Interview with Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson, October 19, 1976

Interview Summary

In this interview, Lady Bird Johnson, former first lady of the United States, describes Senator Earle Clements' relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson. She talks about Clements' daily visits to Johnson at Bethesda Hospital after Johnson's heart attack in 1955, the strain on Clements as majority leader in the Senate, and the differences in Johnson's and Clements' personalities. Mrs. Johnson discusses President Johnson's relationship with the Eisenhower administration, her own relationship with Sarah and Bess Clements, and hiring Bess Clements as her social secretary in the White House. She also talks about social activities between the Johnsons and the Clements.

Interview Keyword

Earle C. Clements First ladies Governors Legislators Majority whips Politicians United States politics

Interview LC Subject

Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Johnson, Lady Bird, 1912-2007 Johnson, Lady Bird, 1912-2007--Interviews Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973 Kentucky. Governor (1947-1950 : Clements) Legislators--United States Politicians--United States United States. Congress--History--20th century

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.