He is an American politician, born on January 31, 1941. He served as the United States representative from 1977 to 2005. He was a member of the Democratic Party, he was House Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995 and Minority Leader from 1995 to 2003. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for President of the States in 1988 and 2004. He was mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate in 1988, 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2008. He participated in the 2004 movie Fahrenheit 9/11 with his real character.