Dole mastered the caustic wisecrack, often against himself | AP News

Bob Dole’s frequent scowl concealed a dry, often caustic wit. He singed political rivals with it — but didn’t spare himself.

Wisecracks came with the territory of the Senate veteran and former Republican presidential candidate, who died Sunday at age 98.

A sampling:

—Dole was Republican Party chairman at the time of the Republican break-in of Democratic headquarters in the Watergate complex on June 17, 1972. He quipped that the break-in happened on “my night off.”

—Asked how the scandal would affect GOP prospects at the polls: “Well, we got the burglar vote.”

—His swipes at President Richard Nixon could be biting: “History buffs probably noted the reunion at a Washington party a few weeks ago of three ex-presidents: Carter, Ford and Nixon. See No Evil, Hear No Evil ... Evil.”