Interview with Paul Janensch, August 12, 1980

Interview Summary

Paul Janensch, a longtime reporter for the Louisville Courier-Journal, begins the interview by discussing his career in journalism. He says that first perceptions of John Sherman Cooper are often misleading, as he seems not to have his thoughts together. Upon reflection, Janensch was very impressed by his style. Janensch compares Cooper to John Y. Brown Sr., in terms of personality and campaign style. Cooper is characterized as an independent voter, especially on issues such as foreign policy and civil rights. Senator Cooper consistently voted for Kentucky interests, especially concerning tobacco and agriculture. Janensch discusses his perceptions of Cooper staff members Bill Miller and Bailey Guard. The influence of Senate staffs upon Senators is also explored. Janensch describes Cooper's interactions and friendships with other Senators. The interviewee compares Cooper to George Aiken and Thruston Morton. The dynamics between Senators from the same state in general are examined. Janensch concludes the interview with a discussion of Cooper and partisan politics.

Interview Keyword

John Sherman Cooper Senators Senate Louisville Courier-Journal John Y. Brown Sr. Constituents Thruston Morton

Interview LC Subject

Cooper, John Sherman, 1901-1991 Janensch, Paul Janensch, Paul--Interviews Politicians Politicians--United States Politics and government United States--Politics and government Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Vietnam Kentuckians Staff Partisanship International relations Journalists Washington (D.C.)

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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.