Interview with Alben W. Barkley, August 3, 1953

Interview Summary

Alben W. Barkley recalls the campaign of 1948 when he traveled the country in a chartered airplane. He explains that he earned the nickname "Iron Man" for his constant speechmaking. He recalls that campaigning using an airplane was much more flexible and describes his relationship with the press during this and other campaigns. He discusses the actions of Thomas Dewey and Earl Warren during the 1948 presidential campaign. He states that they acted like they had already won the election. Barkley also provides his views on the future role of television in campaigning and congressional hearings, and his opinion on the broadcast of the 1951 crime hearings.

Barkley describes some of the senators and members of Congress that he has worked with over the course of his career. He talks about Senator Ollie James, the man he succeeded, and Champ Clark of Missouri. Barkley also discusses Cordell Hull, his involvement with income tax legislation and his role as Secretary of State. Barkley mentions the Hay-Pauncefont Treaty and Wilson's views of the position of the United States with the Panama Canal. Near the end of this interview, Barkley sings a song that he heard as a young man working in the fields of Kentucky and he tells the "Mint Julep" story of a man on his deathbed who asks his wife to pour him some liquor and force him to drink it.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy

Interview LC Subject

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

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

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