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.