Georgia and Southern politics

Georgia and Southern politics

Georgia and Southern politics

We will host the only debate between the Democratic candidates for Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District. Joel Gill will join us for his interview, then Randy Eads will call in and the debate will begin!

Georgia and Southern politics!

On this episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosts David and Tim open with the growing crisis in Clayton County Schools, which risks becoming only the third U.S. district in 20 years to lose accreditation. They criticize board misconduct—especially actions by Norris Haynes and Ms. Scott—and note the potential fallout for HOPE scholarships, college admissions, and county demographics. The hosts also discuss a state representative, Jeanette Jamison, who owes $43,800 in back state taxes, stressing how damaging this is in a competitive Democratic district.'

Bob Herndon, calling from DeKalb County, updates listeners on the DeKalb Democrats’ fundraiser featuring Tommy Irvin and Michael Thurmond, as well as candidate recruitment challenges against Republicans Mike Jacobs and Jill Chambers. He also previews the competitive race to replace Vernon Jones as DeKalb CEO, primarily between Burrell Ellis and Stan Watson.

 Later, Obama campaign volunteer Steve Deek joins to analyze Clinton–Obama–McCain polling across key states. He highlights Obama’s stronger performance in places like Virginia, Iowa, and Oregon, while noting Clinton’s advantages in Ohio and Missouri. Deek describes intense campaign activity in Wisconsin and urges Democrats to unify behind the eventual nominee. The episode closes with more discussion of Texas’s unusual primary–caucus system and ongoing delegate strategy.

This February 17th discussion focuses on two dominant political stories: the escalating controversy surrounding Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson and the growing national debate over Democratic superdelegates in the 2008 presidential primary.

The program opens with analysis of Speaker Richardson’s highly unusual and secretive divorce proceedings, including the sealing of court records and judge-shopping allegations. The hosts argue that the episode reflects a troubling abuse of power and reinforces concerns that Richardson has become “drunk with power.” They note that even conservative commentators are alarmed, warning that the scandal damages Republican credibility, weakens legislative productivity, and could trigger a revolt within Richardson’s own party. The discussion expands to criticism of Richardson’s legislative agenda, particularly a proposal involving numerous new, regressive taxes, which the panel says would burden small businesses and further erode public trust.

The conversation then turns to the national Democratic presidential race. The hosts analyze the role of superdelegates, focusing on Georgia figures David Scott and John Lewis. Lewis is praised for his nuanced position: personally supporting Hillary Clinton while signaling respect for the will of his heavily pro-Obama district if a decisive superdelegate vote were required. The panel dismisses claims that superdelegates would “steal” the nomination, emphasizing that the rules have long been established.

Finally, the group examines polling, momentum, and voter turnout models, particularly in Southern states. They stress that 2008 is historically unique, with unprecedented candidates and shifting coalitions, arguing that traditional polling assumptions may no longer apply. Despite intra-party tensions, the hosts urge Democrats to focus on defeating John McCain rather than continuing internal divisions.

Politics in Georgia and the South

Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling joined us at the top of the hour and more.

DPG Chair Jane Kidd and US Senate Candidate both joined us for extended interviews.