Early Career
Political Career
Political Philosophy
Labor Rights
Vietnam War
Death Penalty
About Wayne Morse
Born on October 20, 1900 in Verona, Wisconsin, Wayne Lyman Morse left a deep legacy of commitment to democratic representation, the rule of law, and intellectual independence in his service to the University of Oregon, the State of Oregon, and to the nation. He displayed this commitment in his work as a law professor and dean of the University of Oregon School of Law, a labor arbitrator, and while serving the State of Oregon as U.S. Senator.
During Wayne Morse's 24-year tenure in the Senate, 1945-69, he was a leader in a wide range of issues, including the anti-war movement, education, civil rights, and international law. He is perhaps best remembered for his historic stance as one of two senators who opposed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which initiated U.S. military intervention in Vietnam.
Found below is a clip which highlights Morse’s style and democratic principles. This classic exchange is between Wayne Morse and the moderator and journalist Peter Lisagor of the CBS program “Face the Nation,” on May 24, 1964, two months before the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed through Congress. The clip is taken from the film WAR MADE EASY.
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Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics
1221 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1221
Phone: (541) 346-3700, Fax: (541) 346-1564
