Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 23, 1953

Interview Summary

Alben W. Barkley continues describing his political career in this interview. He provides further information about the 1944 Democratic Convention, and states that he never promoted himself as a candidate for vice president during the convention, although his name was mentioned by many people. He speculates about what would have happened if he had promoted himself for the vice presidency.

Barkley talks about Roosevelt's appointments to the Supreme Court, and he discusses Senator James "Jimmy" Byrnes. He describes his relationship with Harry S. Truman and his experience giving the keynote speech at the 1948 Democratic Convention. He remembers campaigning with President Roosevelt in Corbin, Kentucky in 1932 and amusing the crowd. He describes how he dealt with embarrassing incidents while speaking and recalls a speech that he gave on a very hot, sweaty day.

Barkley recalls his nomination to the vice presidency and his approach to the office which including traveling throughout the country to explain the administration's programs. He describes the relationship between himself and Truman while they were in office together and important events during the Truman administration including the Korean War and the Berlin airlift. Barkley also describes General George Marshall, General Douglas MacArthur, and a meeting with Winston Churchill in Washington, D.C.

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.