Hog caller and stump speaker Alben Barkley defied all expectations.  The son of a tobacco farmer with little money to spare became Vice President and sometimes, a contender for President.  Senator and Majority Leader he prospered from his ability to speak.  It even almost got him in trouble with the President he served, Harry Truman.  The Original "Veep," the term first used with Barkley, he modernized the Vice Presidency but managed to keep a 19th-century style at the same time.  He died the way he lived, on the stump.  

"Don't Call Me Willie" - Alben Barkley, Truman's Vice President

A history of the United States, as told through its vices, the holders of the second-highest office in the land. Bruce Carlson delves into the lives of the individuals who have achieved the second office of American government.  Learn history, and hear some great stories.

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War Hero, Congressman, State Leader, and Senator.  Kentucky's Richard Mentor Johnson was considered for the Presidency and might have obtained it in the case of his friend Andrew Jackson not seeking a second term. But timing is everything: Jackson did seek a second term, and in that term, politics changed.  Johnson did become Vice President in the shuffle, and like most 19th Century Vice Presidents, spoke very little to Martin Van Buren, the President he served.  Johnson is known for a few things.  One is, many said of him that he killed the Indian warrior Tecumseh.  He never made the claim directly, but it was said of him.  The second, was that he took a wife among one of this slaves. While this was not uncommon as a secret practice, Johnson made it public and took care of his wife's daughters.  For this, he earned the distinction of being the only Vice President not receiving enough electoral college votes, and needing the Senate to sign off on his Vice Presidency.  Johnson also spoke for debt relief and set up an academy for Indian children.  We discuss all these facts in this episode.  

The Forlorn Hope: Richard Mentor Johnson

Henry Wilson's experience as a workingman would have a double benefit in his political career.  Not only could he identify with average people, but he could demonstrate that unlike his slaveholding oppponents, he worked his way up in a country that allowed him to do so.  His very presence from actual rags to some riches (at least for a time) compelled Republicans to place him on the ticket with Grant as his second vice-president.  Not a bad run for man who had to flee from a poor family and change his name.  We tell his story.

The Shoemaker: Henry Wilson

If he wasn't ever Lyndon Johnson's Vice President, HHH might have been remembered as a pretty good Senator.  And a well-regarded mayor.  But Hubert wanted more.  We take a look at the man who was almost President, his bumpy relationship with the President he served under, and the choice he was forced to make in the waning days of the election.  We also look at a mayor who took on crime and a Senator who passed many things we take for granted today. 

Walk in the Sunshine - Hubert H. Humphrey

Dan Quayle's name conjures up images of late-night comedian jokes and verbal gaffes, but he may have offered a little-known service to the President he served.  In this episode, we discuss George H.W. Bush's vice president, including his ups and downs, and even his recent role in advising Mike Pence during the Jan 6, 2021 events.  

Best Rabbit:  Dan Quayle

Though Richard Nixon's presidency would get most of the attention of history, his time as Vice President was formative.  He was one of several veeps that helped modernize the office.  He was more active on foreign trips than his predecessors.  He even came under attack and was heralded for his calm nerves.  He acted as floor leader for the GOP on civil rights legislation, up agains Lyndon Johnson.  And in a late night session, there was that time he broke the gavel.  

"Don't Call Me Willie" - Alben Barkley, Truman's Vice President

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