The Atlantic

John Dingell Was a Gift to America

This country is a better, more just, and cleaner place than it would have been without his service in Congress.
Source: Rebecca Cook / Reuters

The last time I saw John Dingell was a few months ago, back at the home he shared with Debbie in Dearborn. My wife and I were in Michigan for another reason, but called to make sure we could pay a visit. John was in his study, seated in his big chair because of back issues, but he stood up when we arrived and gave us both hugs. We talked about issues large and small with him and Debbie for a few hours. The TV was on in the background, on a cable-news channel, and John had a legal pad next to

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