to end. Perfectly captures his quality writing and how deeply observant he was. Sweet to know that his daughter is following in his footsteps.
Comment by The Most Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:43 am
Coming in late to pay my respects. I don’t think I’m alone in saying I zeroed in on Wordslinger’s comments when reading Capitol Fax, and that he’s been a critical part of what I’ve learned about the state from this site over the years. That’s the only way I know him, but reading between the lines he seems like he was a fundamentally decent person with a dedication to the well-being of others and to the truth. Just heartbreaking.
Comment by whetstone Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:45 am
That story sent a chill…I don’t cry, but that one would have done it. His story that tells of the way it was then, politically, and how decency prevailed without having to work so hard for it -(and not expect it to be lit up on social media). The events Wordslinger related were wonderful, but only he could do it so effortlessly and effectively. Damn.
Comment by Sayitaintso Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:45 am
Holy cow is that beautiful. Thank you Rich, and thank you Wordslinger. This reaffirms my faith in this country and in mankind. May Wordslinger sit at the right hand of God.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:45 am
[expletive], now I’m crying all over again.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:51 am
Incredible talent. The dude could write.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:52 am
Need a big “Like” button for this post.
Comment by filmmaker prof Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:53 am
This is absolutely awful news. I always loved reading his posts and always learned something. My condolences to his family.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 9:59 am
I spend a lot more time lurking on CapFax than I do commenting. One of the things that most made coming here worthwhile was Wordslinger’s commentary. He was the best and there is no second.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Comment by Draznnl Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:00 am
A great and uplifting story.
I’m still at a loss for words, shocked, and sad. RIP Wordslinger.
Comment by Cornerfield Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:02 am
The story reminds us of an era of kinder and gentler politics. When politicans of different parties could be decent friends with different opinions. When those opinions weren’t barriers to working for the betterment of the country. When country before politics was the order of the day. When civility and manners were hallmarks of personal behavior.
Senator Dole and Mr. Oxnevad could set aside their political beliefs and became friends because of their shared WW2 experiences.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:03 am
That is seriously one of the best D.C. stories I’ve ever heard/read and every single word rings absolutely true about Bob Dole. Supremely well told, unsurprisingly, by such a gifted writer. And welcome to the wonderful world of journalism, Emma. I was pleasantly surprised and proud to learn your dad once was one of us
Comment by Steve D Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:03 am
If that doesn’t make your eyes mist, you’re not human. Great story. Wordslinger will be missed.
Comment by Finally Out Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:14 am
Some days you need to hear stories like this - today was one of those days. A void is being left but the impact will remain.
Comment by Pleading the Fifth Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:14 am
Wordslinger was MrsJM’s favorite CapFax commenter.
Was I her second favorite? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. Whoever came in second place was in a very distant second indeed. A finishing-the-race-the-next-day kind of distant second. And MrsJM is right. Of course she’s right. She’s always right. She’s good and kind and smart — and Wordslinger was the favorite of the good and kind and smart.
Why?
First of all, Wordslinger was knowledgeable. Knowledgeable to the point of uncanniness. I think he was factually wrong about something once. (I remember it because it was as freakish as a blizzard in July. He copped to it — of course he did — and then he pivoted and demonstrated how the new facts proved beyond all reasonable doubt that he was right all along. It was glorious.) He seemed to know the deep history of everything and everyone of substance in Illinois. That was one of the many reasons that I presumed that he was decades older than me, not just a handful of years. But it was like the sprawling knowledge gape between a middle-schooler and a senior. He knew all the secrets. He knew all the secrets *about* the secrets.
How?
I have no idea.
Wordslinger was also brilliant. Knowledge in action through words.
To my mind, Wordslinger’s nom de plume (nom de guerre?) always called to mind a sling-blade — a heavy, hooked, doubled-edged bush ax cutting away the brush, briar and undergrowth from the comments. He cleared away the rhetorical weeds so that a thoughtful conversation could take place. A powerful writer and devastatingly clever. He’d expose the weakness in a position in a manner that left no room for rebuttal. You weren’t just wrong, you were very wrong and very silly.
He didn’t set out to make people look like fools (well, not usually – we’ll get to that) but to expose the foolishness in their thinking. And to lay it bare in such a way that it could not stand. And in such a way that it could be recognized and called out later should it recur.
He was sharp. Razor sharp.
Woe to anyone who doubled-down on foolishness. Commenters who sowed cliches, whataboutism or rank hypocrisy, or who called for unspecified “cuts” to unnamed “waste” were mercilessly mowed-down for vandalizing the conversation.
“The adults are talking.”
Yikes.
How in the world did he get away with it?
Wordslinger’s authority didn’t just arise from his encyclopedic knowledge and powerful writing. At root, his authority was based on moral wisdom. He never ever forgot — and never let us forget — that party politics isn’t some damn game. This is about people’s lives.
Wordslinger understood that kids only get one shot at growing up. That there are no do-overs for retired vets. He knew that a record for smoking reefer can destroy a life that’s barely started. That a shelter maybe reopening next session doesn’t mean anything to a woman who needs help today. If he sometimes got pissed-off — and he did — it was because he never forgot the stakes: This is about people and how they deserve to be treated by their government. It’s about how human beings deserve to be treated by their fellow human beings.
He never forgot.
Like most of you, I never met Karl – but I learned so much from Wordslinger. So very much.
My god I miss him.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:17 am
Now that’s a story well told.
Rest in peace.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:17 am
I really miss this guy - his superb writing, his insight, his good nature in general. He set high standards for the rest of us to respect and strive toward. God bless you, Wordslinger.
Comment by Linus Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:19 am
A great essay about a father, a generation, statesmanship, worthy of an international-level audience and shared freely with us. I felt heartbroken yesterday and today it’s all gratitude.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:24 am
What a beautiful story. What a gem of a man and a family.
And how I miss those days when comity and friendship, rather than rancorous partisanship, were the order of the day.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:27 am
Love that story. Bob Dole really is a kind man.
Regarding Wordslinger, I’m reminded of when I used to watch Albert Pujols in his prime with the Cardinals. I would have the games on tv in the background while I was cooking, tooling around the house, cleaning, etc. When Albert came up to the plate, I would stop whatever I was doing just to watch him bat. As a longtime Cardinals fan, Albert Pujols (2001-2011) = Wordslinger.
Comment by Steve Rogers Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:27 am
I have to wonder if Karl had any understanding of how very appropriate his “anonymous” name would become and how respected his comments would be when he chose it to post the first time.
His talent, passion and unique style will be missed.
We are all better for having had the opportunity to have known Wordslinger.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:28 am
Don’t know about any of the rest of you, but I still hear Sling after certain posts and comments. I’m pretty sure he’s still haunting me. I welcome the intrusion on my mental health.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:30 am
Thanks Rich
Comment by bhartbanjo Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:31 am
This isn’t any easier today.
Comment by Southern_Dawg Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:32 am
= I really miss this guy - his superb writing, his insight, his good nature in general. He set high standards for the rest of us to respect and strive toward. =
Second the above. - Also my handle as Deadbeat Conservative should be credited to the late Word.
Comment by Deadbeat Conservative (please do not block) Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:34 am
I was in St. Louis yesterday when I read the news and hated that my recent fears of something amiss had been realized. Since I hadn’t seen a post, a response or comment recently, a part of me became concerned.
But to learn of his passing and reading the comments here offsets and somewhat eases the loss for I see an outpouring of grief from all ends of the spectrum which gives me hope that respect and civility still lie within us all - just like the story above captures.
How someone I never met except through his words has left a hole in my life and of so many others with similar relationships is a testament to Karl’s life and memory. And it provides me with hope that we can still live up to the standards that apparently we’re in his DNA and those of his family. This was reinforced by the tale above.
In the future when I learn of a politician and others who emulates these standards, I will reflect and recall Wordslinger…
To Karl’s family, I add my condolences and want you to know how much I respected him and will miss his wit, style and humanity.
God Speed Karl
Comment by LINK Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:48 am
Condolences to Karl’s family on his tragic loss. We were classmates together in the UI-S public affairs reporting program a few decades ago. He was thoughtful, insightful then as a cub reporter. RIP.
Comment by Porter McNeil Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:09 am
I have a file full of stuff that I read when I’m down. This story is in there. I have given it to many others who all found it satisfying in some way. He must have written it quickly yet it is perfect. Perfect.
Comment by Rachel Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:11 am
@misterjayem: thank you for taking the time to articulate why Wordslinger was so unique and special. You are right on the mark with a post that would do its honoree proud.
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:11 am
I’m so sad to hear about Karl’s passing. He was always delightful to read and even though we didn’t talk directly much I feel like I lost a friend. Good luck to Emma and family.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:19 am
@misterjayem: not long ago Wordslinger paid you a high compliment about you saying so much yet so concisely. Your tribute to him was not the usual short line. It was a book (for you), and nailed the man beautifully. Good work.
Comment by Sayitaintso Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:27 am
His were comments I always made a point of reading. Smart, incisive, to the point.
A “best of” would be amazing ….
Comment by The Way I See It Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:28 am
Too many of the good ones leave us too soon.
Comment by Behind the Scenes Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:41 am
Sometimes I allow myself to think that the characters on this blog will live on forever, like our own special version of Seinfeld in perpetual reruns. And now with Karl’s passing, not through a long protracted illness, but shockingly sudden and tragic, we are all again reminded how temporary our time is here with one another.
I appreciate all of you and perhaps all of us in honor of our friend could pledge to blog with a purpose, with knowledge and wit if you’re able. And if you can do it with a touch of respect and dignity, we will all honor our friend and perpetuate his contributions.
Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 11:49 am
I remember asking him a few years ago if his handle was supposed to be read as “word slinger” or “words linger.” He confirmed it was the former, and he certainly lived up to his nickname in life. In death, his wise words will linger, for a long time to come. Godspeed, Karl.
Comment by ??? Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 12:14 pm
Willy, I appreciate your words regarding Wordslinger. I have to say, I have never been so upset about the loss of a person I didn’t know. Rich made the point of his impact on the blog and beyond. I usually skim posts for responses from you and Word and a few others. Just a huge void that won’t be filled.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 12:35 pm
- JS Mill - and to others who singled me out yesterday as well,
Very kind of you all. Sincerely.
The reality of what is the legacy and imprint Karl / Wordslinger left is I could never do justice to the words he left us, and stories like above.
- @misterjayem - has it best, has it right… if I could humbly borrow;
“Whoever came in second place was in a very distant second indeed. A finishing-the-race-the-next-day kind of distant second.”
MrsJM is right.
I’m still in saddened shock.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 12:48 pm
Rich, thanks for posting the story. It was a great read. No disrespect to the many fine posters on this board but there were many times I found myself scrolling through a post just to see if Wordslinger had commented on the post. My condolences to the family as I will miss Words comments on this board.
Comment by No Longer A Lurker Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 2:16 pm
What a phenomenal tribute to his family and to Dole and Humphrey.
I’m typing this with tears in my eyes.
Comment by Bourbon Street Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 2:19 pm
MisterJay, remember when Rich informed the crowd yesterday that we would have to “Step up our game” in an effort to lessen the loss of Word? Your 10:17 post does just that, thank you very much for taking the time to write it.
to the post, Bob Dole was a very good man, exemplary of “The Greatest Generation”. The Depression years used to be my favorite part of American history to read and watch videos of, but it is becoming replaced by the WWII years. The courage and self-sacrifice of the world, not just the U.S., is like reading about Tolkien’s Middle Earth, it seems so detached from the world of today. It would do us good to aspire to regain much of the best of our past.
Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 3:07 pm
That was beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Comment by Snicarte Slim Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 4:15 pm
What a great story. I rarely say a word on here and have learned so much. I was taken a back at how this affects me considering I do not know him at all. This blog is sort of like a secret family, that mostly loves Illinois. My condolences to his family and friends, we will all miss his comments. RIP and Godspeed
Comment by Just learning Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 6:32 pm
Tears in my eyes. Wonderful story. Better times in Wash DC.
Comment by stateandlake Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 6:39 pm
This is one of the most memorable and best personal stories ever posted on Capital Fax.
Sorry to hear the news and condolences to his family and friends.
Will miss the Wordslinger commentary.
Comment by lost in the weeds Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 7:58 pm
I took yesterday off the internet and came back to this, what a tragedy and what a loss.
Comment by Suburban Mom Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 8:43 pm
To comment on the Capitol Fax
Wordslinger was the nickname he chose
He brought insight to complex issues
With his powerful was his prose
Comment by Blago's Hare Tuesday, Jul 2, 19 @ 10:01 pm
That story was so….. Wordslinger.
Godspeed,
Thank you
Comment by Peanut Wednesday, Jul 3, 19 @ 10:15 am
I have mixed feelings about learning who Wordslinger actually was. He had a certain gravitas i enjoyed being pulled around by, an anonymous pundit who said things better than I ever could, so I’d just check off an imaginary “like” whenever he commented.
My condolences to his family.
Comment by Touré's Latte Wednesday, Jul 3, 19 @ 1:35 pm
Thank you Rich for sharing and the tribute for Wordslinger. God Speed.
Comment by Enviro Wednesday, Jul 3, 19 @ 1:49 pm