Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 23, 1953

Interview Summary

In this interview, Barkley discusses the 1952 Democratic Convention. He describes events leading up to the convention at which time he was in the running for the presidential nomination. He recalls campaigning in the western United States during the election of 1948 and his election to the vice presidency. He particularly remembers the adjustment he had to make when he began presiding over the Senate in which he had been majority leader. He describes how his power to break ties among the Senate caused problems with other Senators particularly Lucas Scott. Barkley also remembers his own reaction to the amendment which limited the president to two terms of service.

Barkley discusses Truman's decision not to run for a third term, although he had not technically completed two terms. He recalls his conversations with Adlai Stevenson regarding the presidential nomination and working with labor unions prior to the 1952 election. He describes the Republican nomination of Eisenhower and their desperate need to win.

Barkley reflects back to World War Two and his "bathroom discussions" with Roosevelt particularly after Roosevelt's return from the Yalta conference. He comments upon his relationship with and his respect of Roosevelt. Barkley also tells stories about his friendship with Admiral Rodman, meeting Mikolajczyk of Poland and seeing soapbox orators and singers in Hyde Park in London.

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

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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.