This Super Bowl–themed early edition of the show focuses less on football and more on Southern political developments, with regular contributor Catherine joining midway through. The discussion opens with a high-profile Georgia controversy involving State School Superintendent Kathy Cox, who won $1 million on Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? intending to donate it to schools for the deaf and blind. Because Cox and her husband later filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy tied to his failed home-building business, creditors are now seeking the prize money. The hosts debate the legal and ethical implications, concluding that while Cox’s intentions appear genuine, the money is likely considered an asset of the bankruptcy estate and creditors have a legitimate claim.
The conversation then shifts to Georgia politics and the impact of federal stimulus funding, particularly for education and infrastructure. The hosts note the political bind facing Georgia Republicans who opposed the stimulus in Congress but may still seek its benefits at the state level. This segues into analysis of the crowded Republican gubernatorial primary, with skepticism expressed about late entrants such as Austin Scott and rumored candidate Mark Burkhalter, who are seen as overshadowed by better-known figures like Casey Cagle and Karen Handel. On the Democratic side, the panel discusses David Poythress’s early organizing advantage and internet poll strength, while anticipating a possible entry by DuBose Porter after the legislative session.
The show also touches on Florida politics, examining Congressman Adam Putnam’s decision to leave a powerful House leadership role to run for Agriculture Commissioner, a move interpreted as positioning for higher statewide office. Finally, the hosts look west to Alabama, where Congressman Artur Davis’s potential gubernatorial run and early polling strength among Republicans sparks debate about whether he could break through in a deeply Republican statewide environment.