Tom Harkin was born on September 11, 1939 in Cumming, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in government and economics. Following college, he joined the United States Navy and became a jet pilot, serving for five years.
Harkin's political career began in 1974 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Iowa's 5th congressional district. He served in the House until 1985, when he was elected to the United States Senate, where he would go on to become the longest-serving senator in Iowa's history.
Throughout his time in the Senate, Harkin focused on issues related to health, education, and labor. He became the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where he worked on legislation to improve healthcare and education in the United States.
In 1992, Harkin ran for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. He was an early frontrunner in the race, but eventually dropped out to support eventual winner Bill Clinton. During his campaign, Harkin faced controversy when Senator Barry Goldwater accused him of falsely claiming to have flown combat missions in Vietnam.
Harkin is married to Ruth Harkin, and the couple has two daughters together. They reside in Cumming, Iowa, where Harkin is actively involved in the local community.
Tom Harkin's legacy as a politician is characterized by his dedication to improving the lives of working Americans through legislation on healthcare, education, and labor issues. He is remembered as a tireless advocate for the people of Iowa and a respected member of the United States Senate.
Overall, Tom Harkin's career in politics has left a lasting impact on the state of Iowa and the United States as a whole, and his commitment to public service continues to inspire others to work towards a better future.