Shepherd, Bob oral history interview, 1999

Item

Identifier: MOH 073

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Interview includes discussions of: family history; Newton, Massachusetts; family influence on political beliefs; Bowdoin College in the 1950s; work for the Portland papers; work for Roger Williams; becoming Muskie’s press secretary; Muskie’s use of speeches; Washington people; Muskie’s issues; his personal relationship with Ed Muskie; Muskie’s campaigning; Muskie’s Vietnam speeches; Muskie’s relationship with Hubert Humphrey; letting the Vietnam protestor speak story; traveling in 1968; leaving Muskie’s staff; Nixon’s dirty tricks; his career after returning to Maine; the evolution of Maine politics; his service on the Brunswick Town Council; his real estate career; Muskie’s refusal to give a Playboy interview; Bill Clinton’s problems; and Muskie’s temper.

Dates

1999

Access Restrictions

Some interviews may be restricted pending approval of the interviewee. See the Archives staff for additional information.

Most interviews are available online (audio and transcripts) and can be accessed by clicking the highlighted link at each interviewee webpage.

Biographical / Historical

Robert C. Shepherd was born in Newton, Massachusetts on February 23, 1935 to Anna and Thomas Shepherd. He graduated from the Newton Public Schools, and then went on to Bowdoin College. He graduated in 1957, and went to work for the Portland newspapers, covering local politics. He left to work for Roger Williams for two years doing public relations. He served as Senator Muskie’s press secretary from 1964 to 1971, then decided to return to Maine where he worked for Ken Curtis’ administration, and then began a career in real estate. At the time of interview, he was still involved in real estate in the Brunswick, Maine area. His political service includes twelve years on the Brunswick Town Council, some of those years serving as chairman.