Steely, MelWagner, DonUniversity of West Georgia. Georgia Political Papers and Oral History ProgramUnited States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018Talmadge, Herman E. (Herman Eugene), 1913-20021986-01-16Herman Eugene Talmadge (1913-2002), son of former governor Eugene Talmadge, was born on August 9, 1913 in the small Telfair County town of McRae, Georgia. He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia in 1936, and practiced law for several years before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he saw extensive combat in the South Pacific. In 1946, Talmadge ran his father's successful Democratic race for governor, though the elder Talmadge died before he could take office. The state legislature elected Herman to take his father's place, but the Supreme Court of Georgia ruled the move unconstitutional.Talmadge vacated the governor's mansion, but came back to win a special election in 1948, and a full four years as governor in 1950. As was common at the time, he was an ardent segregationist, but implemented the first state sales tax as a way to improve public schools. In 1956, Talmadge was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he concentrated on agricultural issues and sponsored the creation of a food-stamp program. In 1980, he lost his seat to Republican Mack Mattingly. Talmadge retired to his home in Hampton, Georgia where he died on March 21, 2002.; Interviewed by Dr. Mel Steely and Don Wagner at West Georgia College on Janaury 1, 1986.; Talmadge begins the interview by addressing claims made against him in the book The Transformation of Southern Politics. He mentions the Chicago convention meeting with Senator Walter George and his ultimate decision to run for Senate in 1952. Talmadge was the governor at the time, and says that the reason George was not the best senator was because he had no connection with Georgians at that time. Dr. Steely moves into a discussion on Talmadge's time in the senate, and his campaigning and political philosophies. In 1952, Talmadge stayed away from racial issues, but it became a hot topic in the 1956 election. Talmadge also addresses his platform on Israel during the 1960s, and his relationship with and support from the liberal Jewish community of Georgia. He says that during the Maynard Jackson campaign, he didn't really pay much attention to the race. He addresses his thoughts on political action committees and their effect on campaigns and contributions; stating that he has never been in favor of public financing. He then goes through his memories of his other senatorial races, including his divorce, alcoholism, the media, and his changing tactics. They return to the subject of Talmadge's relationship with Senator George for the conclusion of the interview. Talmadge talks about hearing of his loss in the election due to the lack of votes from Metro Atlanta. This topic is followed by a discussion of the Watergate hearings.video/mp4engCarrollton, Ga. : University of West Georgia Special Collections in association with the Digital Library of Georgiahttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program oral history interviews. Annie Belle Weaver Special Collections, Irvine Sullivan Ingram Library, State University of West GeorgiaGeorgia--Politics and government--1865-1950Georgia--Politics and government--1951-Governors--Georgia--InterviewsLegislators--Georgia--InterviewsMorris Brown CollegePolitical campaigns--GeorgiaCivil rights movements--United States--History--20th centuryFossil fuels--United StatesIsrael--Foreign relations--United StatesUnited States--Foreign relations--IsraelJapan--Foreign relations--United StatesUnited States--Foreign relations--JapanPolitical action committeesWatergate Affair, 1972-1974Oral history interview with Herman Talmadge, 1986 January 16MovingImage