Interview with Walter F. Mondale, August 23, 2018

Interview Summary

Former Vice President Walter Mondale begins the interview by recalling when he first met Bess Abell. Mondale explains why he hired Bess to be the main secretary to his wife Joan. Mondale discusses the role of Bess and his wife in the 1976 Carter-Mondale presidential campaign. Mondale describes how Bess assisted with the family's move into the vice presidential residence. Mondale discusses his children and how they became accustomed to living in the public eye. Mondale discusses how he defined his role as vice president. The origin of the nickname for Joan Mondale ('Joan of Art') is considered. Bess Abell's participation in the 1980 Carter-Mondale campaign is also mentioned. Mondale considers what the transition to back to private life was like after losing the 1980 presidential election. Mondale discusses his level of contact with Bess Abell since the Carter administration. Mondale describes how Bess created an informal atmosphere in his wife's office while still commanding respect. Mondale reflects upon the advice that Bess gave him after the Carter administration ended. Tyler Abell recalls a notable dinner he and Bess had with the Mondale family. Mondale discusses the eulogy that Bess gave at his wife's funeral. Mondale remembers a trip to Finland to promote the arts that Bess took with his wife. Tyler Abell concludes the interview with memories of how he first met Vice President Mondale.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Joan Mondale Vice presidents Secretary Jimmy Carter Carter administration 1976 presidential campaign Vice president's residence Family 1980 presidential campaign Funerals Eulogy 1964 Democratic National Convention

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Art Children Travel Minneapolis (Minn.) Finland

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.