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Robinson was the Democratic candidate for vice president in 1928, as the running mate of the [[Roman Catholic]] [[Alfred E. Smith]].  Early in 1928, Robinson clashed with Senator James Thomas Heflin (1869-1951), a Democrat from Alabama, who frequently inserted anti-Catholic sentiments into his speeches. Robinson admonished his views, stating that religious affiliation had no bearing on a person's credentials for higher office.<ref name=senate/> On one famous occasion, he declared, "I have heard [the senator] denounce the Catholic Church and the Pope of [[Rome]] and the cardinal and the bishop and the priest and the nun until I am sick and tired of it, as a Democrat." Helfin retorted, "The Senator from Arkansas cannot remain leader of the Democrats and fight the Roman Catholics' battle every time the issue is raised in this body."<ref name=senate/> Interpreting the remark as a challenge to his authority, Robinson compelled the senators by a near unanimous vote to pledge their continued support to him.<ref name=senate/>

Robinson was the Democratic candidate for vice president in 1928, as the running mate of the [[Roman Catholic]] [[Alfred E. Smith]].  Early in 1928, Robinson clashed with Senator James Thomas Heflin (1869-1951), a Democrat from Alabama, who frequently inserted anti-Catholic sentiments into his speeches. Robinson admonished his views, stating that religious affiliation had no bearing on a person's credentials for higher office.<ref name=senate/> On one famous occasion, he declared, "I have heard [the senator] denounce the Catholic Church and the Pope of [[Rome]] and the cardinal and the bishop and the priest and the nun until I am sick and tired of it, as a Democrat." Helfin retorted, "The Senator from Arkansas cannot remain leader of the Democrats and fight the Roman Catholics' battle every time the issue is raised in this body."<ref name=senate/> Interpreting the remark as a challenge to his authority, Robinson compelled the senators by a near unanimous vote to pledge their continued support to him.<ref name=senate/>

Though Smith lost to Republican Herbert Hoover,  Robinson emerged from the campaign a national figure, now known for the impassioned speeches he had made around the country on behalf of Smith and the Democratic platform. He continued to score victories as the Senate minority leader, but his cooperative relationship with Hoover riled the members of his party. They understood that no other senator possessed Robinson's perseverance and influence.<ref name=senate/>

Though Smith lost to Republican Herbert Hoover,  Robinson emerged from the campaign a national figure, now known for the impassioned speeches he had made around the country on behalf of Smith and the Democratic platform. He continued to score victories as the Senate minority leader, but his cooperative relationship with Hoover riled the members of his party. They understood that no other senator possessed Robinson's perseverance and influence.<ref name=senate/>

Robinson became Senate Majority Leader by a unanimous vote in 1933 when the Democrats gained a large majority. He was the first Democrat to serve as the formally designated Majority Leader.<ref name=senate/> He took his duties seriously, having refused to delegate his numerous responsibilities to other senators.<ref name=senate/> Some Senators resented his autocratic style. In debate he often grew red in the face, pounded his desk, and stomped his feet.<ref>Donald C. Bacon, "Joseph Taylor Robinson, The Good Soldier," in ''First Among Equals: outstanding Senate leaders of the 20th century,'' Congressional Quarterly, Inc., p. 64</ref>

Robinson became Senate Majority Leader by a unanimous vote in 1933 when the Democrats gained a large majority. He was the first Democrat to serve as the formally designated Majority Leader.<ref name=senate/> He took his duties seriously, having refused to delegate his numerous responsibilities to other senators.<ref name=senate/> Some Senators resented his autocratic style. In debate he often grew red in the face, pounded his desk, and stomped his feet.<ref>Donald C. Bacon, "Joseph Taylor Robinson, The Good Soldier," in ''First Among Equals: outstanding Senate leaders of the 20th century,'' Congressional Quarterly, Inc., p. 64.</ref>

Richard L. Riedel, a Senate press gallery attendant in the 1920s and 1930s, recalled that "When [Robinson] would go into one of his rages, it took little imagination to see fire and smoke rolling out of his mouth like some fierce dragon. Even when he kidded me, he spoke in loud gasps while puffing his cigar. Robinson could make Senators and everyone in his presence quake by the burning fire of his eyes, the baring of his teeth as he ground out the words, and the clenching of his mighty fists as he beat on the desk before him."<ref>Richard L. Riedel, ''Halls of the Mighty: My 47 Years in the Senate,'' (Washington and New York: Robert B. Luce Publishers, 1969), p. 142.</ref>

Richard L. Riedel, a Senate press gallery attendant in the 1920s and 1930s, recalled that "When [Robinson] would go into one of his rages, it took little imagination to see fire and smoke rolling out of his mouth like some fierce dragon. Even when he kidded me, he spoke in loud gasps while puffing his cigar. Robinson could make Senators and everyone in his presence quake by the burning fire of his eyes, the baring of his teeth as he ground out the words, and the clenching of his mighty fists as he beat on the desk before him."<ref>Richard L. Riedel, ''Halls of the Mighty: My 47 Years in the Senate,'' (Washington and New York: Robert B. Luce Publishers, 1969), p. 142.</ref>