Interview with Alben W. Barkley, November 1, 1953

Interview Summary

In this interview, Alben W. Barkley recalls a speech he gave at the Democratic National Convention nominating Franklin D. Roosevelt for the presidency. Barkley remembers that he was asked to change the speech, but he decided the deliver it the way that he had prepared it. Barkley discusses his significant in the Congressional investigation into Pearl Harbor at the end of World War II. He states that there was a demand for an investigation into the attack to see if anyone was neglecting their duties. Yet, he explains that some of this push was political, and certain politicians wanted to look for a reason to blame Roosevelt for Pearl Harbor. Barkley recalls that he introduced the resolution for the joint investigative committee and was then appointed chairman of the committee. He remembers other members of the committee, and people brought before the committee.

Barkley discusses an FCC investigation. He recalls some stories about his first race for Congress, the poll tax fight during which a warrant was served on Senator McKellar, and he demonstrates how to call a hog. Barkley recalls the Democratic Convention of 1940 and the nomination of Henry Wallace as Vice President. He talks about Wilson's campaign for reelection in 1916 and the resulting Republican majority in Congress. He questions whether or not this had any effect on the Treaty of Versailles not being ratified.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Biography Government politics Public Policy United States Vice presidents World War, 1939-1945

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.