Archives West Finding Aid

This interview with Bob Packwood was conducted by Clark Hansen at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from January 26, 1996, to August 20, 2003. In this interview, Packwood discusses his early life and family history; his poor vision; and his education at Willamette University and New York University Law School, including his involvement with the Young Republicans. He also talks briefly about practicing law in Portland and his chairmanship of the Multnomah County Republican Party. Packwood talks about his time in the Oregon Legislature from 1962 to 1967, including campaigning; tax legislation; organizing the Dorchester Conference for liberal Republicans in 1965; and legislation on birth control and abortion. He also talks about working with Howell Appling and Stafford Hansell, among other legislators. Packwood goes on to discuss his service in the United States Senate from 1969 to 1995, including his campaign against Wayne Morse; the Vietnam War; the Nixon administration; and the Watergate scandal. He also discusses foreign policy; serving on the Finance Committee; taxes; and the filibuster. Packwood talks about the changes in the Republican Party after Watergate. He also discusses the Equal Rights Amendment and other women's rights legislation; the Carter administration; and working with Gloria Steinem. Packwood goes on to discuss events in the Middle East, particularly Israel and Iran, and the Reagan administration. He discusses working with senators Mark Hatfield, Howard Baker, Bob Dole, and many others. Packwood also talks briefly about the Clinton administration and impeachment, and about the sexual harassment allegations against him.