In the first interview session, conducted on July 29, 1998, Hatfield discusses his family background and early life in Dallas and Salem, Oregon, including his Methodist and Baptist upbringing and life in a predominantly Mennonite community. He talks about his childhood activities, the houses he lived in, and his early education. He also reflects on the lack of racial and cultural diversity in his childhood communities. He also talks about his early exposure to politics, particularly regarding the Republican Party. He speaks about the 1934 election for Oregon governor, shares his memories of the 1935 fire at the state Capitol, and talks about his early political ambitions. The transcript for this session reflects a portion of the interview on Tape 2 that was not available on audio.

Tape 3, Side 1, through Tape 4, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on September 29, 1998, Hatfield discusses his Christian faith and involvement with the Baptist Church, and discusses the changes in the Baptist Church after World War II. He talks about his undergraduate studies at Willamette University, including some of his professors, studying history, and his social life. He describes American isolationist sentiment during the rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany and the advent of World War II. He discusses how attitudes changed in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, particularly the increase in anti-Japanese sentiment and the U.S. government's eventual incarceration of Japanese Americans. He also talks about people he knew who were conscientious objectors.

Tape 4, Side 2, through Tape 6, Side 1. In the third interview session, conducted on October 1, 1998, Hatfield discusses his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He talks about his training, and describes serving in the Pacific Theater, particularly his experiences during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Japan. He also talks about acting as chaplain for his crew. He discusses the preparations for the invasion of mainland Japan, and witnessing Japan's surrender. He then talks about entering Hiroshima after the atomic bombing of the city by the United States, including the reception of U.S. forces by Japanese citizens and the devastation he observed. He also discusses working alongside Chinese troops during the Chinese Civil War, the cultural differences he experienced in East Asia, and world politics immediately following the end of the war.

Tape 6, Side 2, through Tape 7, Side 2. In the fourth interview session, conducted on November 12, 1998, Hatfield describes the effect of his Navy service on his views about war. He revisits the topic of American isolationist sentiment during the rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany and the advent of World War II; talks about the justifications for other United States wars, particularly the Civil War; and revisits the topic of world politics immediately following the end of World War II. He discusses his activities after his discharge from the U.S. Navy. He talks about attending Stanford University through the G.I. Bill, forming a friendship with Travis Cross, and getting involved in the Republican Party and Oregon politics. He speaks at length about his political philosophy.

Tape 8, Side 1, through Tape 9, Side 1. In the fifth interview session, conducted on December 3, 1998, Hatfield continues to speak at length about his political philosophy. He talks about the organization of Oregon state government, giving examples from his time as governor; and discusses balancing environmental conservation and economic concerns. He also talks about his master's thesis on Herbert Hoover and about teaching at Willamette University.

Tape 9, Side 2, through Tape 10, Side 2. In the sixth interview session, conducted on December 8, 1998, Hatfield talks about current events at the time of the interview session. He discusses the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and compares it to his experience in the Senate during the impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon. He also talks about the morality of lying and about legislation regarding voter registration. He then begins to talk about his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a representative from Marion County from 1951 to 1955.

Tape 11, Side 1, through Tape 12, Side 1. In the seventh interview session, conducted on December 17, 1998, Hatfield talks about current events at the time of the interview session. He discusses the recent deaths of Arizona Senator Morris Udall and Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, and shares his thoughts about the afterlife. He then speaks at length about ongoing conflict with Iraq. He shares his thoughts about U.S. dependence on oil, about presidents waging war without congressional approval, and about the role of the United Nations.

Tape 12, Side 2, through Tape 13, Side 2. In the eighth interview session, conducted on September 28, 1999, Hatfield speaks at length about the evolution of his political philosophy throughout his public service career, including his views about regional government, about the separation of powers, and about capitalism. He talks about his 1950 campaign for the Oregon House of Representatives, then begins to discuss his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a representative from Marion County from 1951 to 1955, with a focus on the 1951 legislative session.

Tape 14, Side 1, through Tape 15, Side 1. In the ninth interview session, conducted on October 8, 1999, Hatfield continues to discuss his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a representative from Marion County from 1951 to 1955, with a focus on the 1951 legislative session. He speaks about the upheavals in Oregon politics during the 1950s, and how that affected the trajectory of his political career. He also talks about the legislative career of Richard Neuberger and about appointing a successor to Neuberger's Senate seat while he was governor in 1960. He talks about legislators he served with in the Oregon House, and about his committee assignments. He also talks about his involvement in Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1952 presidential campaign.

Tape 15, Side 2, through Tape 16, Side 2. In the tenth interview session, conducted on November 17, 1999, Hatfield continues to discuss his involvement in Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1952 presidential campaign. He also talks about Wayne Morse's political career. He then continues to discuss his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a representative from Marion County from 1951 to 1955, with a focus on the 1951 and 1953 legislative sessions.

In the eleventh interview session, conducted on December 16, 1999, Hatfield continues to discuss his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a representative from Marion County from 1951 to 1955, with a focus on the 1953 legislative session. He talks about legislation that came up during that session, particularly regarding timber taxes, and discusses the Oregon constitution. He speaks at length about his Christian faith and personal philosophy.

Tape 18, Side 1. In the twelfth interview session, conducted on December 22, 1999, Hatfield continues to discuss his Christian faith and personal philosophy.

Tape 18, Side 2, through Tape 19, Side 2. In the thirteenth interview session, conducted on January 20, 2000, Hatfield discusses his activities at the time of the interview, then continues to discuss his Christian faith and personal philosophy. He also talks about how his faith influences his positions on certain political issues, such as assisted suicide.

In the fourteenth interview session, conducted on January 24, 2000, Hatfield further discusses his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a representative from Marion County from 1951 to 1955, with a focus on the 1953 legislative session. He talks about issues facing the legislature in 1953, including calls for the creation of a lieutenant governor position, the construction of Pelton Dam, and reapportionment. He also briefly discusses the House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings in 1955.

In the fifteenth interview session, conducted on February 24, 2000, Hatfield talks about Monroe Sweetland's politics and discusses anti-communist sentiment in the 1950s. He speaks about traveling to Europe in 1954, and briefly talks about his marriage with Antoinette Kuzmanich. He speaks about his campaign for the Oregon State Senate in 1954, and about his support for Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.

Tape 23, Side 1, through Tape 24, Side 1. In the sixteenth interview session, conducted on March 9, 2000, Hatfield discusses his time serving in the Oregon Legislature as a senator from Marion County from 1955 to 1957, with a focus on the 1955 legislative session. He talks about legislation he worked on, and about some of his fellow legislators. He reflects on his accomplishments as a state legislator, particularly on civil rights; talks about his relationship with the press; and discusses ambitions for higher office. He talks about his 1956 campaign for Oregon secretary of state.

Tape 24, Side 2, through Tape 25, Side 2. In the seventeenth interview session, conducted on March 30, 2000, Hatfield talks about elections in Oregon in 1956, and continues to speak at length about his campaign for Oregon secretary of state.

Tape 26, Side 1. In the eighteenth interview session, conducted on April 20, 2000, Hatfield continues to discuss his 1956 campaign for Oregon secretary of state, with a focus on the campaign's use of media.

Tape 26, Side 2, through Tape 27, Side 2. In the nineteenth interview session, conducted on May 16, 2000, Hatfield discusses his service as Oregon secretary of state from 1957 to 1959. He speaks about working with Democratic Governor Bob Holmes and his administration, talks about his staff, and describes his duties as secretary of state. He also shares the story of appointing his own successor after being elected governor. He speaks about his decision to run for Oregon governor in 1958, and talks about his campaign.

In the twentieth interview session, conducted on June 8, 2000, Hatfield continues to discuss his 1958 campaign for Oregon governor. He talks about his campaign staff, his strategy, and his primary opponents.

In the twenty-first interview session, conducted on June 22, 2000, Hatfield speaks about his courtship and marriage with Antoinette Kuzmanich. He also talks about her family background, her education, and her affiliation with the Catholic Church.

In the twenty-second interview session, conducted on January 16, 2001, Hatfield continues to discuss his 1958 campaign for Oregon governor. He talks about his opponent in the general election, Governor Bob Holmes. He discusses some issues that came up during the campaign, including legislation regarding train safety and his involvement in a fatal car accident.

In the twenty-third interview session, conducted on June 4, 2001, Hatfield concludes his discussion of his 1958 campaign for Oregon governor. He also talks about the development of the Oregon and Washington state governments.

Tape 32, Side 1, through Tape 33, Side 1. In the twenty-fourth interview session, conducted on July 11, 2001, Hatfield discusses the relationships between the Oregon and Washington state governments and the Native American tribes who lived in those areas. He speaks about his service as Oregon governor from 1959 to 1967, with a focus on the 1959 legislative session. He discusses working with the Legislature and talks about appointing Howell Appling as secretary of state, as well as his other appointments. He also talks about his relationships with Tom McCall and Wayne Morse.

Tape 33, Side 2. In the twenty-fifth interview session, conducted on July 12, 2001, Hatfield continues to discuss his service as Oregon governor from 1959 to 1967, with a focus on his first term. He talks about his inaugural speech. He discusses his attempts to reorganize state government, and to reform the state welfare program and the tax structure.

In the twenty-sixth interview session, conducted on July 26, 2001, Hatfield continues to discuss his service as Oregon governor from 1959 to 1967, with a focus on his first term. He shares his opinion on elected versus appointed government positions. He speaks at length about many of his appointments.

In the twenty-seventh interview session, conducted on January 31, 2002, Hatfield continues to discuss his service as Oregon governor from 1959 to 1967, with a focus on his first term. He discusses serving on the board of control, talks about legislation regarding labor and taxes, and speaks about the repeal of capital punishment in Oregon. He also discusses building international trade partnerships for Oregon, including a visit with Emperor Hirohito of Japan.

In the twenty-eighth interview session, conducted on February 12, 2002, Hatfield continues speaking about building international trade partnerships for Oregon, including trips to West and East Germany in 1965. Hatfield details international political events, including the Korean War and U.S. relations with China, and begins to talk about each presidential election from Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to Ronald Reagan in 1980.

In the twenty-ninth interview session, conducted on February 28, 2002, Hatfield continues to talk about each presidential election from Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to Ronald Reagan in 1980. He talks about the rise of the religious right in the Republican Party, about delivering the keynote speech at the 1964 Republican National Convention, and about the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

In the thirtieth interview session, conducted on April 2, 2002, Hatfield discusses the life of Ira Keller, who died at the time of the interview in 2002. He also speaks about his support for higher education and scientific research in Oregon, particularly Oregon Health Sciences University, and about working with Glenn Jackson. He discusses his opposition to the Vietnam War.

In the thirty-first interview session, conducted on April 4, 2002, Hatfield discusses his 1966 campaign for the U.S. Senate, including his endorsement from Senator Wayne Morse, his campaign staff, and his opposition to the Vietnam War. He shares his memories of election night.

In the thirty-second interview session, conducted on April 18, 2002, Hatfield continues to discuss his opposition to the Vietnam War, as well as his experience of almost being chosen as Richard Nixon's running mate in 1968. He talks about his service in the U.S. Senate from 1967 to 1997, with a focus on his first term. He speaks about giving speeches about the Vietnam War at colleges and about student protests.

In the thirty-third and final interview session, conducted on May 22, 2002, Hatfield continues to discuss his service in the U.S. Senate from 1967 to 1997. He discusses appointments to the U.S. District Court of Oregon that he was involved with as a senator. He closes the interview by briefly talking about the political aftermath of the Watergate scandal, about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and about serving as chair of the Appropriations Committee.