Interview with James A. Farley: American Politics

James A Farley, considered one of the key figures in getting Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected president, speaks with Howard Langer about politics. A political operative with experience on both the local and the federal level, Farley defends much-derided terms like “party boss” and “political machine” as well as the two-party system in American politics. Farley also discusses the characteristics that made people like FDR and Harry Truman good politicians. “In the first place, they had to like people and they had to—by their own actions—convince people of the sincerity of their motives,” Farley said. “Telling the truth in politics is a very necessary element.” Liner notes include a transcription of the interview and a brief teaching guide.

Track Listing

101	Introduction	James A. Farley	01:46
102	What is Politics?	James A. Farley	01:51
103	The Political Machine	James A. Farley	03:33
104	The Political Organization	James A. Farley	02:14
105	Contribution of Money	James A. Farley	01:05
106	The Politicians	James A. Farley	01:47
107	Characteristics	James A. Farley	00:59
108	The Presidential Candidate	James A. Farley	02:38
201	Regions and the Candidate (1)	James A. Farley	03:34
202	Religion and the Candidate (2)	James A. Farley	01:01
203	The Economic Issue	James A. Farley	01:00
204	Television and the Politician	James A. Farley	01:01
205	Cost of Campaigning	James A. Farley	01:41
206	Farley and His Future	James A. Farley	01:10
207	Young People and Politics	James A. Farley	02:15
208	Farley and the Young People	James A. Farley	02:01