Castleberry, Glen 1974-01-11
Glen Castleberry, member of the press from Austin during Smith's terms in office, describes his impressions of Preston Smith.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Glen Castleberry
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: January 11, 1974
Location: Austin, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour, 55 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Gives brief background information,
Entrance into Austin press described,
From 1958 to 1968 worked as staffmember of Austin American Statesman newspaper,
Became a full-time member of American Statesman Capitol Staff in 1968,
Smith's speech-making was better before small crowds than in formal situations,
Recalls Preston Smith as Lt. Governor,
Compares John Connally and Preston Smith,
1968 governor's campaign remembered,
Comments on candidates
Tape 1, Side 2:
Job as bureau chief of American Statesman discussed,
Lists outstanding talent on Preston Smith's staff,
Accomplishments of Smith administration recounted,
Explains Sharpstown scandal,
Notes press relations with Smith,
Comments on press tactics toward Sharpstown
Tape 2, Side 1:
Situation in government after Sharpstown scandal never returned to normal,
Tells memorable anecdote about Smith,
Smith's involvement with Sharpstown discussed,
Describes traditional ways of passing bills in Congress,
Notes Preston Smith's personal habits,
Comments on Ima Smith's dislike of politics,
Relates some personal experiences with Smith,
Outlines daily morning routine
Tape 2, Side 2:
Explains Smith administration's policy towards press,
Compares Smith press policy with policies of former governor John Connally and Senator Lloyd Bentson,
Smith's personal advisors listed,
Summarizes Smith administration,
Had only one big problem--tax bill
Range Dates: 1958-1974
Bulk Dates: 1958-1968
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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