Kudzu Vine

Southern politics

his episode opens with the hosts previewing a full slate of political topics before welcoming pollster Dr. Beth Shapiro of the Shapiro Group. The discussion begins with reflections on the life and legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy, whom the hosts praise as a compassionate statesman, legislative giant, and symbol of bipartisan leadership. Anecdotes highlight his humor, personal outreach—such as calling...

The discussion opens with hosts David, Catherine, and Tim reviewing new Georgia gubernatorial polls. On the Democratic side, Roy Barnes loses momentum, dropping six points and raising concerns within his camp. Other Democratic candidates shift only slightly: Herbert Baker dips unexpectedly, Dubose Porter gains modestly—something his supporters highlight—and lesser-known candidates fluctuate at the...

This episode covers a wide-ranging discussion of Georgia politics in the heat of August, featuring co-hosts Catherine Smith and Tim Shiflett and special guest Brandon Thorne, a veteran Democratic political fundraiser. The show opens with updates on current political controversies, including tense town halls over health care reform, the vandalism of Congressman David Scott’s office with a swastika,...

This episode of The Kudzu Vine opens with technical difficulties as host David is joined by co-hosts Catherine and Tim, setting an informal tone before diving into major political developments. The first and central topic is Senator Mel Martinez’s unexpected decision to resign early, creating a vacancy that Florida Governor Charlie Crist must fill. The panel discusses how the move complicates Cris...

GA State School Super. candidate Brian Westlake will join us and Ryan of the Daily Kingfish will be on to inform us about everything in Louisiana politics!

and Dale Cardwell guest hosted

Southern politics

Southern politics

In this Independence Day weekend episode of The Kudzu Vine, the hosts open with light holiday talk before diving into the political shock of the week: Sarah Palin’s sudden resignation as Alaska governor. The panel unanimously describes Palin’s announcement as incoherent, rambling, and politically self-destructive. They question her claims about family pressure and alleged attacks on her children,...

Southern politics

This episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosted by Tim Shiflett on Father’s Day and the first day of summer, features regular panelist Catherine Smith and guest host State Representative Rashad Taylor, sitting in for David while he is on vacation. The discussion centers on Georgia politics, particularly controversies surrounding Attorney General Thurbert Baker, the media’s role, and emerging dynamics in th...

This episode opens with light banter before turning to a detailed discussion of the Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary. The panel—David, Tim, and Catherine—analyzes the surprise victory of Creigh Deeds, who surged late after conserving resources and benefiting from a Washington Post endorsement. Terry McAuliffe’s campaign faded, while Brian Moran never gained traction. The hosts note Republ...

Southern politics

This episode features guest host Anastasia Apa, founder of the Apa Firm, a Democratic political consulting and fundraising operation active across the South, particularly in Florida. The discussion centers on three major themes: the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, the growing influence of Hispanic voters, and the shifting electoral landscape in Florida and the broader Sout...

Southern politics

Southern politics

This episode opens on Mother’s Day with David, Catherine, and Tim noting a slow Georgia news week before previewing the upcoming Georgia Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution exposé on gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine sparks debate: insurance companies allegedly routed prohibited contributions through Alabama PACs. Catherine calls the arrangement likely illegal and “sneaky...

 This May 3rd episode marks the show’s third anniversary and features returning panelist Catherine, contributor Tim, and guest Steve Deacon, a Virginia politics expert. The discussion opens with Tim’s report from a Walker County Democratic Party barbecue fundraiser in northwest Georgia, highlighting renewed local organizing, appearances by Democratic figures including Gail Buckner and Dr. Jeff Sco...

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics