Interview with Eugene Edward Siler, Sr., October 26, 1982

Interview Summary

Eugene Siler Sr., a friend and colleague of Cooper's, begins the interview by talking of the connections between their families throughout the years. Siler recalls how he met Cooper. Additionally, Cooper's 1939 gubernatorial campaign is discussed. Siler outlines some of the qualities that allowed Cooper to become a successful politician. Siler describes his work as circuit judge in the post-World War II years. Cooper's 1946 Senatorial campaign is also mentioned. The interviewee reflects upon Cooper's first term in the Senate from 1946 to 1948. Siler talks of visiting Republicans in Kentucky whom he made connections with. Cooper's 1948 Senatorial campaign is examined. Siler compares his and Cooper's political views. Siler's 1951 gubernatorial campaign is discussed. Siler also details his friendship with Happy Chandler. Siler provides an overview of the 1952 Republican National Convention. Siler's recent speaking engagements are briefly mentioned. Subsequently, the interviewee recalls Cooper's 1952 and 1954 Senatorial campaigns. Siler relays the dynamics between himself and Alben Barkley and Earle Clements during Siler's first term in the House in the mid-1950s. Siler shares his memories of John F. Kennedy's assassination and funeral. Cooper and Morton's 1956 Senatorial campaigns are evaluated. Siler explains what it was like working with Cooper on Capitol Hill. Siler's perspective on the Vietnam War is considered. Siler's relationships with Kentucky politicians in both parties are detailed. Siler talks his and Cooper's support of social legislation for Appalachia to alleviate poverty. Siler outlines his domestic affairs focus compared to Cooper's emphasis placed upon foreign policy. Siler's experiences with Kentucky politics are shared. Siler's retirement from the House is considered. The controversy of Cooper not initially supporting Barry Goldwater as the presidential nominee during the 1964 Republican National Convention is discussed. Additionally, Cooper's role in the 1967 Republican gubernatorial primary is explored. The consequences of Siler's failed bid for Senate on a personal level are also mentioned. To conclude the interview, Siler highlights his conservatism in terms of social issues as well as an overview of Cooper's valiant character.

Interview Keyword

John Sherman Cooper King Swope Senators U.S. House of Representatives Republicans Albert "Happy" Chandler 1952 Republican National Convention Dwight Eisenhower Gerald Ford Alben Barkley Earle Clements Thruston Morton 1964 Republican National Convention Barry Goldwater Kentucky politics Qualities Liquor

Interview LC Subject

Cooper, John Sherman, 1901-1991 Politicians Politicians--United States Politics and government Siler, Eugene (Eugene Edward), 1936- Siler, Eugene (Eugene Edward), 1936- --Interviews United States--Politics and government Washington (D.C.) Kentucky Kentuckians United States--Politics and government Friendship Fathers Judges Tobacco Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Conservative Character

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.