Interview with Robert G. Baker, October 19, 2009

Interview Summary

Robert Baker begins the interview by commending Clements' competency as Majority Leader and Majority Whip, especially his ability to "bring people together" across political ideologies, and "get things done." Baker discusses Clements' involvement in the McCarthy hearings. They also talk about Clements' failed 1956 re-election campaign for Senate, and how his missing vote affected legislation in-process at the time. Baker talks about Ed Prichard, a key figure in education reform in his native state of Kentucky. He talks at length about John F. Kennedy and the Kennedy family. Baker briefly addresses a question about Tommy "The Cork" Corcoran, before discussing his interactions with a number of people surrounding Lyndon Johnson's administration, and his particular disdain for Robert Caro. Baker discusses Johnson's failing health, beginning with his heart attack in 1955, his diagnosis of throat cancer, and his resulting psychological malaise. Baker talks about Lyndon Johnson's dedication to civil rights, and his party's efforts to establish good relations with minorities. Baker describes the effect of the Vietnam War on President Johnson, the adversity from the public, and Johnson's own insecurities. They compare the aftermath of the Vietnam War to World War I.

Interview Keyword

Earle C. Clements United States politics George Wallace J. Edgar Hoover Edward Prichard Joseph McCarthy Lyndon Johnson Tommy Corcoran John F. Kennedy Jimmy Hoffa

Interview LC Subject

Baker, Robert G. Baker, Robert G.--Interviews Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 United States. Congress. Senate. Kentucky. Governor (1947-1950 : Clements) Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973 Politicians Politicians--United States

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.