National Affairs: Poor Man's Candidate

With no drums and tramplings, Kentucky's Senator Alben Barkley hit the road. Accompanied by only two aides, the 70-year-old Democratic candidate for Vice President made little leaps around the East by airline, train, and rented car. His knee was stiff and he was suffering from a cold (which he doctored with drugstore pills), but he kept at it.

He spoke in hotel dining rooms and town halls, from jerry-built platforms and trailer trucks. He gave no impression of a man seeking office for himself. He put his biggest effort into giving the state ticket a boost.

His themes were the "do-nothing" record of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!