Alben W. Barkley, American lawyer and politician, 35th Vice President of the United States (b. 1877)

Alben William Barkley, a prominent figure in American politics, carved out a distinguished career spanning over half a century. Born on November 24, 1877, in Graves County, Kentucky, Barkley, affectionately known as "the Iron Man" and later "the Veep," exemplified the quintessential American success story, rising from humble beginnings to the second-highest office in the land. His journey took him through the legal profession, both houses of the United States Congress, and ultimately to the Vice Presidency under Harry S. Truman, serving as the 35th Vice President from 1949 to 1953. His life, marked by dedication to public service and a pragmatic, liberal Democratic ideology, left an indelible mark on 20th-century American policy and politics.

Early Public Service and Congressional Beginnings

Barkley’s political career began at the local level in his home state of Kentucky. A skilled lawyer, he was first elected as county attorney for McCracken County in 1905, demonstrating his early commitment to public service and legal acumen. His ascent continued, and by 1909, he was chosen as the County Judge/Executive, a significant administrative role that further honed his leadership skills. This local success paved the way for his entry into national politics when, in 1912, he was elected to represent Kentucky's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a congressman, Barkley quickly established himself as a liberal Democrat, aligning his views with President Woodrow Wilson’s progressive "New Freedom" domestic agenda and his assertive foreign policy, which included strong support for American involvement in World War I. His early congressional years laid the groundwork for a career defined by legislative engagement and a deep understanding of the nation's needs.

Ascension to the Senate and the New Deal Era

Despite his growing influence in the House, Barkley sought higher office. In 1923, he made a bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Kentucky, running on a platform that endorsed Prohibition—a contentious issue of the era—and notably denounced parimutuel betting. However, he narrowly lost the primary to fellow representative J. Campbell Cantrill. Undeterred, Barkley set his sights on the U.S. Senate. In 1926, he successfully challenged and unseated the incumbent Republican senator, Richard P. Ernst, marking his transition to the upper chamber of Congress. Once in the Senate, Barkley became a stalwart supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, a series of programs designed to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression. His legislative prowess and unwavering loyalty to the Democratic agenda were recognized by his peers, leading to his election as Senate Majority Leader in 1937, succeeding the late Joseph Taylor Robinson. This position elevated him to one of the most powerful roles in American government, where he played a crucial part in steering the nation through an unprecedented economic crisis.

Leadership Challenges and Wartime Influence

Barkley's tenure as Majority Leader was not without its trials. During his 1938 re-election campaign, he faced accusations from his opponent, A. B. "Happy" Chandler, who alleged that Barkley had used employees from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a federal New Deal agency, to campaign on his behalf. Barkley countered with similar claims against Chandler, accusing him of employing state workers for political purposes. While neither candidate was ever formally charged with wrongdoing, the controversy highlighted concerns about the politicization of government resources. This led to the passage of the Hatch Act in 1939, a landmark piece of legislation that made it illegal for federal employees to engage in political campaigning, a crucial step towards safeguarding the impartiality of the civil service. As World War II consumed President Roosevelt's attention, shifting his focus primarily to foreign affairs and military strategy, Barkley's influence over the administration's domestic agenda significantly grew. However, this period also saw a notable clash between the two leaders. In 1943, Roosevelt vetoed the Revenue Act, a tax bill that Barkley had helped guide through Congress, going against Barkley's counsel. In a bold demonstration of independence and principle, Barkley resigned as floor leader. The Senate, however, swiftly overrode Roosevelt's veto, and the Democratic caucus, recognizing Barkley's indispensable leadership, unanimously re-elected him to the position of Majority Leader, reaffirming their trust and respect in his ability to lead the party in Congress.

The Vice Presidency: A "Veep" for Truman

Following President Roosevelt's death in 1945, Harry S. Truman ascended to the presidency, and Barkley cultivated a strong and effective working relationship with the new commander-in-chief. As the 1948 Democratic National Convention approached, Truman's popularity was waning, and the party faced significant challenges. It was at this crucial moment that Alben Barkley delivered a powerful and impassioned keynote address, a speech that profoundly energized the delegates and helped re-galvanize the party's base. Impressed by Barkley's leadership and his ability to rally support, Truman selected him as his running mate. Against considerable odds, the Democratic ticket, with Truman and Barkley at its helm, secured an upset victory, defying pollsters and political pundits alike. As Vice President, Barkley took an unusually active role in the Truman administration. He became its primary spokesman, particularly as the Korean War demanded the majority of President Truman's focus. Barkley traveled extensively, articulated the administration's policies, and served as a vital link between the White House and Congress, earning him the affectionate moniker "the Veep."

Later Years and a Return to Service

As the 1952 presidential election loomed, President Truman announced he would not seek re-election, opening the field for a new Democratic nominee. Barkley, despite his age, began to organize a presidential campaign. However, his efforts were ultimately hampered when influential labor leaders, citing concerns about his advanced years, refused to endorse his candidacy. Faced with this significant hurdle, Barkley reluctantly withdrew from the race, ending his aspirations for the nation's highest office. He subsequently retired from public life, seemingly concluding his long and distinguished career. Yet, the call to service proved too strong to resist. In 1954, at the age of 77, Barkley was coaxed back into politics, demonstrating his enduring popularity and political vigor. He successfully challenged and defeated the incumbent Republican senator, John Sherman Cooper, returning to the U.S. Senate for what would be his final term.

A Statesman's Farewell

Alben William Barkley's extraordinary life of public service came to an end on April 30, 1956. While delivering a speech at the Washington and Lee Mock Convention, a collegiate event designed to simulate a national political convention, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. His final words, reportedly, were about the future of the nation and the importance of public service, a fitting end to a career dedicated entirely to the American people. He remains a beloved figure in Kentucky history and a significant personality in the annals of U.S. political leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alben W. Barkley

Who was Alben W. Barkley?
Alben William Barkley was an American lawyer and prominent politician from Kentucky who served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, eventually becoming the 35th Vice President of the United States under President Harry S. Truman from 1949 to 1953.
What were his key political roles?
Barkley's extensive career included serving as county attorney for McCracken County, Kentucky, and then as County Judge/Executive. He was a U.S. Representative for Kentucky's First District, a U.S. Senator from Kentucky (including a long tenure as Senate Majority Leader), and finally, the Vice President of the United States.
How did he become Vice President?
In 1948, with President Truman's popularity low, Barkley delivered a stirring keynote address at the Democratic National Convention that energized the delegates. Truman then selected him as his running mate, and together they achieved an unexpected victory in the presidential election.
What was the "Hatch Act" and how was Barkley involved?
The Hatch Act of 1939 made it illegal for federal employees to campaign for political candidates. This legislation was a direct outcome of accusations exchanged between Barkley and his opponent, A. B. "Happy" Chandler, during Barkley's 1938 Senate re-election bid, regarding the alleged use of government employees for campaign purposes.
Did Barkley have any famous conflicts with President Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Yes, Barkley famously resigned as Senate Majority Leader in 1943 after President Roosevelt vetoed the Revenue Act, a bill Barkley had championed. However, the veto was overridden, and the Democratic caucus unanimously re-elected Barkley as Majority Leader, demonstrating his strong standing and independence.
Why was he known as "the Veep" and "the Iron Man"?
He earned the affectionate nickname "the Veep" during his active and prominent role as Vice President under Harry S. Truman, often acting as the administration's chief spokesman. "The Iron Man" was an earlier sobriquet reflecting his resilience and tireless work ethic throughout his long career.
How did Alben Barkley die?
Alben W. Barkley died of a heart attack on April 30, 1956, while delivering a speech at the Washington and Lee Mock Convention. He was still serving as a U.S. Senator at the time of his death.