Interview with W. Scott Miller, Jr., September 30, 1993

Interview Summary

W. Scott Miller Jr., a lawyer who worked on several of Cooper's political campaigns, begins the interview by recalling his first impressions of Cooper. Miller Jr. then discusses his involvement in Cooper's Senatorial campaigns. Specifically, Miller Jr. articulates his role in the campaigns of 1946, 1948, 1954, and 1956. Miller Jr. considers methods of campaign fundraising in 1950s Kentucky politics. The interviewee recalls the circumstances behind Cooper's decision to run for the Senate in 1956. Miller Jr. illustrates Lorraine Cooper's role in her husband's campaigns. Miller Jr. explains his connection to Louie Nunn. Miller Jr. details the reputation of Kentucky politician Charles I. Dawson. Miller Jr. recalls the successful nature of the year 1956 for Kentucky Republicans. Miller Jr. discusses the dynamics between Cooper and Louisville-Courier Journal reporter Russell Riggs. Miller Jr. highlights Cooper's likability with the vast majority of people. Cooper's abilities as a speaker are evaluated. Miller Jr. also recalls his responsibilities during Cooper's 1960 Senatorial campaign. Miller Jr. talks of Happy Chandler and his emphasis on political strategy. The friendship between Cooper and John F. Kennedy is explored. Miller Jr. remembers anti-Catholicism he witnessed in Kentucky during political campaigns in the 1960s. Miller Jr. considers the working relationship between Cooper and Lee Nunn. The interviewee lists some of the political factions and divisions in Kentucky politics throughout the 1960s. Cooper's role in the Senate race of Thruston Morton against Wilson Wyatt in 1962 is examined. Miller Jr. details Cooper's outgoing personality. Miller Jr. evaluates Cooper's campaign style and habit of visiting Kentucky on non-election years for fun. Miller Jr. explains his family's strong connections to the legal profession. To conclude the interview, Miller Jr. provides his opinion on reasons as to why Cooper was against the Vietnam War.

Interview Keyword

John Sherman Cooper 1954 Senatorial campaign Campaign finance 1956 Senatorial campaign Lorraine Cooper Louie Nunn Charles I. Dawson Russell Riggs 1960 Senatorial campaign John F. Kennedy Albert "Happy" Chandler Lee Nunn Wilson Wyatt Thruston Morton Constituents Campaigning World War II

Interview LC Subject

Cooper, John Sherman, 1901-1991 Miller, W. Scott, Jr. Miller, W. Scott, Jr.--Interviews Politicians Politicians--United States Politics and government United States--Politics and government Washington (D.C.) Kentucky Kentuckians Lawyers Personality Popularity Speeches Anti-Catholicism Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Public opinion World War, 1939-1945

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.