Walter Mondale: Former Vice President and 1984 Democratic Nominee Dies a

Walter Mondale was an American politician who served as the 42nd Vice President of the United States under Jimmy Carter and was the Democratic nominee for president in 1984. Born Walter Frederick Mondale on January 5, 1928, in Ceylon, Minnesota, he was widely known by his nickname, Fritz.

Mondale was a U.S. Senator from Minnesota from 1964 to 1976 and was the chief sponsor of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. As vice president from 1977 to 1981, he expanded the office into a full-time advisory role with a base in the White House. In 1984 he won the Democratic nomination and chose Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, the first woman nominated for vice president by a major party. He served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.

Mondale married Joan Mondale in 1955, and they had three children, including Ted and William. He used the Wendy's slogan "Where's the beef?" against rival Gary Hart in the 1984 primaries. He died of natural causes in Minneapolis on April 19, 2021, at age 93. Remembered for his decency and his lasting influence on the vice presidency, he was a pillar of Minnesota politics.

Achievements: U.S. Senator from Minnesota (1964-1976), sponsored the Fair Housing Act (1968), 42nd Vice President (1977-1981), 1984 Democratic presidential nominee.

Birth: January 5, 1928 - Ceylon, Minnesota.

Profession: Politician and diplomat.

Interesting Facts: His family considered Walter and Frederick too stuffy for a boy, so they called him Fritz. He chose Geraldine Ferraro as his 1984 running mate.