On December 9th, 1912, ninety-six years ago, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill was born. In this 1978 photograph, Speaker Tip O’Neill shares a laugh with the famous comedian Bob Hope when he visited Speaker O’Neill’s personal office in the Capitol. Tip O’Neill served as Speaker of the House for the 95th -99th Congresses (1977-1987) serving the longest consecutive years as Speaker in U.S. History. Tip combined a strong liberal political philosophy with an open and accessible social manner. O'Neill did not let partisanship impinge on sociable dialogue with House colleagues; Democrats and Republicans alike. As Speaker, O'Neill had a warm friendship with President Ronald Reagan, in addition to numerous heated political quarrels. While O'Neill and Reagan would feud over legislation, they socialized frequently. O'Neill described their relationship: "We were always friends after six o'clock and on weekends."