The Kudzu Vine’s Easter Sunday episode brings Catherine back to the show as she, Tim, and David open with personal holiday anecdotes—from malfunctioning fire alarms during church services to hands-on iPad demos—before diving into a wide-ranging political discussion.

 The conversation begins in Texas, where Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison’s failed gubernatorial bid leads her to reverse earlier promises to resign from the Senate. Both Catherine and Tim note they never believed she would step down, arguing GOP leadership preferred to avoid a costly 2010 Senate race. They also discuss the senator’s declining popularity with conservative voters and the potential influence of Tea Party activists in future Texas contests.

The hosts then examine former Secretary of State James Baker’s unexpected support for President Obama’s foreign policy. Catherine sees this as a positive sign of bipartisan responsibility, while Tim notes the surprising pattern: Obama faces more unified resistance domestically than abroad. They highlight how Obama’s approach to Afghanistan largely mirrors Bush-era strategy, reducing partisan friction.

Turning to comparisons between 2010 and 1994, they review analysis from Chuck Todd and Ron Brownstein. Catherine argues Democratic prospects are healthier than pessimists claim, especially after passing health-care reform. Tim adds that fewer Democratic retirements, GOP infighting, Tea Party disruptions, and Michael Steele’s scandals all differentiate 2010 from the Republican wave of ’94.

Finally, they discuss troubling GOP fundraising numbers and Steele’s extravagant spending, contrasting it with the frugality of former DNC Chair Howard Dean. Shifting to Alabama’s gubernatorial race, they dissect early polls showing strong Republican advantages but note volatility, especially with Roy Moore’s candidacy and intra-party divisions.

This March 28 episode of The Kudzu Vine features guest Dale Cardwell, consumer advocate and commentator, joining hosts to analyze the passage of comprehensive federal health care reform and its national and Georgia-specific political consequences.

The discussion centers on the historic passage of the Affordable Care Act. Cardwell argues the bill is both imperfect and necessary: while he shares concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability and the “sausage-making” process, he strongly supports universal baseline coverage and the individual mandate, comparing it to car insurance requirements. He emphasizes that expanding the insurance pool can lower costs and praises nonprofit insurance co-ops as a market-based reform Republicans should have embraced. All agree the law represents a rare moment of Washington “getting something done” after nearly a century of failed attempts.

The panel evaluates political ramifications, noting that Democratic “no” votes were largely strategic to protect vulnerable incumbents. Hosts argue that, historically, programs like Social Security and Medicare were controversial at passage but became untouchable over time—and predict health care reform will follow the same path. Obama is framed as a consequential, courageous president willing to risk his reelection for long-term reform, strengthening his legacy as a “doer.” 

Attention then turns to polling, with post-passage surveys showing rising public approval, and skepticism that Republicans can successfully campaign on repeal once benefits become tangible. The conversation shifts to Georgia politics, sharply criticizing Governor Sonny Perdue’s push to challenge the law’s constitutionality as political theater. In contrast, Attorney General Thurbert Baker is praised for refusing to sue, a stance the panel believes boosts his profile and prospects in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, potentially reshaping the race against Roy Barnes.

Southern politics

of the Indigo Journal joined us with an extensive report on South Carolina politics.

and GA Rep. Doug McKillip join us

We will discuss Tuesday's elections in Texas and more!

discuss his rescue efforts in Haiti and his run for Congress

Jacksonville AL State House candidate will be our guest.

get well Tim!

will join us to talk Florida politics