Mike Gravel

Date of Birth: May 13, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: June 26, 2021

Biography

Maurice Robert “Mike” Gravel was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Alaska from 1969 to 1981. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Gravel was a member of the Democratic Party and was known for his outspoken and often controversial positions on various issues. He gained national attention for his efforts to end the draft during the Vietnam War and for reading the Pentagon Papers into the Senate record in 1971, an act of defiance that helped to bring the secretive documents to public light. Before his tenure in the Senate, Gravel served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1963 to 1966, including a term as Speaker of the House. After his Senate career, Gravel continued to be an active voice in politics, authoring books and running for President in both 2008 and 2020, albeit with limited success. Gravel’s later years saw him focusing on direct democracy and the establishment of the National Initiative for Democracy, advocating for greater public involvement in the legislative process. Gravel passed away on June 26, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of political activism and advocacy for transparency in government.

5 Interesting Facts about Mike Gravel

1. Mike Gravel is best known for his dramatic reading of the Pentagon Papers into the Senate record, a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War era.

2. He moved to Alaska in the 1950s, where he worked various jobs, including as a cab driver and real estate agent, before entering politics.

3. Gravel was a vocal advocate for the legalization of marijuana, long before it became a mainstream issue.

4. He was the author of the book “Citizen Power,” which outlines his views on direct democracy and political reform.

5. Gravel’s 2008 presidential campaign gained attention for its unconventional and viral YouTube videos, which included one where he stared silently into the camera before throwing a rock into a pond.