Remembering Truman's 'Veep'

Alben Barkley served in Congress for close to 40 years and was Harry Truman's vice president from 1948-1952.

Although he wanted to be president, Barkley never made it to the pinnacle of power.

Only 14 vice presidents have gone on to the presidency. The majority has, for the most part, lapsed into relative obscurity once their term ended.

Barkley too might have been forgotten except for two things: his nickname and the remarkable circumstance of his death.

This story was produced by Joe Richman of Radio Diaries.