Liberator in History: Senator Wayne Morse

In an era where Congress has devolved into a chamber of dysfunction dominated by party loyalty, partisan bickering, and personal ambition, the life of Senator Wayne Morse of Oregon reminds us that politics can be guided by something higher: principle.

Serving from 1945 to 1969, Morse was labeled the “Tiger of the Senate” for his fierce belief that democracy demanded courage. He was scrupulous in living by his motto, “principle above politics,” which led him to change parties as his work in the senate evolved.

Morse was elected as a Republican during World War II, but became an independent in 1952 in protest of Eisenhower selecting Nixon as his running mate and his refusal to condemn Joseph McCarthy as a menace to society.

Led by principle and conscience, Morse soon realized he could be more impactful as a Democrat, changing his affiliation  once more, where he took on the mantle of changemaker.

According to Ted Kennedy, "Wayne Morse was daily proof in the halls of Congress that an individual can make a difference... that a single voice of integrity, insight, understanding, and compassion can change America and alter the flow of history."

As a progressive throughout his terms in office, Morse championed labor rights, civil rights, equal rights for women, public education, and co-sponsored legislation to abolish the death penalty, arguing that no man had the moral authority to take another’s life.

He believed democracy lived and breathed through its people, and he was willing to risk his career, his political alliances, and his public reputation to defend it. He said, "Since when do we have to back our President, or should we, when the president is proposing an unconstitutional act?"

In this sense, Morse was a true liberator—demonstrating to our nation that politics need not be about party or power, showing instead that integrity, compassion, and courage can change a country. His life reminds us that even in challenging times, one principled voice can rally others, inspiring action toward saving and strengthening democracy.

To see historic clips of Morse in action, watch this vintage documentary, The Last Angry Man: Senator Wayne Morse below.