On the June 2, 2013 program, host David McLaughlin and co-hosts Catherine Smith and Tim Shiflett unpack the unfolding leadership turmoil within the Democratic Party of Georgia, centered on Chair Mike Berlon. The discussion begins with David Worley’s public call for Berlon’s resignation and Berlon’s ambiguous statement that he is “prepared to resign.” What initially sounded like an imminent departure now appears drawn out, with no firm date and signs suggesting the process may extend to the July 20 State Committee meeting. Catherine, who has closely followed the issue on Blog for Democracy, outlines the party’s bylaws: if Berlon resigns, Vice Chair Nikema Williams becomes interim chair, triggering a 30–60 day notice period before an election. If he refuses, the Executive Committee could initiate a vote of no confidence, also producing a long timeline. Tim questions Berlon’s cryptic claim that he must explain “details” of his resignation—details already defined by party rules—and wonders why he would go to the media rather than simply step down. The trio reviews media coverage, noting inconsistent reporting and public confusion over whether Berlon has actually resigned. They also discuss internal staff departures, including Eric Gray and controversial staffer Rashad Richey, and whether Berlon’s handling of Richey signals how he views his own situation. Broader political implications arise: concerns from Kasim Reed, potential effects on future candidates like Michelle Nunn, and the strain on local county parties that rely on state support. Despite the party’s dysfunction, Catherine notes that outside progressive groups are filling critical organizing gaps once expected of the party.

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

On the April 7, 2013 episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosts David McLaughlin, Catherine Smith, and Tim Shiflett began with Atlanta’s Final Four celebrations—massive crowds, free concerts, and the economic impact on downtown. They noted how the Georgia Dome’s location made such events possible and hinted that city leaders should recognize its value. The conversation shifted sharply to Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s emerging ethics scandal. The hosts were stunned that a political donor—whose company was under SEC investigation—paid $15,000 for McDonnell’s daughter’s wedding reception at the Governor’s Mansion. They rejected the governor’s defense that the gift was to his daughter, not him, pointing to the First Lady’s recent promotion of the donor’s dietary-supplement company. The trio argued the episode exposed flaws in Virginia’s one-term governorship and questioned McDonnell’s viability as a future presidential contender. Turning to Georgia, they analyzed dueling campaigns targeting Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss over federal background checks. A fringe group, the National Association for Gun Rights, attacked Isakson from the right—a strategy the hosts deemed ineffective. In contrast, a national ad featuring a bearded hunter urging support for background checks was praised as persuasive to moderate gun owners and politically influential across states. The final segment focused on the 2014 Georgia Senate race. With Republicans crowding the field, Democrats were eyeing Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light and daughter of Sam Nunn. The hosts viewed her as a strong, risk-free candidate who could clear the primary field. They contrasted her clean slate with Rep. John Barrow, debating whether Barrow should instead pursue the governorship to strengthen Democrats statewide.













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The podcast, recorded on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, opens with hosts David McLaughlin, Tim Shiflett, and Catherine Smith discussing the oddity of Easter falling close to April Fool's Day. The main agenda involves Southern political races and legislative wrap-ups, featuring an upcoming interview with Georgia State Senator Jason Carter.South Carolina Special Election and Mark Sanford's ComebackThe first topic is the South Carolina special election runoff for a Republican-held congressional seat. Disgraced former Governor Mark Sanford is leading the Republican runoff against Curtis Bostic (53% to 40%). However, polling indicates Sanford is vulnerable in the general election against the Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Colbert Bush (sister of Stephen Colbert), who leads him 47% to 45%. If Bostic were nominated, the race is tied at 43% apiece. Tim Shiflett, however, believes the district is so conservative that the Republican nomination is "tantamount to victory," regardless of Sanford's "baggage." The hosts acknowledge that the state's Democratic party is showing signs of better organization after years of struggles.Kentucky Senate Race and Ashley JuddThe Kentucky Senate race against Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is discussed, following the announcement that actress Ashley Judd will not run for the Democratic nomination. Catherine and Tim agree this is likely a good development for Democrats, as Judd was a "provocative and volatile pick" whose liberal views and non-residency would have made her a weak candidate against McConnell. The Democrats are now likely to consolidate behind Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Secretary of State. The hosts praise McConnell's political team for an effective satirical video that attacked Judd and other potential Democratic candidates, highlighting that McConnell will be "really, really, really difficult to beat."Bizarre Candidate ScandalThe conversation turns to an Alabama political figure, Dale Peterson, known for a bizarre "law and order" campaign ad from 2010. Peterson has been arrested twice in one month for shoplifting, once for eating cashews from a container at a Sam's Club, and another time for taking a case of beer into a restroom. The hosts express surprise at the "double feature" of odd crimes from a former candidate and question his bizarre explanations.Georgia Senate RaceFinally, the hosts briefly touch on the Georgia Senate race, noting that Phil Gingrey has officially announced his candidacy, making it a two-person race for the Republican nomination against Paul Broun at that time.