Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

The March 8 episode of The Kudzu Vine opens with seasonal reflections before diving into Georgia politics. Tim delivers his “outrage of the week,” sharply criticizing Governor Sonny Perdue and Republican leadership over dysfunction at the Georgia Department of Transportation. The firing of DOT Commissioner Gina Evans, whom Perdue strongly backed, is framed as the culmination of mismanagement, internal conflict, and an attempted gubernatorial power grab. The hosts argue that political infighting has paralyzed transportation planning while Georgia’s infrastructure deteriorates, jeopardizing stimulus funding and long-term projects like roads, rail, and transit. Catherine reinforces the critique, calling the situation a transparent pursuit of power over public service.

The discussion then shifts briefly to sports and politics, examining whether Craig Robinson—President Obama’s brother-in-law—could be a viable University of Georgia basketball coach. While Catherine sees potential political and reputational upside for Georgia, Tim remains skeptical on basketball merits, emphasizing coaching records over name recognition.

The show’s featured guest, Rusty from Manuel’s Tavern and the Georgia Podcast Network, joins to discuss grassroots activism against Georgia’s “blue laws.” He explains SB 16, which would have allowed local referenda on Sunday alcohol sales, and outlines a protest event—“Drunk Dial Your State Senator”—aimed at pressuring lawmakers. Rusty also highlights HB 604, a bill to allow Georgia craft brewers limited direct sales, framing it as a pro–small business compromise. 

The episode closes with updates on Georgia’s political podcast scene, upcoming live events at Manuel’s Tavern, and a brief look at a Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary poll, underscoring shifting Southern demographics and competitive races ahead.

On this episode of Kudzu VIne, hosts David, Tim, and Catherine reunite to dissect a wide range of political stories across the South with a Democratic lens. The show opens with a deep dive into Georgia’s controversial Georgia Power bill, which saw surprising bipartisan opposition. Catherine criticizes the bill’s rushed passage, its burden on consumers who will pay long before the plant becomes operational, and its dismissal of conservation and green energy alternatives. Tim highlights Georgia Power’s outsized political influence and the lack of meaningful consumer protection from the Public Service Commission.

The conversation shifts to Georgia’s upcoming governor’s race, where fundraising limits during the legislative session give early mover David Poythress an advantage over potential candidates like DuBose Porter and Michael Thurmond. Roy Barnes’s intentions remain unclear, adding intrigue. The hosts also discuss Atlanta mayoral candidate Kasim Reed’s early groundwork and his use of Obama campaign talent.

 Nationally, the spotlight moves to Kentucky, where Senator Jim Bunning’s bizarre comments and uncertain re-election plans have Republicans in disarray. The hosts question his mental fitness and note the danger his potential retirement poses for GOP control of the seat.

Louisiana, however, steals the show: Bobby Jindal’s widely panned national speech—compared unfavorably to Mr. Rogers—raises doubts about his status as the GOP’s “future,” compounded by revelations that a Katrina anecdote he shared was fabricated. Meanwhile, Senator David Vitter faces growing primary challenges from multiple conservatives, signaling deep vulnerability. 

The episode concludes with broader reflections on Republican infighting, the stimulus-money backlash against moderates like Charlie Crist, and the possibility of a fractured GOP creating political openings across the South.

State Senator Kasim Reed will join us to discuss his bill to add 200 police officers to the Atlanta Police force Jackson Mississippi City Councilman and Mayoral candidate Marshand Crisler will call in. Finally, we will get a report on Texas Politics from the Burnt Orange Report's David Mauro Join us at http://blogtalkradio.com/kudzu Finally, Desmond Burton from the Afro Nerd blog, co-host Game On for Kevin this past week, give that show a listen here Do consider subscribing to both shows with i-Tunes here: itpc://www.blogtalkradio.com/gameon/feed itpc://www.blogtalkradio.com/kudzu/feed

joined. Also, Martin Matheny from the DPG told us about Virgil Fludd's very innovative bill.