Oral History Interview with Herman Talmadge, July 29 and August 1, 1975. Interview A-0331-2. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
This is the second interview in a three-part series with Senator Herman Talmadge of Georgia. In the first interview, Talmadge focused primarily on his early career in politics and his tenure as governor of Georgia from 1948 to 1955. In this interview, Talmadge shifts his focus to his years in the United States Senate. First elected in 1956, Talmadge had just entered his fourth term at the time the interview was conducted in 1975. Talmadge begins by describing the 1964 schism in the Democratic Party. In explaining his belief that there was room for variation and diversity along the conservative-liberal spectrum in both major political parties, Talmadge contends that he never seriously considered leaving the Democratic Party during those years. In addition, Talmadge offers his assessment of key political figures. He compares the leadership styles and accomplishments of presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford, and he offers his perception of leaders such as George Wallace, Ralph Nader, George McGovern, and Eugene McCarthy. Throughout the interview, Talmadge pays particular attention to issues of civil rights, the environment, consumerism, and the growing relationship between television and politics. In addition, Talmadge offers his views on the role of federal government, the changing social problems facing Americans during the mid-1970s, and his reaction to the Watergate scandal and its impact on politics.
Excerpts
Split in the Democratic Party and Talmadge's decision to remain a Democrat
United States Senator describes and compares five presidents
George Wallace's politics and his growing appeal with American voters in the 1970s
Opposition to the implementation of the Brown decision and school busing
Thoughts on environmentalism and consumer rights
Impact of television on national politics
Assessment of Lyndon Johnson as senator and his bid for the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination
"Diluted" power in Congress and the problems of government
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Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
Subjects
Wallace, George C. (George Corley), 1919-
Watergate Affair, 1972-1974
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968
Democratic Party (Ga.)
Georgia--Politics and government
Press and politics--Georgia
School integration--Georgia
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