Hubert Humphrey

Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr. (May 27, 1911 – January 13, 1978) was an American politician who served as the 38th Vice President of the United States from 1965 to 1969 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Born in Wallace, South Dakota, Humphrey was a pharmacist before entering politics, serving as Mayor of Minneapolis and then as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota. He became known as 'the Happy Warrior' for his optimistic demeanor and passionate advocacy for civil rights, liberal policies, and the Great Society. As a senator, he was instrumental in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, becoming a leading voice for social justice and progressive legislation. As Vice President, he loyally served Johnson while privately having doubts about the Vietnam War escalation. Humphrey ran for President three times (1960, 1968, and 1972), with his 1968 campaign coming closest to victory. After returning to the Senate in 1971, he remained influential in Democratic politics until his death. His legacy encompasses his commitment to civil rights, labor rights, and the expansion of the social safety net in America.