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Looking Back at the Granddaddy of Them All!!

A Day at the Galivants Ferry Stump with Ernest Hollings and Joe Biden

Sometimes politics isn't found in television studios, campaign headquarters, or social media feeds.

Sometimes it's found under the shade of South Carolina trees, beside a country store, with barbecue on the tables, candidates working the crowd, and neighbors gathering to hear the issues debated face-to-face.

In this special rebroadcast, we take you back to one of the oldest and most beloved political traditions in South Carolina — the Galivants Ferry Stump, hosted for generations by the Horry County Democratic Party, the Holliday family of Galivants Ferry, and dedicated community leaders including longtime organizer Sally Howard.

For more than 150 years, the Galivants Ferry Stump has served as a unique gathering place where politics meets community. Candidates from local offices to the presidency have made the journey to this small corner of Horry County to shake hands, share ideas, and participate in one of the state's most authentic political traditions.

Unfortunately, the event was not held this year, and so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to revisit one of the most memorable stump gatherings from years past.

Originally produced for our sister program, Randal Wallace Presents, this episode captures the spirit of old-fashioned South Carolina politics at its best — part political rally, part family reunion, and part community celebration.

Featured are some of the most notable figures ever to appear at the Galivants Ferry Stump, including:

• John Jenrette
 • James Clyburn
 • Ernest Hollings
 • And then-Senator Joe Biden of Delaware

What you'll hear is more than a political event.

It's a snapshot of a disappearing style of campaigning — one built on personal contact, long speeches, local traditions, and the belief that politics is ultimately about people gathering together to discuss the future of their communities.

The setting is unmistakably South Carolina:

A country store.

Gas pumps out front.

Good food.

Good stories.

And some of the biggest names in Democratic politics sharing a stage in rural Horry County.

Before politics became digital, it looked a lot like this.

Join us as we revisit the granddaddy of them all — the Galivants Ferry Stump.

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In Part 2 of our special coverage of the Horry County Republican Stump from the historic Peanut Warehouse in Conway, the focus shifts from local races to the candidates seeking statewide and federal office in what is shaping up to be one of South Carolina's most important election cycles.

Hosted by Autry Benton, the Republican Stump provided voters with a unique opportunity to hear directly from candidates competing for some of the state's highest offices. In a political environment increasingly dominated by television ads and social media, events like this continue the tradition of grassroots campaigning and direct voter engagement.

This episode features remarks from candidates running for:

• United States Senate
 • South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture
 • Governor of South Carolina

Listeners will hear the candidates discuss their qualifications, priorities, and visions for the future of South Carolina as they make their case to voters ahead of the upcoming election.

The event concludes with a keynote address from Russell Fry, representing South Carolina's Seventh Congressional District. Congressman Fry discusses the challenges facing the nation, the importance of South Carolina's role in national politics, and the issues he believes will define the years ahead.

This episode offers a snapshot of a Republican Party preparing for the future — from statewide leadership to federal representation — while providing listeners with direct access to the candidates and their message.

Whether your interests are agriculture, state government, national policy, or the future direction of South Carolina, this forum offers an opportunity to hear from the people seeking to lead.

Statewide candidates.
 National issues.
 Grassroots politics at work.

This is Part 2 of the Horry County Republican Stump from the Peanut Warehouse in Conway, South Carolina.

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The Horry County Republican Stump (Part 1)

The Local Candidates: Horry County School Board, Horry County Council, and South Carolina State Representatives

In this special edition of Grand Strand Politics, we bring you Part 1 of the Horry County Republican Stump, an event designed to give voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates seeking local and state office.

Hosted by Autry Benton, the Republican Stump continues a long tradition of grassroots politics — bringing candidates and citizens together in a format that emphasizes direct communication, public engagement, and the opportunity to discuss the issues affecting the community closest to home.

This first installment focuses on the candidates running for:

• Horry County School Board
 • Horry County Council
 • South Carolina House of Representatives

These are the offices that often have the most immediate impact on daily life — influencing education, growth and development, infrastructure, public services, taxation, and the overall direction of Horry County.

Throughout the event, candidates introduce themselves, discuss their qualifications, and share their priorities for the offices they hope to hold. Listeners will have the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent them and gain a better understanding of the issues shaping local politics.

This episode captures the spirit of retail politics at the grassroots level — where elections are won one conversation at a time and where local issues often matter more than national headlines.

Whether your interests are schools, county government, economic growth, transportation, or community development, this forum offers a valuable opportunity to hear from the individuals asking for your vote.

Local government.
 Local candidates.
 Local issues.

This is Part 1 of the Horry County Republican Stump — bringing the voices of the candidates directly to the people they hope to serve.

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GRAND STRAND POLITICS SPECIAL EVENT

Lindsey Graham at The Trestle in Conway, South Carolina

In this special event edition of Grand Strand Politics, we bring you full coverage of Senator Lindsey Graham's campaign stop at The Trestle in downtown Conway as he continues his bid for reelection to the United States Senate.

The event featured remarks from Graham on some of the most pressing issues facing the nation, including the ongoing tensions with Iran, economic concerns affecting American families, energy prices, national security, and the challenges confronting Washington in a rapidly changing world. Graham argued that American strength abroad and economic growth at home remain closely linked as voters prepare to make important decisions in the months ahead. 

A major highlight of the event was the endorsement of Senator Graham by Russell Fry. Congressman Fry praised Graham's record of service to South Carolina, his influence in Washington, and his ability to work alongside national leaders while continuing to deliver for the Grand Strand and the Seventh Congressional District. 

Following his remarks, Senator Graham took questions from attendees, providing a candid look at his views on foreign policy, economic issues, infrastructure, and the future direction of the Republican Party. The event offered voters an opportunity to hear directly from one of South Carolina's most prominent political figures as the campaign season intensifies. 

This special broadcast captures the speeches, the endorsement, the audience interaction, and the atmosphere of a campaign stop that brought national issues to the heart of Conway.

Iran.
 The economy.
 Washington politics.
 And a key endorsement from one of South Carolina's rising political leaders.

This is Senator Lindsey Graham at The Trestle in Conway.

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GRAND STRAND POLITICS SPECIAL EVENT

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette Campaign Event in Myrtle Beach

In this special event edition of Grand Strand Politics, we bring you coverage of a campaign stop by Pamela Evette as she met with supporters and community leaders in the Myrtle Beach area during the growing race for Governor of South Carolina.

The event featured remarks from several prominent local and state leaders, including North Myrtle Beach Mayor Jay Baldwin, State Representative Tim McGinnis, and Horry County Sherriff Phillip Thompson, each speaking about Evette’s leadership, business background, and vision for the future of the state.

A major moment during the event came with the endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Evette by the South Carolina firefighters organization, adding further support from the public safety community as the gubernatorial campaign continues to take shape.

This episode captures the speeches, atmosphere, and conversations from the gathering as supporters discussed the direction of South Carolina, the upcoming election, and the issues likely to define the campaign ahead.

Topics discussed include:

• Economic growth and business development
 • Public safety and support for first responders
 • Leadership experience in state government
 • The evolving South Carolina governor’s race
 • Local and statewide political priorities

Host Randal Wallace also extends an open invitation to the other gubernatorial candidates in either party: if your campaign lets us know when you are visiting the Grand Strand, Grand Strand Politics would be glad to attend and produce podcast coverage of your event as well.

This special event continues our commitment to bringing listeners direct access to South Carolina politics as it happens — with on-the-ground coverage from across the Grand Strand and beyond.

A campaign stop.
 A growing statewide race.
 And another chapter in the road to the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion.

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In this special broadcast edition, we bring you the full dedication ceremony for the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Myrtle Beach — a moving and heartfelt tribute honoring the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

More than a monument unveiling, this ceremony was a message from an entire community:

Welcome home.
 You are appreciated.
 And your service will never be forgotten.

Sponsored by the Military Appreciation Committee of the City of Myrtle Beach and the City of Myrtle Beach itself, the ceremony brought together veterans, public officials, families, and community members in a shared expression of gratitude and remembrance.

Featured addresses include remarks from:

• Mayor Mark Kruea
 • Myrtle Beach City Councilman and Vietnam Veteran Bill McClure
 • Redevelopment Authority Director Buddy Styers
 • James Livingston, Major General, USMC (Ret.)
 • Veteran Barbara Hunter
 • Project Manager Chris Miller

Host Randal Wallace also tours both the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Myrtle Beach’s World War II Memorial — which our program previously featured during its dedication ceremony several years ago — reflecting on the city’s growing effort to honor America’s veterans in lasting and meaningful ways.

Special thanks as well to Meredith Denari, Public Information Officer for the City of Myrtle Beach, for hosting the event with professionalism and warmth, and to Festive Brass, whose musical performances added dignity, patriotism, and emotion throughout the ceremony.

This episode is about memory.
 About gratitude.
 And about ensuring that those who served are recognized not only for their sacrifice abroad, but for the lives they carried home afterward.

From Myrtle Beach to all Vietnam veterans:

Thank you for your service.
 And welcome home.

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This is the second of two episodes where we let you listen in on the Attorney General's race debate from the Robert Reed Recreation Center in Myrtle Beach. This debate had some fireworks and it was also very informative. I think all three candidates did an impressive job. Enjoy! 

Here is Senator Stephen Goldfinch from the South end of Horry County, so this was a hometown crowd. 

David Pascoe, the Solicitor on Lexington County

David Stumbo the Solicitor from Greenwood S.C. 

Greenwood is also where our host went to college at Lander University. 

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This is the first of two episodes where we let you listen in on the Attorney General's race debate from the Robert Reed Recreation Center in Myrtle Beach. This debate had some fireworks and it was also very informative. I think all three candidates did an impressive job. Enjoy! 

Here is Senator Stephen Goldfinch from the South end of Horry County, so this was a hometown crowd. 

David Pascoe, the Solicitor on Lexington County

David Stumbo the Solicitor from Greenwood S.C. 

Greenwood is also where our host went to college at Lander University. 

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GRAND STRAND POLITICS SPECIAL EVENT

Lindsey Graham Swing Through Myrtle Beach (Part 2)
The Campaign Event — Live from the Veteran’s Cafe in Myrtle Beach

In Part 2 of our special coverage of Senator Lindsey Graham’s swing through Myrtle Beach, we take you live to the Veteran’s Cafe for a full campaign-style event featuring remarks from the senator and an extended question-and-answer session with constituents.

Speaking before a local crowd in Myrtle Beach, Graham addressed a wide range of issues facing South Carolina and the nation — including national security, immigration, the economy, foreign policy, and the upcoming 2026 election cycle.

Following his remarks, the senator spent nearly half an hour taking questions directly from attendees, offering listeners an unfiltered look at how he engages with voters on both national and local concerns.

This episode captures the event in full, giving listeners the atmosphere of the room and the substance of the discussion as it happened live.

Topics discussed include:

• The political landscape heading into 2026
 • Questions from constituents on current national issues
 • Graham’s perspective on foreign policy and defense
 • South Carolina politics and the Republican Party
 • The role of public events and direct voter engagement in modern campaigns

Whether you agree with him or not, this episode provides a firsthand look at one of South Carolina’s most prominent political figures interacting directly with the public during a key moment in the political season.

A live event.
 Real questions.
 And a window into retail politics on the Grand Strand.

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GRAND STRAND POLITICS SPECIAL EVENT

Lindsey Graham Swing Through Myrtle Beach (Part 1)
The Logan’s Law Press Conference with Stephen Federico and Congressman Russell Fry

In this special event edition of Grand Strand Politics, we bring you coverage of Senator Lindsey Graham’s visit to Myrtle Beach for a deeply emotional and important press conference surrounding the introduction of Logan’s Law.

The legislation emerged in response to the tragic murder of Logan Federico in Columbia, South Carolina — a loss that devastated family, friends, and many across the state. In the wake of that tragedy, lawmakers and advocates have pushed for changes they believe could help prevent similar crimes and strengthen protections for public safety.

Joined by Russell Fry and advocate Stephen Federico, the press conference focused not only on policy, but on remembrance, accountability, and the human cost behind legislation often debated only in political terms.

This episode captures the remarks, emotions, and conversations from the event as participants reflected on Logan’s life, the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, and the effort to turn grief into action.

In Part 1, we explore:

• The story and significance behind Logan’s Law
 • Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks during the Myrtle Beach stop
 • Congressman Russell Fry’s role in advancing the legislation
 • Stephen Federico’s advocacy and reflections
 • The broader debate surrounding crime, public safety, and prevention

More than a political event, this was a gathering shaped by loss and by the hope that meaningful change can emerge from tragedy.

A life remembered.
 A family’s grief.
 And a legislative effort born from one heartbreaking moment in South Carolina.