This episode of The Kudzu Vine centers on the political fallout from Republican Scott Brown’s unexpected victory in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate race and what it signals for Democrats nationally. Guest Tim Cairl provides historical perspective, arguing the loss was unprecedented given Massachusetts’ deep Democratic leanings and Martha Coakley’s commanding poll lead just weeks earlier. He rejects attempts to frame the defeat as a “blessing in disguise,” instead emphasizing voter anger and frustration with the party in power, particularly over the economy.

Cairl and the hosts discuss how high unemployment, rather than President Obama personally, drove voter backlash. While Obama remains relatively popular, Democrats who rode his coattails in 2008 now face serious risk in 2010. The conversation surveys vulnerable Senate seats nationwide, noting that while Democrats may lose opportunities in the South, the greatest danger lies in swing states and traditionally blue strongholds.

A major theme is Democratic strategy and leadership. Cairl criticizes congressional gridlock, especially the routine use of the Senate filibuster, arguing that health care reform stalled too long and lost public support as a result. He questions why Democrats continue to tolerate Joe Lieberman’s obstruction within the caucus and suggests Obama needs to assert stronger control over his party.

The discussion turns to the president’s path forward: focusing relentlessly on jobs and economic recovery, confronting Republican obstruction head-on, and reasserting leadership. The panel also examines Republican prospects, noting that GOP success often depends on nominating mainstream candidates like Brown, while debating whether the party will actually allow moderation in its primaries. The episode concludes with skepticism toward figures like Sarah Palin and cautious analysis of polling that briefly shows Mike Huckabee as a competitive challenger to Obama.

as political hotbeds.

Wild Hog Supper

The Kudzu Vine’s first 2010 episode opens with David, Tim, and Catherine reviewing a week of southern political developments. Central to the discussion is Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue’s appointment of State Rep. Jim Cole to replace Karen Handel as Secretary of State. Panelists view the move as cronyism, noting Cole’s loyalty to Perdue and speculating about his political future—whether he might run for Secretary of State, Congress, or even Lieutenant Governor, potentially challenging Casey Cagle, a figure with insider detractors but no clear public backlash. Cole’s background as a former baseball player and Culligan franchise owner prompts debate about his qualifications, while the group agrees his appointment is unlikely to affect 2010 election administration. The hosts then shift to election reform, particularly instant runoff voting, arguing it could save money, reduce political negativity, and simplify runoffs without dramatically changing results. Next, they turn to John Oxendine, whose erroneous football-related tweet—confusing bowl games by a year—elicits criticism. The panel suggests the mistake feeds perceptions that Oxendine’s campaign engages in inauthentic, pandering gestures, further irritating conservatives already uneasy with him. Finally, the conversation moves to Alabama politics. Parker Griffith’s party switch and Ron Sparks’ decision to remain in the governor’s race leave Democrats scrambling, especially after Susan Parker exits consideration for the now-open AL-5 seat. The hosts note potential Democratic contenders but emphasize Republican confidence and the likelihood of a contentious primary. In Alabama’s 7th District, James Perkins’ withdrawal narrows the field to candidates including Sheila Smoot, Earl Hilliard Jr., and Terri Sewell, reshaping that race as well.

In this December 27, 2009 episode, David, Tim, and Catherine open with light holiday chatter before diving into a surprisingly active week in Southern politics. The central story is Karen Handel’s decision to resign as Georgia Secretary of State to run full-time for governor. All three hosts view the move as bold and strategically smart: it frees her from fundraising restrictions, allows statewide campaigning, and prevents her from retreating if polls sour. They also note it benefits Governor Sonny Perdue, who can now appoint her successor—possibly positioning that appointee for a strong run. Discussion turns to potential candidates such as Brian Kemp, Doug McGinty, and Jeff Lewis, though none seem to be Perdue favorites. The panel also weighs whether Handel resembles Sarah Palin in leaving an unfinished term, though David argues Handel is more capable and the criticism likely overblown.

 The hosts then assess the crowded Republican gubernatorial field—John Oxendine, Nathan Deal, Eric Johnson, and Austin Scott—while noting stability on the Democratic side with Roy Barnes and Thurbert Baker.

 Shifting to Alabama, they dissect Congressman Parker Griffith’s surprise switch from Democrat to Republican. Given his conservative voting record and McCain-leaning district, the panel isn’t shocked, but they criticize the opportunism. They explore potential Democratic challengers—Susan Parker, Ron Sparks, and Deborah Bell Paseur—and question whether Republicans themselves will trust a party switcher over long-time Republican Mo Brooks, already signaling a primary challenge.

They close with light “year-end awards,” including Catherine’s playful jab at David Poythress for his relentless attacks on Barnes.

In this holiday edition of the show, David, Tim, and guest Catherine discuss a surprisingly busy December in Georgia politics. The episode opens with the breaking news that Republicans have chosen David Ralston as their nominee for Speaker after Glenn Richardson’s abrupt resignation. The hosts highlight how quickly Richardson—once among the most powerful figures in Georgia—fell after scandalous revelations, and they contrast Georgia Republicans’ swift removal with South Carolina’s slow response to Mark Sanford.

Catherine and David note that selecting Ralston, who previously opposed Richardson, was a strategic move to signal a break from corruption. Yet uncertainty remains, as Ralston is only the GOP nominee and internal divisions could spark behind-the-scenes deal-making with independents or Democrats. This leads to a broader question: can Georgia Democrats campaign on corruption? Catherine argues misuse of power, especially Richardson’s threats toward his ex-wife, should be a central issue, though David doubts voters will link the scandal to rank-and-file Republicans.

 The conversation shifts to the 2010 governor’s race, where Rasmussen polling shows John Oxendine leading Republicans but slipping, Karen Handel gaining opportunity, and deep voter indecision on both sides. The hosts explore how Handel’s early call for Richardson’s resignation, her gender, and her metro-Atlanta base may help her stand out in a crowded GOP field. On the Democratic side, they dismiss large Barnes–Baker gaps as unreliable this far out.

 The show ends with a light-hearted segment—each host’s political Christmas wish—ranging from single-payer healthcare to continued GOP chaos paired with sharper Democratic messaging.

and the guys from KY. Grassroots Radio join us to discuss Kentucky Politics

LA State Rep. and New Orleans area Congressional candidate

Southern politics

of Public Policy polling joined us. Also we gave out our political turkeys of the year.