Bill Bradley
Bill Bradley is a notable American figure, recognized for his diverse contributions as a professional basketball player, U.S. Senator, and author. Born on July 28, 1943, in Crystal City, Missouri, he showcased his athletic talent early on, ultimately becoming a standout player for the New York Knicks in the NBA from 1967 until his retirement in 1977. Transitioning to politics, Bradley represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate from 1979 to 1997, where he was actively involved in various legislative efforts, including campaign finance reform and education improvements.
In 2000, he sought the Democratic nomination for president but faced tough competition from Vice President Al Gore, leading to his withdrawal after the Super Tuesday primaries. Following his political career, Bradley became a managing director at Allen & Company LLC and authored six books focused on American politics and economics. His work also includes hosting the radio show "American Voices." Throughout his life, Bradley has been recognized for his commitment to public service and advocacy for social issues, making him a significant figure in both sports and politics.
Bill Bradley
Basketball Player, Senator
- Born: July 28, 1943
- Birthplace: Crystal City, Missouri
Although he is not a native of the Garden State, Democrat Bill Bradley dedicated a good portion of his life to serving the people of New Jersey. After a career as a professional basketball player for the New York Knicks, Bradley was elected to the United States Senate, after which he went on to seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2000. After losing the election, however, Bradley went on to serve on several advisory boards and became the managing director of Allen & Company LLC in 2001. He is also a New York Times best-selling author of six books on American politics and economy, including We Can All Do Better (2012), and hosts the weekly radio show American Voices.
Background
Bill Bradley was born to Warren and Susan Bradley on July 28, 1943, in the small Missouri town of Crystal City, located on the Mississippi River. Warren Bradley was a banker, and Susan Bradley was a homemaker. As the young Bradley matured, he developed an interest in basketball, took music lessons, and became an Eagle Scout.
When the time came for college, Bradley turned down numerous basketball scholarships to attend Princeton University in New Jersey. Though he studied hard, he did not abandon his athletic talent. In 1964 he was made captain of the US Olympic basketball team and helped bring home a gold medal. Upon graduating from Princeton in 1965, Bradley became a Rhodes scholar and attended Oxford University, where he studied philosophy, economics, and politics.
Two months before he was due to graduate from Oxford, Bradley left school to join the US Air Force reserves. He served for six months before signing with the New York Knicks in 1967. The following year, Bradley was allowed to take his exams at Oxford and complete his master's degree.
During Bradley's first year in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Knicks fans did not take to the tall Missourian. Some even threw coins and trash at him on the court. Bradley was later made a forward, a position that better suited him, and he excelled, remaining with the Knicks until his retirement from the NBA in 1977.
Political Career
In 1979, Bradley won a seat in the US Senate representing New Jersey as a Democrat. He stepped down from the Senate in 1997 and created a political action committee called Time Future. The group worked to raise funds for the election of congressional candidates in the Democratic Party.
In January 1999, Bradley announced that he would run for president. As he entered the race, Bradley faced opposition from Vice President Al Gore. In the past, Americans have often voted for former vice presidents because of their experience, giving Gore a better chance of becoming the Democratic nominee. While Bradley hoped to convince voters to choose him over Gore, many critics accused Bradley of having a condescending demeanor.
Like other presidential candidates, Bradley supported preserving the environment and reforming campaign finance laws. He promised to improve education through such measures as bringing more children into the Head Start program and placing skilled teachers in poorer school districts. Bradley supported improving health care and providing insurance for every child in the United States. He stood firm on gun control, calling for extra measures that other candidates did not, such as mandatory firearms safety courses and registration of all gun owners. Bradley withdrew from the presidential race after voters gave their support to Gore in the Super Tuesday primary elections held on March 9, 2000.
After Politics
Following his failed presidential bid, Bradley became managing director of the investment bank Allen & Company. He also served on the board of several other businesses and nonprofit organizations, including Starbucks and the charities Acumen and DonorsChoose.org. During the 2008 presidential election, Bradley campaigned for Democratic candidate and eventual victor Barack Obama. In 2015, Bradley joined the board of directors of the American Committee for East-West Accord.
In 2012, Bradley began hosting the radio show American Voices on Sirius/XM radio. The show highlights the varying experiences of Americans across the United States. Bradley has also written six New York Times best-selling books on American politics and economics. His works include The Journey from Here (2000), The New American Story (2007), and We Can All Do Better (2012).
Personal Life
Bradley married Ernestine Schlant, a German literature professor at Montclair State College, in 1974. The couple had a daughter, Theresa Anne, in addition to Schlant's daughter from a previous marriage, Stephanie. Following their divorce in 2007, Bradley began a long-term relationship with former Lyndon Baines Johnson Library director Betty Sue Flowers.
Bibliography
Bradley, Bill. "Point Person: Former Sen. Bill Bradley on Making America Better." Interview by Rudolph Bush. Dallas Morning News. Dallas Morning News, 10 Oct. 2014. Web. 16 Jan. 2015.
Gellman, Barton, and Dale Russakoff. "Private Journey Comes Full Circle." Washington Post 14 Dec. 1999: A1. Print.
Parker, Jennifer. "Bill Bradley Backs Barack Obama." ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures, 5 Jan. 2008. Web. 16 Jan. 2015.