James K. Libbey Pens New Alben Barkley Biography

Lexington, KY-During his concession speech after losing the 1938 US Senate election, Kentucky Governor A.B. "Happy" Chandler paid tribute to his newly reelected rival. "I always thought Senator Barkley was indestructible," he admitted, and at the time it would have been hard to argue otherwise. Alben Barkley had just secured his third term in the US Senate after seven consecutive terms representing Kentucky in the House, and he was on his way to an appointment as Harry S. Truman's vice president in 1949. His sole losing campaign had been a bid for Governor of Kentucky in 1928, but his habit of giving up to sixteen speeches a day and propensity for campaigning on horseback earned Barkley the nickname the "Iron Man" of politics.

In Alben Barkley: A Life in Politics, historian James K. Libbey presents the first full-length biography of the hardworking former vice president of the United States. A loyal Democrat, Barkley was able to make a name for himself shepherding Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs through Congress. Due to his prominent help, Barkley quickly rose from junior senator to senate majority leader, before becoming Truman's vice president. His dedication to his party and his hard working spirit pushed Barkley to take charge of domestic affairs while his president became immersed in the Second World War, and his tireless commitment to his country carried him through the trials of public service.

Barkley's career belied his humble origins. He was born to poor tenant farmers in Graves County, Kentucky, who instilled in him a strong work ethic at a young age. He graduated from Marvin College in 1897, but when he was unable to afford to continue school, he read for the bar on his own, passing in 1901. His hard work and tenacity led to his election as county attorney of McCracken County. Wanting to do even more, Barkley ran for and was elected to Congress as Woodrow Wilson was swept into office in 1912. A firm believer in Wilson's agenda, Barkley rallied his party and garnered key support for the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. Largely thanks to his support of Wilson's administration, Barkley unseated Kentucky's senior senator in 1926.

Barkley steadily gained influence among his fellow Democrats. His keynote speeches at the 1932 and 1936 National Conventions cemented his reputation as a party unifier and paved the way for his election as Senate majority leader in 1937. While majority leader, Barkley helped draft the Connally-Fulbright Resolution, which worked to foster a peace-keeping body after the Second World War, and he continued to unite the party under President Roosevelt by addressing domestic issues with legislation like the Hatch Act and the Lend-Lease Act. When the Democratic Party found itself divided following Roosevelt's death, Barkley once again proved his worth and dedication. Despite not being Truman's first choice, he agreed to attach his name to the ballot, and with a rousing address at the 1948 convention, he helped propel his ticket to an upset victory. While vice president, Barkley continued to work within his own party and to reach across the aisle to ensure cooperation between the legislative bodies and President Truman.

Barkley's fifty-year political career, made famous by his impressive speeches, came to an abrupt end during one final speech at Washington and Lee University in 1956. After concluding his remarks, Barkley suffered a massive heart attack and died on stage. With the rancor of the 2016 election, revisiting Barkley's life reminds us that politics do not have to be hostile. Libbey presents the life of a man who worked to accomplish change through collaboration and was able to confront political differences without divisiveness. Alben Barkley illuminates the life of an iconic Kentucky politician who embodies the ideal of service to country, even after ascending to the second highest position. He remains one of few vice presidents to return to the Senate after leaving office, defeating equally legendary Kentucky politician, John Sherman Cooper, in 1954.

James K. Libbey, professor emeritus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is the author of numerous books including Dear Alben: Mr. Barkley of Kentucky andAlexander P. de Seversky and the Quest for Air Power.

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