Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 21, 1953

Interview Summary

Alben W. Barkley describes his relationship with Franklin D. Roosevelt. He begins with his first associations with Roosevelt and describes the 1928 Democratic Convention during which Al Smith was nominated for the presidency. Barkley recalls how Roosevelt often held morning meetings in his bedroom. Barkley continues by describing the 1932 Democratic Convention during which Roosevelt was nominated for the presidency and Barkley announced the Democratic Platform asking for a repeal of the 18th Amendment. Barkley describes the court fights for New Deal legislation and becoming Senate majority leader. He describes his respect for the Supreme Court and his associations with U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes.

Barkley details the efforts to pass a tax bill to support World War Two which Roosevelt vetoed. This caused a short disagreement between Roosevelt and Barkley that led to Barkley's resignation as Senate majority leader. Barkley was quickly re-elected and he and Roosevelt came to be on friendly terms once again. Barkley discusses Roosevelt's decision to run for a third term and the Democratic Conventions of 1940 and 1944.

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.