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** Early Release **What happens when political power shifts from kingmakers to everyday people? Barrett Gruber sits down with Brandon Upson for an in-depth look at South Carolina's recent primary results and the grassroots movement reshaping the state's political landscape.Brandon breaks down the surprises of primary night, the candidate profiles and strategies that defined the race, and the data behind voter registration and turnout. But the heart of the conversation is bigger than any single election — it's about power. As Brandon puts it, "the power shifted from the kingmakers to the people," and this episode unpacks exactly how that shift happened and what it means going forward.A major thread throughout is the rise of Jermaine Johnson, whose campaign Brandon frames as a genuine people-powered movement rather than a traditional top-down operation. Brandon's reflection — "Jermaine Johnson is me" — speaks to the personal investment so many South Carolinians have in seeing authentic representation succeed.The conversation goes deep on the mechanics of grassroots organizing: the challenges of rural outreach, the importance of local campaigning over flashy statewide messaging, and how civic engagement at the community level translates into real electoral outcomes. Brandon and Barrett also tackle harder questions around accountability in leadership, financial oversight, and what incompetence in public office actually costs constituents.The episode closes with a broader reflection on diversity, political unity, and what sustained grassroots energy could mean for South Carolina's future — not just in this election cycle, but for years to come.Topics Covered:South Carolina primary results and key surprisesGrassroots organizing and voter mobilization strategiesThe rise of Jermaine Johnson and people-powered campaignsVoter registration and turnout statisticsChallenges in rural political outreachAccountability and financial oversight in leadershipDiversity, political unity, and community engagementThe future of grassroots movements in South Carolina politicsA #NewSouth | WebpageDr. Jermaine Johnson for GovernorBrandon Upson | InstagramBrandon Upson | Webpage and LinksBarrett Gruber | LinktreeThe All About Nothing: Podcast | LinktreeClick here for Episode Show Notes!As always, "The All About Nothing: Podcast" is owned and distributed by BIG Media LLC!Check out our network of fantastic podcasts!Click Here to see available advertising packages!Click Here for information on the "Fair Use Copyright Notice" for this podcast.Mentioned in this episode:Check Your Voter RegistrationVisit https://theallaboutnothing.com/voter to check your registration! It takes less than 2 minutes. Do it now!ZJZ DesignsCheck out the 4th of July Heart Designs for this Independence Day! Visit zjzdesigns.com!ZJZ DesignsBIG Media Copyright 2026BIG Media LLC

Mike Switzer interviews Jeremy Finger, a certified financial planner with Riverbend Wealth Management in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. 2 Samuel 18-19a Chet Phillips Download TranscriptMy name is Chet. I'm one of the pastors here. We'll be in second Samuel starting in chapter 18 I'm gonna take a moment to remind us how we got where we are this morning in this text and then we're gonna read the beginning of the text because It's gonna set us up well for understanding kind of the tension of what's happening here So we have David the Anointed blessed king over Israel That God went and found someone after his own heart to become king and that even has made a covenant with him That he's going to bless him that he's gonna give him sons to sit on the throne forever He's gonna work this blessing out in David's line David sins grievously against Bathsheba and Uriah and when the prophet Nathan speaks to him.He tells him that there's gonna be trouble that's going to arise out of this and we're in chapter 18 We're in the middle of some of that trouble David's oldest son Amnon had sexually assaulted his half sister who was Absalom's David's other sons whole sister and Absalom, because David does nothing, plots and murders his brother Amnon These are the two oldest sons of David. There was a third one, but he doesn't seem to be mentioned and it's likely he died Young so we've got the two oldest sons of David. Absalom then runs. He flees he's in exile for a while.Joab sees that this is distressing David. After a time, he helps bring back Absalom. Joab, that leader of David's army, Absalom comes back and eventually over time works up a rebellion Marches with the people of Israel claiming to be king on Jerusalem David flees, goes to Mahanaim. That's where we find him Now which is interesting That's where Ish-bosheth had set up his kingdom last time David was in the middle of a civil war and so David is in Mahanaim Absalom gathers the forces of Israel crosses over the Jordan towards David and that's where we pick up today Absalom is following Hushai's plan which was the one Hushai secretly on David's team which was don't go killing quickly; gather everybody and you lead the forces yourself.So we've got Absalom with a very large kind of conscripted army. All the people in Israel were prepared to fight but these guys would come fight when they need to and then go back David is with a smaller but more regular military and We pick up in verse one chapter 18 Then David mustered the men who were with him and Set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. It doesn't tell us how many that he has.But it does tell us that he has commanders of thousands and hundreds and that he splits them into thirds We're gonna see that in just a second so it seems like he does have several thousand men That's the standing army that left with him and David sent out the army one third under the command of Joab One third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah Joab's brother Which we've seen them lead his military before and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite Which we saw him join David with 600 of his own men as they were fleeing.And the king said to the men I myself will go out with you But the men said you will not go out for if we flee they will not care about us If half of us die they will not care about us But you are worth 10,000 of us therefore it's better that you send us help from the city So David says I'm going to and they say no, you're not because you're gonna make it more complicated They're only gonna care about you it matters a whole lot if they kill you it doesn't matter if they kill us if we flee They're just gonna be trying to find you like if We've got the whole point of us going out is to keep you alive for the sake of reestablishing control here.So stay and send help from the city organized from the city King said to them whatever seems best to you. I will do So the king stood the side of the gate while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands and the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom and All the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.So it becomes very clear to the entire army that David has instructed deal gently With Absalom for my sake now This is the tension in this story Because we have David referred to as the king the king the king the king and as king David Organizes his military and as king he sends them out to defend the kingdom and as king He is working to stop a rebellion As king he's bringing justice and righteousness and.Then at the end He doesn't sound like a king He sounds like a father So as he's sending out the military he says Deal gently with the young man Absalom because in his eyes that's still who he is He's a lad, that young man that's leading a rebellion against this Who's got a bigger army than y'all Who wishes to kill us. When y'all catch him but you'd be nice to him Be tender.Joab that's actually why I made you leader of the military because you're one of the most tender fellows. I know From what we know of Joab he is anything but gentle This is probably the only time David has ever given this instruction to his military leaders I don't think he was ever attacking the Amalekites and was like hey if you catch the king Because y'all it should be nice to him when you catch him. He just does this isn't normal.But it gets word through the whole because there's this tension with David where he's got to work justice He's got to be a king. He is the king and then but he loves his son Can you imagine trying to navigate this? How how do you How do you do that? How do you handle this when we see David trying to do both? He wants Absalom to lose But he doesn't want to lose Absalom.And he's trying to thread that needle So the army has verse six Went out into the field against Israel and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim And the men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David and the loss there was great on that day 20,000 men The battle spread over the face of all the country and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword.So they spread out they're in three different groups they fight They meet them on the field of battle, but it says specifically they're fighting in the forest of Ephraim And the forest kills more people than the sword does which is a very interesting verse I think all that's trying to communicate to you was not David if you talk to the to the to the David's army and you said how do they go how did it go.And they were basically saying the forest was more help to us than our sword was Like the forest won the battle for us more than the sword did meaning that the terrain benefited us greatly David has a more well trained military that has done more things and they're in a smaller group They don't want to meet on a field in the open Because sheer numbers will out Man them they'll just they'll lose just over time so what they do is they spread out and they fight in the woods and it works out Very well for them They do some of what a famous South Carolinians did during the Revolutionary War They were like yeah, we're not lining up and just shooting it y'all but every time you ride through the woods.Good luck and we're like we like y'all and we're gonna name colleges after you so that's That's what David that's what they do they they go hide in the woods and they fight in the woods And they say the woods the forest helped us more than the sword did today in 20,000 men die, but the The brunt of that is on the people of Israel not the David side And we're gonna see in just a second the the forest playing a very active role versus nine.And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David Okay, so David's not there, but Absalom is because Absalom's doing Hushai's plan which is you go yourself and Take everybody with you so Absalom's there and he comes across some of David's servants Absalom was riding on his mule and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak and his head Caught fast in the oak and he was suspended between heaven and earth while the mule that was under him went on Absalom sees some of David's men in the forest Most likely at this point Absalom's trying to get away so he spurs his mule. He's heading off I don't know if he was looking back It doesn't tell us it may be the mule just picked a spot that the mules head fit fine.So he just shoot under there Absalom gets his head caught in an oak tree now The word head here can mean it's actual head so it's possible that he got stuck in between some branches and it actually got around his neck His head is actually stuck wedged in somewhere It can also mean his hair and one of the things we know about Absalom other than he's the most handsome man You'd ever like to meet is it he has beautiful hair To the point that he cuts it once a year and weighs it and then Tells people about it.And it's written down forever and scripture for us how much was hair weight So it's possible that it says hair that got tangled up and then he's having to hold himself up And I don't know if you've ever been snagged on something, but it's not easy to get yourself out of it And he's now dangling from a tree and his mule's like well sorry You should have cut your hair before battle and heads up.So he's dangling from a tree and the forest is helping more than the sword at this moment Verse 10 and a certain man saw it and told Joab behold I saw Absalom hanging in an oak And Joab says what we would say Joab said to the man who told him what you saw him so he comes to report hey Hey, you remember the guy we're looking for? Absalom dangling from a tree over here It'd be like you know you're just one of the random guys you're walking along and then there's someone just dangling from a tree? It's like the guy we came for you guys. He's here That's what he does he's I see him and Joab says what you saw him? Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? Why are you telling me's in a tree? Why are you telling me he's dead?I would have been glad to give you 10 pieces of silver and a belt Yeah, 10 pieces of silver and a belt you guys But the man said to Joab even if I felt in my hand the weight of a thousand pieces of silver I would not reach out my hand against the king's son for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai for my sake protect the young man Absalom on the other hand if I had dealt Treacherously against his life and there's nothing hidden from the king then you yourself would have stood aloof.Joab said I will not not waste time with you waste time like this with you So Joab he says I saw Absalom hanging in a tree Joab says why didn't you kill him and then I would have given you 10 pieces of silver and a belt and the man says You could have given me a bag of a thousand pieces of silver I'm not killing the king's son after he told us not to and then he just keeps going He goes he told you and his brother and he had time and if I had killed him and the king found out later You're not gonna bow walking up in the middle of that and being like look at whose belt he's wearing You're gonna stand back and let me get killed. I know exactly and just like you just I don't know who this certain man was but I like him.Joab's like why didn't you just obey the king and this guy's like have you lost your mind and Just goes toe to toe with Joab and you haven't gotten anything to say except for I don't have time for this I'm not getting too big discussion with you about what I would have done later had I like what whatever So he just you know I believe I'm not waste time like this with you and he took three javelins in his hand.And he thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak so when Joab gets there Absalom Absalom still there they take three Throwing spears and thrust them into him and ten young men, Joab's armor-bearers Surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him Then Joab blew the trumpet and the troops came back from pursuing Israel for Joab restrained them So Joab does not follow the king's order He goes and brutally kills Absalom Throws three spears into him while he's dangling there cuts him down and then ten men who were with him Striking and killing.And then he blows the trumpet because that's all Joab wanted to do we got the guy that was causing problems The battle's over like y'all come back and without Absalom there's no rebellion It stopped And the throwing of the three spears makes it seem to me first of all Joab has no intention whatsoever of following David's command And it also feels Personal vindictive maybe and it doesn't tell us I think he probably had some enjoyment of finding him like that and then some anger towards Absalom he's Joab's the one who helped to bring Absalom back From exile Absalom when he was trying to get Joab's attention Joab wouldn't come so Absalom burned down Joab's field.Joab's on the run from Absalom has been expelled from his home and had to take his own family and his household with him and Seems to be he has no mercy in his heart for him and Absalom finds a gruesome end Now we know what David asked But there's part of me who can appreciate Feeling like yeah Absalom Caught what he deserved He's risen up in rebellion against his own back When when the original the when it was Ahithophel and Hushai were both giving him plans Ahithophel said we'll go tonight Just kill David and Absalom and thinks that's a good idea and then Hushai says no, we'll kill them all and Absalom thinks that's a better idea and When he dies like this there's part of me that just goes yeah.Feels like justice was served There's actually a passage in Deuteronomy that seems like he kind of lives out I want to show you what happens here next in verse 17 it says they took Absalom and threw him into a great pit in the forest and raised over him a very great heap of stones And all Israel fled everyone to his own home Now Absalom and his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King's Valley for he said I have no son to keep my name and Remembrance he called the pillar after his own name and it is called Absalom's monument to this day We'll get to that in just a second.And Deuteronomy chapter 21 it says that if anyone is deserving of death and is hanged on a tree He's cursed by God and that you should remove him from the tree before nightfall And Absalom hanging on the tree now it just happens to him but it seems as if it's in God's Providence that this would happen and it's the same phrase that he's hanged on a tree That's what he says I found he's hanging on a tree cursed by God. He's killed and.Then the very next passage in Deuteronomy 21 says if you have a rebellious son He should be taken outside of the gates and stoned and they throw him in a pit and they throw a great heap of stones on him So that he somehow lives out Deuteronomy 21 both of the punishments and there's this He's very unceremoniously cared for he's dumped dumped in a pit stones are thrown on him and then it says hey While he was alive he made himself his own monument and what the the text is doing is going so Absalom has two stone monuments the one he made for himself and the one we made for him in the forest The one where he tried to honor himself and the one where he died in utter contempt and dishonor.We are told in the text previously that Absalom had three sons so we've seen at this point that they have all died in infancy You're at a young age so that they aren't able to carry his name on So his desire in pride to elevate himself has come to utter ruin But now we have to see what happens with David Verse 19 then Ahimaaz the son of a Zadok said let me run and carry news to the king that the Lord has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.So Ahimaaz we met him earlier. He's one of the guys that hid in the well To bring news to David. He's been helping spy. He wants he says let me run and give him the news And Joab said to him you are not to carry news today You may carry news another day, but today you shall not you shall carry no news because the king's son is dead So Ahimaaz is excited he in his mind. He just says hey let's go tell him we won let's tell him that this is today is a great day.Then Joab said today's not gonna be a great day the king's son is dead. You don't need to carry news today And he says you can carry news another day. He's even like seems like he's trying to tell him as if it's like it's not you it just is the news. You don't need to carry it Verse 21 then Joab said to the Cushite go tell the king what you have seen The Cushite bowed before Joab and ran. I find this interaction interesting as well.So Joab looks at Ahimaaz and goes don't go deliver this news. It's not gonna go well. This is bad news and then he goes you there foreigner I got news for you to take to the king and It feels like At best what Joab is doing is you don't belong to the nation of Israel so you don't need to mourn with us But it worse he's just like if David decides to kill someone Non-covenant person I got a message for you which I wonder how the Cushite felt about that but he just says hey run this message.So the Cushite who's from the Egypt area He's gonna go so he says the Cushite bow before Joab and ran Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab come what may let me also run after the Cushite And Joab said why will you run my son seeing that you have no reward for the news Come what may he said I will run so he said to him run Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain and out ran the Cushite to Ahimaaz really wants to go Please please please He says whatever happens. I don't care what happens. Just let me go. Let me run after him. I'll just go behind him. Let me go.And then he doesn't go behind him he runs a different way and outruns him And I think maybe Ahimaaz just like running He also might just like to be in the middle of things. I don't know we don't we don't know But we know that he out runs the Cushite so he's gonna get there first But he said I don't care I don't care how he takes the news. I just want to go.Verse 24 now David was sitting between the two gates and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall When he lifted up his eyes and looked he saw a man running alone so there's outer gate outer wall Then a House something above the gate where you can sit and watch and there's an inter gate inter wall and David's in between pacing praying I don't know But he's just kind of this is where he is and he's waiting for news waiting they're keeping an eye out on what's going on watchman sees a runner.The watchman is verse 25 called out and told the king and the king said if he is alone There is news in his mouth and he drew near and near so they can see for quite a ways We don't know how far but he could be a mile away between like we he's you know You see someone running he says someone's running he's by himself He says well he's alone he's bringing news The whole army marching back would mean one thing people coming back in a little bunches would probably mean defeat you know.But just the guy running he's bringing us some information The watchman saw another man running and the watchman called to the gate and said see another man running alone The king said he also brings news Which he split his army into Thirds so to get news from different places. It's not odd to get news from the same place with the exact same time as odd but David doesn't know that's what's about to happen.The watchman said I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of a Zadok I think he's seen Ahimaaz run before this what part of what makes me think Ahimaaz likes to run or you know Ahimaaz does his hands weird when he runs or something. I don't know but he sees him and he's like that looks like Ahimaaz running And the king said he is a good man and comes with good news not maybe wishful thinking on David's part.But it also may be that he understands how Joab usually sends news and we just saw Joab say you're not allowed to bring news because this news is bad And maybe Joab has usually picks people to honor who get to go deliver good news So when he says oh, it's Ahimaaz this is gonna be good news That's the way David takes it Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king all is well and he's just run several miles and he's run fast because he outran the Cushite All is well as one word in in Hebrew says Shalom, but he says all is well and he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and he said Blessed be the Lord your God who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my Lord the king.And the king said is it well with the young man? Absalom So he says we won The news he gives is the news to the king justice was served But the king doesn't respond. I mean he is the King David, but he responds as the father. He got the king news and now he asks Is it well With Absalom Ahimaaz answered When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.And the king said turn aside and stand here so he turned aside and stood still now Ahimaaz said twice come what may And as soon as he gets to come what may he does not tell him what happened to his son I Don't know if he changed his mind in the moment I don't know if he just wanted to be here and see it We don't know if he thought about it as he was out running the Cushite and he thought I don't know if it was when he gave the news the King David and King David doesn't respond with any sort of joy at hearing that he won but only asked about Absalom, but at this moment he just goes ah when I when I was there was the stuff going on, but I don't know.Hmm Then David says okay, we'll stand over here And then he sees a Cushite running Which I don't know if he knows him. I don't know how how that worked in their their army But he's coming up so he just has stand here and he's waiting for this piece of news And behold the Cushite came and the Cushite said good news from my Lord the king For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you I don't know if the Cushite did a double take when he saw him as.But he was the last time he had a conversation with a person he was talking to Joab who was talking to Ahimaaz and then he took off running and then when he shows up He sees David who's talking to Ahimaaz who's obviously been running I don't know if we play the game where it was like which one of us has just run six miles but she'd probably be able to figure it out Do the other ones hadn't and so I just want to hear if he was like, huh, and then just but he did his job.The king said to the Cushite Is it well with the young man? Absalom, I asked the exact same question and the Cushite answered may the enemies of my Lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man And the king was deeply moved Went up to the chamber over the gate and wept And as he went and he said oh my son, Absalom my son my son, Absalom Would that I had died instead of you? Oh, Absalom my son my son.So he gets the news we won Rebellion over God's given you victory God's with you and he gets the news your son is dead David's heart is broken And he just goes off It was told Joab the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people For they heard, for the people heard that day the king is grieving his son and the people stole into the city that day as people who steal in who are Shamed when they flee in battle and the king covered his face and the king cried with a loud voice Oh my son, Absalom my son David's gone up over the gatehouse and he's just weeping and he's covered his face and he's just he's broke.People hear it And they don't they don't just walk back into the city like anything good has happened They don't celebrate that they won they don't celebrate their deliverance It says they sneak in like people who lost people who don't want to make eye contact with you because they fled because they're ashamed of themselves So this this is how it comes back to the city Then Joab came into the house for the king and said you have today covered with shame The faces of all your servants who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives.And your concubines because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you You have made it clear today that the commanders and servants are nothing to you for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today Then you would have been pleased So Joab shows up walks right up and it says just Let's him have it and you can you can feel Joab's hurt a little bit. Joab is is David's nephew and he's been with him and everything.And Joab says I can tell now they don't matter like we don't matter if Absalom were alive and we were all dead this you wouldn't be acting like this Verse seven now therefore a rise Go out and speak kindly to your servants for I swear by the Lord if you do not go Not a man will stay with you this night and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate and the people were all told behold the king is sitting in the gate and All the people came before the king David hears Joab and he realizes he's right He goes out to the gate and he starts smoothing things back over No, Joab goes up to him and says you need to act like a king and David had just been acting like a father and There's this pull in the text Because how does David handle this well? If he only responded like a king If he looked at them as they were on their way out and said make sure Absalom doesn't last the day He'd be gone. Oh, I mean that's your son David Response in both ways he responds as a king at the end we see him sitting as a king.We see him weeping as a father if he only acts like a father then then it falls apart He doesn't handle his kingly duties. There's this tension here between the justice that needs to be carried out And the love that David has for his son and he's not able to to navigate it But how would you Your king your sons in rebellion against you. How do you navigate that? And I think as we're evaluating it we're trying to think through that I think different ones of us want to move the slider in different directions Some of us feel like yes, I don't know Can you march against your own son even though he's wrong? Maybe you don't Maybe David should just say Somebody else has got to lead this. I'm gonna step down from being king.And some of you are like that's crazy talk Get in He's causing more problems He's willing to kill you. He's wrong. I don't care that he's your son. He's chosen so many things that are wrong And we want to pull this back and forth and we have this tension between justice and love and mercy And it's not just in this story. I think this is the tension that runs throughout the Old Testament This story gives us a feel for it.But we're told that God has a glorious king who is perfect in justice and perfect in holiness created a world out of love, that he loves the world that he loves His creation that he loves Humans and we're told that we rebel We don't want his kingship. We don't want his love. We don't want him What does he do And you'll talk to people and then move that slider around Some people say why don't see why he can't just forget why can't he just love us if he loves us then he would just forgive us If there really is a God, then he's a loving God and he's a forgiving God and we're fine. It's fine He knows we're all human. He just is gonna. He's fine.And if you have a God of judgment or wrath or whatever you're confused because that's not what God's like And they just move the slider all the way over to loving father which we're told God is a loving father There's a problem with that Joab sees the problem. He says that son was gonna kill all your other sons That son was gonna kill all your children. So you're gonna kill your whole household.And it's easy if your life's been kind of calm and kind of nice and everything's been kind of and you just deal with Base level disagreements to go yeah, we're all the same and God loves us But if people have marched into your village and burned it down and raped all your family members If you've dealt with heinous wicked evil and then your answer is that God just kind of sleepily goes. It's okay That doesn't feel very loving How can he love us and not care.There's a scene in the movie Princess Bride where Princess Buttercup is being walked down the aisle, being forced to marry someone she doesn't want to marry she's walking this really old Nice king she gives him a kiss on the cheek and he says what was that for she says you've always been so nice to me And I'm not gonna see you again because after the wedding when I get to the honeymoon suite I'm gonna kill myself He pats her arm and says that's nice.And he looks at someone she kissed me and Some of us seem to be that's the God you're promoting No matter what happens you just kind of go that's nice. It's okay It's just vaguely kind And you've filed that under love, but he has no response to sin whatsoever There are others who are gonna slide it over and say no, he needs to bring justice He needs to destroy Wickedness and you'll hear people say why don't you just get rid of the bad people like why don't you just get rid of sin why doesn't he just get rid of it Because he'd have to get rid of people.And most of us want a God who judges we just want him to judge wherever the line is past us Do you know what I'm saying? I Like if I'm driving down the interstate and I'll come up behind you and you're not going as fast as me you are slow And if I'm driving up down the interstate and you come whipping up behind me you are fast Because I'm the pace car I'm driving appropriately that's the way we feel about justice That's the way we feel about mercy that's what I want the line to go right here past me Those people are the bad ones, but I'm not.And so we actually don't want a holy God we want him to be as holy as I am We don't want a just God we we want him just as holy and just as just as Get rid of the people I don't like and keeps me that's not how it works if you're going to stop the rebellion you stop the rebels And that's us you've actively made things worse. I've actively made things worse. I've been part of the problem I've been selfish I've lied I've harmed people I'm part of the problem I haven't just been an addition to the world I've taken away from it and if you think he's righteous If you think he's just and you go well, yeah, but like more good than bad that's not how justice works.That's not how judgment works If if there was a trial for a doctor who had been killing people that were his patients And his whole defense was yeah, I killed four people last year But I saved 22 So I'm a net 18 And I only killed the ones that annoying me Nobody the judges aren't gonna go well somebody that math is net 18 right okay Let him go That's not how it works That's not how justice works You don't want someone it character witness after someone has has assaulted your family and someone goes yeah, but he's like always paid his taxes Irrelevant. I don't care That's not how justice works and so when you say well I'm good over here and I'm good over here and I did this thing.But these other ones shouldn't count that's just because you want to draw the line in a place that's actually wicked Because we fail on holiness So to just forgive everybody is wrong And to just destroy everybody is right but it breaks the father's heart In this story The rebellion is over When we see the Son hanging on a tree and dying for his sin And in our story the rebellion gets to end when we see the Son hanging on a tree and dying not for his sin, but for ours.That's what God does God works out a way for his perfect love and his perfect justice to meet in a way that we could have never navigated For his perfect justice for wrath to be poured out for sin to be dealt with and his absolute love So that there might be hope rather than just getting rid of everybody And he does that in the cross that's where those two things meet in a way that is mind blowing and beautiful.So that in the cross God is more holy than you could have ever imagined to the point that his Son has to pay for the wrath But he's more loving than you could have ever understood because he's willing to pay for it so that we might be forgiven That's the hope of the cross and there is no other way There is no other way that it would have to deny the love of God or would have to deny the righteousness of God.But in the cross we have perfect love and perfect justice meeting in a way that is beyond our comprehension and when the soldiers have the right of it when they look at David and they say you're worth 10,000 of us Jesus Christ is worth 14 trillion of us so that he's capable of paying the debt So that he can save all those who come to him with his perfect Priceless blood he can pay the debt that we all deserve to pay and He can be the way that God pours out his justice and his wrath and his righteousness and his love.So that he can welcome sinners and have their debt covered So God for us is able to do what David couldn't figure out how to navigate and we see that he is perfectly just and Perfectly loving and therefore we have a hope but only only in Christ Let's pray Lord, we ask That you would set our hearts on fire with the beauty of the gospel that we at no point Would underestimate your holiness that we would not somehow tone you down or make you sleepier That we would not impose upon you some sort of wickedness that can turn a blind eye to sin.But that Lord we would also not in seeing your absolute justice Fail to see your wonderful love that reaches to the highest heavens that covers sin So Lord may we see both may we trust Jesus and may we glorify your name In Jesus' name The band's gonna come back up and we're gonna sing If you've never placed your faith in Jesus If you're counting on God being not that holy If you have a God who's only vaguely loving but doesn't deal with sin I will let you know that that is not the God of the Scriptures.But that you can have hope in Christ and if you've placed your faith in Christ Then rejoice That your hope is not found in you. It's not found in your work It's not found in your worth but it is found in the precious blood of Jesus that forgives sinners And may we sing like we're redeemed.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!Chris checks in from memory lane in Chicago as the Bears may migrate east due to political climate change. Scott weighs in on Spam's ambitious attempt to break into the hot dog market.Then it's down to the Palmetto State, where a workplace dispute involving odorous microwaved fish nearly turns into a friendly-fire incident, and a newly signed law provides greater protections for the four-legged canine and equine partners who serve and protect South Carolinians.From nostalgia and culinary treachery to legislation providing greater protections for police K-9s and horses, this episode covers plenty of ground.Email: 3copstalk@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.3copstalk.comYoutube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4awFacebook: 3 Cops Talk | FacebookInstagram: https://instagram.com/3copstalk?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

EPISODE DESCRIPTION South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace joins the show for a wide-ranging interview as the campaign enters its final days. Mace discusses controversial AI-generated attack ads, redistricting battles, tax reform, property taxes, government spending, and what she calls the state's entrenched political machine. She also outlines her plans for eliminating the income tax, reducing property taxes, addressing infrastructure needs, and limiting data center expansion. With early voting underway and Election Day approaching, Mace delivers her final pitch directly to South Carolina voters. PODCAST SUMMARY Nancy Mace joins Tara for a candid conversation about the final days of South Carolina's governor's race. Mace accuses political opponents of spreading AI-generated misinformation and argues that voters are facing a choice between political insiders and reform-minded leadership. The discussion turns to South Carolina's congressional redistricting fight, where Mace claims Republican leadership mishandled an opportunity to strengthen conservative representation. She also criticizes what she describes as the state's "good old boy" political establishment and questions recent endorsements and political alliances. On policy, Mace lays out her vision for South Carolina, including eliminating the state income tax, reducing property taxes—particularly for seniors—improving roads and bridges, and placing limits on data center development. She shares concerns about affordability, rising costs for retirees, and the financial pressures facing working families. As the election approaches, Mace urges voters to participate in early voting or cast their ballots on Election Day, framing the race as a defining moment for the future direction of South Carolina. KEY TAKEAWAYS Nancy Mace discusses the final days of the South Carolina governor's race. She alleges AI-generated political ads were used to misrepresent her positions. Mace criticizes South Carolina's political establishment and redistricting decisions. She calls for eliminating the state income tax. Property tax relief for seniors is a major focus of her campaign. Infrastructure investment and road improvements remain top priorities. Mace opposes continued expansion of data centers in South Carolina. She encourages voter participation ahead of Election Day. FEATURED SEGMENTS The AI Attack Ad Controversy Mace responds to campaign ads she says falsely portray her positions through artificial intelligence-generated content. Redistricting Fallout Discussion of South Carolina's congressional map battle and its political consequences. Tax Relief and Affordability Mace outlines her proposals to eliminate the income tax and reduce property tax burdens. Final Pitch to Voters The candidate delivers her closing argument as South Carolinians prepare to head to the polls. QUOTE OF THE DAY "If you don't vote, you don't get to complain." — Nancy Mace Nancy Mace joins the show for a no-holds-barred interview on AI campaign attacks, tax cuts, redistricting battles, and why she believes South Carolina is at a turning point. Don't miss her final message to voters before Election Day. South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace joins Tara for a wide-ranging discussion on the issues shaping the state's future. From AI-generated campaign ads and redistricting controversies to tax reform and affordability concerns, Mace explains why she believes voters face a critical choice in the upcoming election. Hear her final message to voters as the campaign enters its final stretch. Subscribe for more interviews, political analysis, and breaking news from across South Carolina and beyond.

Today at 1 p.m. ET on Steel News Live, Ann Vandersteel is joined by Mark Lynch, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, who is running to primary Senator Lindsey Graham on June 9.Mark Lynch is a South Carolina businessman, faith-driven leader, husband, father, grandfather, and longtime president of Jeff Lynch Appliance Center. His campaign is centered on America First priorities: securing the border, ending corruption, restoring election integrity, defending the Second Amendment, protecting American jobs, opposing endless foreign entanglements, and putting South Carolinians ahead of the Washington establishment. His website describes him as a lifelong South Carolinian who helped grow Jeff Lynch Appliance Center more than 35-fold since 1983, created 110 South Carolina jobs, and spent decades helping men overcome addiction through Christian recovery work.In this interview, Ann asks Mark why he is challenging Lindsey Graham, what voters are telling him across South Carolina, where the polls stand, which issues matter most in this race, and who he plans to partner with once he gets to Washington, D.C.Primary election: June 9Campaign website: LynchForSenate.com

DESCRIPTION The South Carolina governor's race enters a dramatic new phase following President Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette. Attorney General Alan Wilson joins the show to discuss the fallout, new polling data, immigration enforcement, tax reform, government accountability, and why he believes South Carolina needs a new direction. Wilson addresses allegations surrounding political deal-making, weighs in on Evette's refusal to name a lieutenant governor running mate, and outlines his vision for eliminating the state income tax, lowering utility costs, cutting government waste, and strengthening infrastructure. The conversation also covers border security, illegal immigration, digital IDs, privacy concerns, and what Wilson says separates his campaign from the political establishment. FEATURED GUEST Alan Wilson South Carolina Attorney General and Republican Candidate for Governor KEY TOPICS Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette Lieutenant governor controversy New gubernatorial polling South Carolina economy Income tax elimination Property tax relief Infrastructure improvements Government accountability Illegal immigration enforcement Digital ID concerns Privacy protections Governor's race strategy SEGMENT BREAKDOWN Segment 1: Fallout From Trump's Endorsement Tara and Alan Wilson discuss President Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette and the political controversy that followed. Wilson argues voters should focus less on political maneuvering and more on issues affecting everyday South Carolinians. Segment 2: Making South Carolina More Affordable Wilson outlines his economic agenda, including eliminating the state income tax, reducing property taxes, increasing energy production to lower utility costs, and addressing rising living expenses. Segment 3: Government Reform and Accountability The attorney general argues that South Carolina suffers from excessive bureaucracy, outdated systems, and government inefficiency. Wilson pledges to modernize state government and reduce waste. Segment 4: Immigration and Public Safety Wilson discusses his record working with law enforcement and outlines his approach to illegal immigration, border security, and cooperation with federal authorities. Segment 5: The Polling Picture New polling shows the gubernatorial race tightening. Wilson discusses survey results showing him near the top of the field and says voters should carefully evaluate each candidate's record before heading to the polls. Segment 6: Digital ID Concerns Wilson addresses concerns over digital identification systems, emphasizing privacy protections and opposition to policies that could compromise personal freedoms or government transparency. TOP QUOTES "This really isn't about the backroom deal. This is about your family." "My number one goal as governor will be to make living in our state more affordable." "The office of governor belongs to you. It does not belong to Alan Wilson." "If I can't do the job in four years, you need to throw me out." "Anything that compromises your privacy, security, or freedom, I'm not going to be for." WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How Trump's endorsement is reshaping the governor's race Where the leading candidates currently stand in polling Alan Wilson's plan for tax and economic reform His position on immigration enforcement Why digital IDs have become a growing issue in South Carolina politics What Wilson says distinguishes his campaign from the political establishment SOCIAL MEDIA TEASER Trump's endorsement may have shaken up South Carolina's governor's race, but Attorney General Alan Wilson says voters should focus on affordability, accountability, and results. In this exclusive interview, Wilson discusses taxes, immigration, digital IDs, and why he believes South Carolina needs new leadership. SHORT PROMO New polling, political drama, and a major gubernatorial interview. Attorney General Alan Wilson joins Tara to discuss Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette, the future of South Car ...

DESCRIPTION Clemson University's new president is already raising eyebrows across South Carolina. Kevin Guskiewicz previously led DEI and affirmative action initiatives at major universities like UNC Chapel Hill and Michigan State — and critics say his record clashes directly with the direction many South Carolinians want higher education to go. In this episode, Tara breaks down the controversy surrounding Clemson's leadership change, the national backlash against DEI policies, skyrocketing college costs, and why more Americans are questioning whether a college degree is even worth it anymore. As universities across the country struggle with enrollment declines and political division, the fight over Clemson may represent a much larger battle for the future of higher education in America. Clemson, DEI, Kevin Guskiewicz, Affirmative Action, South Carolina, Higher Education, College Tuition, Woke Universities, Campus Politics, Tara Servatius, AmperWave, Conservative Talk Radio SEO KEYWORDS Clemson University, Kevin Guskiewicz, DEI controversy, affirmative action, South Carolina politics, Clemson president, woke universities, college tuition crisis, higher education debate, race based admissions, UNC Chapel Hill, Michigan State University, conservative talk radio, Tara Servatius, AmperWave

Today's AmperWave Daily brings together a high-intensity mix of political conflict, campaign controversy, and national tension. At the center is the escalating South Carolina Senate race between challenger Mark Lynch and incumbent U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, featuring sharp attacks over war policy, immigration, polling, and campaign ads. The show also expands into broader national issues: crime and self-defense debates in Seattle, a warning about artificial intelligence reinforcing human bias, and renewed tensions surrounding Iran negotiations and global military risk involving Donald Trump.

It's Monday, May 25th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christian families in WA state are free to serve as foster parents To settle a lawsuit brought by a Washington state couple, state officials agreed to a permanent injunction allowing Christian families to serve as foster parents without promoting so-called “gender ideology,” reports Alliance Defending Freedom. Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families has agreed to settle a lawsuit over its policies excluding religious families. The state had enacted a new policy requiring all families to use a child's chosen pronouns, don't you know. The state then declined to issue Shane and Jennifer DeGross a full license under this policy because of the couple's Christian objections to socially “transitioning” children that may be placed in their care, between the ages of 2 and 18. Jennifer DeGross said this on Fox News. JENNIFER DEGROSS: “In 2022, we were going through our relicensing process and realized that the state had updated some of their rules regarding foster parents. One of those rules was requiring us to adhere to their ideology regarding gender identity and while we said that we would love and care for any child in our home, those were requirements we just could not abide by as Christians.” In Matthew 19:4, Jesus said, “Surely, you have read in the Scriptures: When God made the world, 'He made them male and female.” Johannes Delphonse, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, said, “Washington's policy failed to respect religious diversity because it singled out applicants with traditional religious beliefs on the sanctity of the human body.  The DeGrosses merely asked to be treated the same as any other family—without being asked to compromise their core beliefs. “This is a win-win because it will ensure more families can serve as foster parents to help meet the needs of every precious child in Washington's foster-care system.” Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, resigns Tulsi Gabbard is resigning from her post as Director of National Intelligence to support her husband, Abraham, through his battle with "an extremely rare form of bone cancer," reports Fox News. She said, “I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.” Gabbard notified President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office this past Friday. Her last day is expected to be June 30. In her formal resignation letter, Gabbard says she is "deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the last year and a half." During her tenure, Gabbard became one of the most controversial and transformative intelligence leaders in recent memory. She spearheaded efforts to reduce the size of the intelligence community bureaucracy, dismantle diversity and equity programs inside federal intelligence agencies, and declassify hundreds of thousands of pages of government records tied to major historical and political investigations. Among the most significant disclosures were records connected to the Trump-Russia investigation, the JFK and RFK assassinations, and the origins of the Crossfire Hurricane probe. MS NOW panel claims SC blacks to be 'disenfranchised' by GOP And finally, MS NOW host Chris Jansing presided over a discussion of GOP efforts to redraw South Carolina's congressional districts in which her Democrat guests claimed that blacks are being "disenfranchised" in South Carolina, reports Newsbusters.org. She offered this melodramatic introduction in her interview with South Carolina State Rep. Kambrell Garvin, a black Democrat. JANSING: “Today, a dramatic warning about voting rights from one North Carolina state senator who told Politico the entire South is on fire. Jim Clyburn accuses Republicans of creating Jim Crow 2.0. Is he right?” GARVIN: “Absolutely, Chris. It's starting to feel more like 1966 and not 2026. So, you're talking about over a 100-year period where black folks in South Carolina did not get a chance to have a voice, did not get a chance to have a seat at the table. And now we are facing a situation where it might be another 100 years where African Americans will not be able to have a voice.” Laughably, neither Chris Jansing nor Rep. Garvin remembered to point out that South Carolinians have elected and re-elected Tim Scott, a Republican black man, as one of their two United States Senators. Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky was equally blind in her condemnation of South Carolinian voters. ROGINSKY: “You are now about to see complete eradication of black power in Congress. It is precisely because of these kinds of places. White voters will not vote for black representatives. I call it racism, but the reality is the reality, which is that we are going to have many, many, many fewer representatives of color.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, May 25th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In Stories of Struggle: The Clash over Civil Rights in South Carolina (U South Carolina Press, 2020), longtime journalist Claudia Smith Brinson details the lynchings, beatings, bombings, cross burnings, death threats, arson, and venomous hatred that black South Carolinians endured―as well as the astonishing courage, devotion, dignity, and compassion of those who risked their lives for equality. Through extensive research and interviews with more than one hundred fifty civil rights activists, many of whom had never shared their stories with anyone, Brinson chronicles twenty pivotal years of petitioning, preaching, picketing, boycotting, marching, and holding sit-ins. Participants' use of nonviolent direct action altered the landscape of civil rights in South Carolina and reverberated throughout the South. These firsthand accounts include those of the unsung petitioners who risked their lives by supporting Summerton's Briggs v. Elliot, a lawsuit that led to the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision; the thousands of students who were arrested and jailed in 1960 for protests in Rock Hill, Orangeburg, Denmark, Columbia, and Sumter; and the black female employees and leaders who defied a governor and his armed troops during the 1969 hospital strike in Charleston. Brinson also highlights contributions made by remarkable but lesser-known activists, including James M. Hinton Sr., president of the South Carolina Conference of Branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Thomas W. Gaither, Congress of Racial Equality field secretary and scout for the Freedom Rides; Charles F. McDew, a South Carolina State College student and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; and Mary Moultrie, grassroots leader of the 1969 hospital workers' strike. These intimate stories of courage and conviction, both heartbreaking and inspiring, shine a light on the progress achieved by nonviolent civil rights activists while also revealing white South Carolinians' often violent resistance to change. Although significant racial disparities remain, the sacrifices of these brave men and women produced real progress―and hope for the future. For more information on this book, see storiesofstruggle.com Matt Simmons is an Assistant Professor of History at Emmanuel University where he teaches course in U.S. and public history. His research interests focus on the intersection of labor and race in the twentieth-century American South. You can follow him on X @matthewfsimmons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

In Stories of Struggle: The Clash over Civil Rights in South Carolina (U South Carolina Press, 2020), longtime journalist Claudia Smith Brinson details the lynchings, beatings, bombings, cross burnings, death threats, arson, and venomous hatred that black South Carolinians endured―as well as the astonishing courage, devotion, dignity, and compassion of those who risked their lives for equality. Through extensive research and interviews with more than one hundred fifty civil rights activists, many of whom had never shared their stories with anyone, Brinson chronicles twenty pivotal years of petitioning, preaching, picketing, boycotting, marching, and holding sit-ins. Participants' use of nonviolent direct action altered the landscape of civil rights in South Carolina and reverberated throughout the South. These firsthand accounts include those of the unsung petitioners who risked their lives by supporting Summerton's Briggs v. Elliot, a lawsuit that led to the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision; the thousands of students who were arrested and jailed in 1960 for protests in Rock Hill, Orangeburg, Denmark, Columbia, and Sumter; and the black female employees and leaders who defied a governor and his armed troops during the 1969 hospital strike in Charleston. Brinson also highlights contributions made by remarkable but lesser-known activists, including James M. Hinton Sr., president of the South Carolina Conference of Branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Thomas W. Gaither, Congress of Racial Equality field secretary and scout for the Freedom Rides; Charles F. McDew, a South Carolina State College student and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; and Mary Moultrie, grassroots leader of the 1969 hospital workers' strike. These intimate stories of courage and conviction, both heartbreaking and inspiring, shine a light on the progress achieved by nonviolent civil rights activists while also revealing white South Carolinians' often violent resistance to change. Although significant racial disparities remain, the sacrifices of these brave men and women produced real progress―and hope for the future. For more information on this book, see storiesofstruggle.com Matt Simmons is an Assistant Professor of History at Emmanuel University where he teaches course in U.S. and public history. His research interests focus on the intersection of labor and race in the twentieth-century American South. You can follow him on X @matthewfsimmons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Stories of Struggle: The Clash over Civil Rights in South Carolina (U South Carolina Press, 2020), longtime journalist Claudia Smith Brinson details the lynchings, beatings, bombings, cross burnings, death threats, arson, and venomous hatred that black South Carolinians endured―as well as the astonishing courage, devotion, dignity, and compassion of those who risked their lives for equality. Through extensive research and interviews with more than one hundred fifty civil rights activists, many of whom had never shared their stories with anyone, Brinson chronicles twenty pivotal years of petitioning, preaching, picketing, boycotting, marching, and holding sit-ins. Participants' use of nonviolent direct action altered the landscape of civil rights in South Carolina and reverberated throughout the South. These firsthand accounts include those of the unsung petitioners who risked their lives by supporting Summerton's Briggs v. Elliot, a lawsuit that led to the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision; the thousands of students who were arrested and jailed in 1960 for protests in Rock Hill, Orangeburg, Denmark, Columbia, and Sumter; and the black female employees and leaders who defied a governor and his armed troops during the 1969 hospital strike in Charleston. Brinson also highlights contributions made by remarkable but lesser-known activists, including James M. Hinton Sr., president of the South Carolina Conference of Branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Thomas W. Gaither, Congress of Racial Equality field secretary and scout for the Freedom Rides; Charles F. McDew, a South Carolina State College student and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; and Mary Moultrie, grassroots leader of the 1969 hospital workers' strike. These intimate stories of courage and conviction, both heartbreaking and inspiring, shine a light on the progress achieved by nonviolent civil rights activists while also revealing white South Carolinians' often violent resistance to change. Although significant racial disparities remain, the sacrifices of these brave men and women produced real progress―and hope for the future. For more information on this book, see storiesofstruggle.com Matt Simmons is an Assistant Professor of History at Emmanuel University where he teaches course in U.S. and public history. His research interests focus on the intersection of labor and race in the twentieth-century American South. You can follow him on X @matthewfsimmons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

In Stories of Struggle: The Clash over Civil Rights in South Carolina (U South Carolina Press, 2020), longtime journalist Claudia Smith Brinson details the lynchings, beatings, bombings, cross burnings, death threats, arson, and venomous hatred that black South Carolinians endured―as well as the astonishing courage, devotion, dignity, and compassion of those who risked their lives for equality. Through extensive research and interviews with more than one hundred fifty civil rights activists, many of whom had never shared their stories with anyone, Brinson chronicles twenty pivotal years of petitioning, preaching, picketing, boycotting, marching, and holding sit-ins. Participants' use of nonviolent direct action altered the landscape of civil rights in South Carolina and reverberated throughout the South. These firsthand accounts include those of the unsung petitioners who risked their lives by supporting Summerton's Briggs v. Elliot, a lawsuit that led to the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision; the thousands of students who were arrested and jailed in 1960 for protests in Rock Hill, Orangeburg, Denmark, Columbia, and Sumter; and the black female employees and leaders who defied a governor and his armed troops during the 1969 hospital strike in Charleston. Brinson also highlights contributions made by remarkable but lesser-known activists, including James M. Hinton Sr., president of the South Carolina Conference of Branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Thomas W. Gaither, Congress of Racial Equality field secretary and scout for the Freedom Rides; Charles F. McDew, a South Carolina State College student and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; and Mary Moultrie, grassroots leader of the 1969 hospital workers' strike. These intimate stories of courage and conviction, both heartbreaking and inspiring, shine a light on the progress achieved by nonviolent civil rights activists while also revealing white South Carolinians' often violent resistance to change. Although significant racial disparities remain, the sacrifices of these brave men and women produced real progress―and hope for the future. For more information on this book, see storiesofstruggle.com Matt Simmons is an Assistant Professor of History at Emmanuel University where he teaches course in U.S. and public history. His research interests focus on the intersection of labor and race in the twentieth-century American South. You can follow him on X @matthewfsimmons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final hour of The Tara Show on Friday, May 22, 2026, tied national political liabilities directly to local South Carolina primary battles and the ongoing economic pain at the gas pump.13th: Democrats' Obsession with Releasing Criminals: The hour opened with a fiery monologue blasting progressive criminal justice reform. The segment slammed cashless bail and reduced sentencing guidelines, arguing that left-wing policies prioritizing the early release of violent offenders have become a massive political liability for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms.14th: Caller Lucy in Greenville on Pascoe and Reddy: WYRD caller Lucy sparked an intense local political debate by floating two sharp theories about the South Carolina Republican primaries. First, she questioned if Attorney General candidate David Pascoe is a genuine conservative or just a lifelong Democrat running as a Republican because a Democrat can't win statewide. Second, she questioned if millionaire DOGE SC founder Rom Reddy is a political "plant" designed to fracture the conservative vote, noting the suspicious timing of his sudden gubernatorial run and his group's endorsement of Pascoe.15th: The War on Gasoline (Chevron vs. Gavin Newsom): Shifting to the energy crisis, the show detailed the escalating corporate and political warfare in California. The segment exposed how Governor Gavin Newsom's aggressive regulatory penalties and mandates have driven Chevron to openly fight back, framing the administration's climate policies as a direct, manufactured "war on gasoline" that destroys domestic energy security.16th: The Gas Price Crisis and Rom Reddy's Stance: The broadcast concluded with an open floor discussion on skyrocketing gas prices and the search for fuel discounts amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict. The host looped the energy crisis back to the local governor's race, analyzing candidate Rom Reddy's economic platforms and whether his business background offers a viable solution to rising utility and fuel costs for South Carolinians.

Full Show Summary: The Tara Show (Friday — May 22, 2026)Hour 1: Local Corruption, School Safety, and Media BiasSegment 1: The broadcast opened with a critical local update on corruption within South Carolina's judicial selection process, breaking down how powerful trial lawyers manipulate the system to protect favorable judges.Segment 2: The host reacted to a major security scare at a Greenville County school, analyzing the immediate response protocols and growing parent anxieties over campus safety.Segment 3 & 4: Media analyst Brandon Taylor joined the show to expose blatant institutional bias in national network reporting, highlighting how major media outlets systematically distort headlines to favor progressive political narratives.Hour 2: Political Brawls, Education, and the Dangers of AISegment 5: Wrecker slammed shifting ideologies within the Democratic party, focusing on controversial statements by Maureen Galindo and arguing that radical rhetoric is rapidly fracturing the party's traditional base.Segment 6: The show broke down an explosive primary feud between Donald Trump and SC Attorney General candidate David Pascoe. After Trump labeled him a "RINO and total fraud" on social media, Pascoe fiercely fired back, claiming Trump was being duped by outside influencers.Segment 7 & 8: The host contrasted the positive social effects of public school smartphone bans with the rising threat of ChatGPT cheating. The hour closed with an alarming new study revealing how hyper-personalized AI algorithms are actively turning citizens against each other.Hour 3: Global Extortion, Ammo Shortages, and Data BattlesSegment 9: The show provided an emergency look at Iran's sudden establishment of an illegal toll system in the Strait of Hormuz, demanding up to $2 million per vessel [ay2tF62fvLE]. The extortion maneuver left Donald Trump's fragile weekend peace framework on life support.Segment 10: Analysts warned that high-intensity naval warfare in the Persian Gulf has exhausted U.S. stockpiles of Tomahawk missiles, leaving a severely weakened defense industrial base unable to replenish the arsenal fast enough to sustain a protracted war.Segment 11 & 12: Shifting to Europe, the host discussed the UK being left to fend for itself against Russia and the political prosecution of independent journalist Nick Shirley. The hour closed with a domestic showdown over conservative red states being the only ones to comply with federal demands to turn over SNAP welfare rolls.Hour 4: Crime, Primary Conspiracies, and the War on GasolineSegment 13: The final hour opened with a blistering monologue targeting progressive justice policies, arguing that cashless bail and reduced sentencing for violent criminals have become a massive political liability for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms.Segment 14: Caller Lucy in Greenville sparked intense debate by questioning if candidate David Pascoe is a closet Democrat, and if millionaire DOGE SC founder Rom Reddy is a political "plant" running for Governor to deliberately fracture the conservative vote.Segment 15 & 16: The broadcast exposed the corporate and political warfare between Chevron and California Governor Gavin Newsom over aggressive regulatory penalties. The show concluded by linking skyrocketing national gas prices back to local candidate platforms and how South Carolinians can navigate rising fuel costs.

Rob Ready Takes Aim at SC Government HOOK South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Rob Ready joins the show and unloads on runaway government spending, soaring taxes, dark money corruption, and what he calls a broken political machine running the state. DESCRIPTION South Carolina governor candidate Rob Ready joins Tara to lay out his outsider platform focused on shrinking government, eliminating taxes, exposing dark money influence, and rebooting what he calls a corrupt political system. Comparing his vision to Florida under Ron DeSantis, Ready argues South Carolina has doubled spending while residents continue struggling with rising costs, weak infrastructure, and failing institutions. The conversation dives into property taxes, education spending, local government accountability, campaign finance reform, and why Ready says he's self-funding his campaign to stay independent from donors and political insiders. KEY TALKING POINTS Rob Ready compares his vision for South Carolina to Florida's model Claims state and local government spending has doubled in recent years Proposal to eliminate state income taxes Calls to eliminate property taxes on cars and trucks Criticism of local government and school district spending Concerns about rising administrative costs in education Discussion of AI-based forensic auditing tools for government spending Claims South Carolina's political system is driven by dark money Criticism of campaign disclosure laws in South Carolina Ready says he is fully self-funding his campaign Discussion of donor influence in state politics Criticism of Republican leadership and establishment figures Debate over shrinking versus reforming government SEGMENT BREAKDOWN SEGMENT 1 — “Florida Worked. Why Not South Carolina?” Rob Ready explains why he believes South Carolina should follow Florida's economic and tax model, citing Governor Ron DeSantis as an example of effective conservative leadership. SEGMENT 2 — Taxes, Spending & Government Growth Ready argues state and local government spending has exploded while South Carolinians continue facing higher taxes and stagnant quality-of-life improvements. SEGMENT 3 — Education Spending Explosion The conversation shifts to school districts, higher education, and what Ready calls administrative bloat that continues driving up costs without improving outcomes. SEGMENT 4 — Dark Money & Political Corruption Ready claims South Carolina's political system is controlled by donors, PAC money, and hidden interests. He discusses campaign disclosure laws and why he refuses outside donations. SEGMENT 5 — Outsider vs. Establishment Ready positions himself as a political outsider taking on long-standing Republican leadership, arguing the system cannot simply be reformed and instead must be dramatically reduced. CLICKABLE HEADLINES Rob Ready Says South Carolina Government Must Be “Shrunk” SC Governor Candidate Calls State Spending “Out of Control” Rob Ready Targets Taxes, Dark Money & Political Insiders “Government Has Doubled”: Rob Ready Sounds Alarm South Carolina Candidate Pushes Florida-Style Reforms Rob Ready Blasts Republican Establishment in SC “Other People's Money”: Ready Slams Government Spending SC Governor Hopeful Promises Full Financial Transparence South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Rob Ready joins Tara for a wide-ranging interview on taxes, spending, corruption, and the future of the state. Ready says South Carolina has become overwhelmed by runaway government growth, rising taxes, and political insiders protected by dark money and special interests. He lays out his plan to eliminate certain taxes, shrink government, audit spending, and challenge what he calls a broken political machine. Topics include: South Carolina taxes Government spending Property tax reform School district spending Campaign finance transparency Florida comparisons Ron DeSantis influence Republican establishment criticism Self-funded campaigns Dark money in politics SOCIAL ME ...

Governor Series - Interview with District 5 Congressman and Gubernatorial Canidate Ralph Norman Part 1 full 00:01 News Talk 98.9 WORD's exclusive South Carolina Governor Series. Powered by Gosling Electric. An in-depth free flow conversation with the leading candidates. Here are your hosts, Charlie James and Joey Hudson. Good afternoon and welcome to the Governor's Series on News Talk 98.9 WORD. I'm Charlie James along with Joey Hudson and our very special guest this afternoon 00:25 is Congressman Ralph Norman, is running for governor of South Carolina. Congressman, welcome. Hope you're doing well, sir. Always glad to be with you. So let me just start off with one of the big questions that everybody's talking about right now, redistricting. Where are we on redistricting right now? You were one of the first people to call for it. How important is it in South Carolina that we get these districts redrawn? It's very important. I called for it back in July last year when I announced it's a racially motivated drawn district that has no place. 00:55 in South Carolina. like Jim Clyburn, but the fact that of the 14 counties, it cuts into eight of them. This in black white is South Carolinians, is Americans having the right to be in a district that's drawn fairly. We all represent 720, 730,000 people. And it's gerrymandered to, I've never seen one this bad, to be honest with you. 01:23 I mean, you've got to be a psychic or a surveyor to find out what precinct you vote in. And oh the people deserve that. If you took a poll of the people in the sixth district that would want it redrawn fairly, then I think it would be overwhelming. Absolutely. Congressman, you have emphasized fiscal discipline during your service in the U.S. House. Talk with us about, if you're in the governor's mansion, uh things that you see in the state budget. 01:53 that could be cut. Give us a couple of specifics and areas that we're just literally overspending. Well, that's one of the driving reasons I decided to run for governor. The fact that this corruption, this waste, this fraud and this abuse, it just is. And people ask me all the time, well, give me an example. Well, look at the billion dollars they found last year, all of a sudden appeared, and then it disappeared. You've got a core small group of people that's controlling the budget. 02:23 Look at Scout Motors. That's abuse at its worst and waste uh right along with that. An electric car company that got a billion three of our tax money and then moved the headquarters to Charlotte? It doesn't make sense. No clawback on the money. Politicians can't make business decisions. They just can't. That's not going to happen with Ralph Norman. It comes from being in the business arena for 40 years. I've made money and I've lost money. 02:53 uh The captain for your viewers view go online and and look at Captain Sam spit It's a name for an a small 130 acre track at the end of Keowa Island. They paid 32 million to not develop it When I asked a lot of the legislators they didn't know about it. That's no excuse uh Ignorance is not bliss uh ignorance needs to be 03:20 called out, I will do that, but it'll never get to that point where you give away money that should be on our roads, should be on our bridges, it should be on our safety, the way we elect our judges is a joke. So I guess if I had to sum it up, Joey, I'm not giving anything away. We've got, from what I see in Congress, the New Yorkers that are fleeing New York because of the socialistic policies. 03:48 Virginia just elected a Marxist socialist in Spanberger. Guess where they're coming? South Carolina. They're not going to take advantage of us. If they don't have our culture, they don't have our, just don't value our way of life. And that's one thing that's been great about running for governor, going all over the state. Cities and counties have a certain type of heritage that they value. And if the companies don't embody that, 04:18 faith, family, and freedom. This is a common theme through all of it. Then why give our money away? ... 1380 Mon, 11 May 2026 20:30:00 +0000 AN1UMZ7vohxG3yPfdMweYvPMOPNPqB7D news The Charlie James Show Podcast news Governor Series - Interview with District 5 Congressman and Gubernatorial Canidate Ralph Norman Part 1 The Charlie James Show originates from News/Talk 989 WORD, The Upstate's #1 Talk Station, weekdays 3-7pm. Charlie tackles the topics that matter to the Carolina's. He interviews the movers and shakers while letting listeners sound off on the news of the day. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False

What administrative professionals get on their special day.. The Blue Alert all South Carolinians got.. Reasons we shop.. Celebrating Earth Day.. Unexpected visits from a significant other.. Man sues for bed bugs.. A way to help with loneliness.. Plus, pilots being naughty mid-air.

In the opening segment of the second hour, Charlie James discussed the push for judicial selection reform in South Carolina, highlighting the tension between the House and Senate as the 2026 legislative session progresses. While the House recently passed a bill to give the governor full control over the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC)—a move aimed at ending the "lawmaker monopoly" and increasing public trust—the measure has stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Critics in the Senate remain protective of the current system, despite polling that shows 58% of South Carolinians favor reform to ensure a more independent judiciary.

On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:Mark Lynch is a successful business owner who employs 110 South Carolinians as president and owner of Jeff Lynch Appliance Center. That business remained open during the China-virus pandemic. Lynch say's he's a conservative, 2nd amendment & pro life leader who fought against shutdowns, medical tyranny, BLM & ANTIFA, while working to pass good legislation in the state house. He wants to replace establishment Republican, Mr. Bubble wand, Lindsey Graham.

In the second segment of Hour 3, Charlie James shifted the focus from the gas pump to the rising costs of home utilities, drawing a direct line between global energy policies and the "sticker shock" South Carolinians are seeing on their Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas bills. He explored how the same inflationary pressures driving up fuel prices are bleeding into monthly light and heating expenses, leaving families with less disposable income at the end of the month. James criticized the regulatory environment that allows for consistent rate hikes, arguing that utility monopolies are passing the cost of "green" transitions and infrastructure mismanagement directly onto the consumer.

During the final hour of the program, Charlie James delivered a stark call to action, asking listeners, "What is it going to take to get you to vote on June 9th?" He emphasized that the stakes for the upcoming primary are incredibly high, particularly as South Carolinians realize they aren't seeing the promised "Build Back Better" tax cuts or meaningful relief at the federal level. James argued that the only way to combat permanent bureaucratic growth and taxpayer neglect is to show up at the polls to support "America First" candidates who will actually prioritize local wallets over globalist spending plans.

In this episode, Emily Allen sits down with South Carolinian author Scott Gould as they talk about his 2025 book, "Peace Like a River," his writing process, and how important southern storytelling truly is.Follow us on Take on the South socials!https://linktr.ee/sostatusc#podcast #southernvibes #history #gamecocknation

With only 63 days remaining until South Carolinians head to the polls for the primary, the window for action is narrowing as early voting is set to begin on May 26th. This upcoming period offers voters a critical opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the June 9th primary, marking a decisive moment in the state's election cycle.

South Carolinians were promised a small break — a two-month gas tax suspension — but lawmakers blocked it, keeping millions flowing into state coffers. Meanwhile, Germany shocks the world by planning 15 new nuclear plants and rebuilding the Nord Stream pipeline, defying US sanctions and challenging the dollar's dominance. Energy, politics, and money collide — what it means for you and the economy. Episode Summary: South Carolina Budget Madness: Billion-dollar surplus, no tax relief for waitresses or parents, and a blocked two-month gas tax break. Legislators prioritize revenue forecasts over real-life relief. Gas Prices & Policy: Gasoline prices remain high, echoing 2022 levels, yet lawmakers ignore temporary relief measures. Germany's Energy Rebellion: Fifteen new nuclear plants, lifting sanctions on Russian oil & gas, and plans to rebuild Nord Stream — signaling Europe's pivot away from US-dominated energy transactions. Petrodollar at Risk: Germany's move could destabilize the US dollar if other European nations follow suit. Trump-era foreign policy tensions loom as NATO dynamics face new strains. Global Implications: The US faces challenges to its economic and geopolitical influence as Europe explores energy independence. Key Quotes: “They got plenty of money… but they would like to have your money.” “German government just announced it's gonna build fifteen new nuclear power plants.” “Washington's gotta stop spending money. We're about to lose this printing press.” Suggested Social Media Post:

00:00 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:28 spacious skies for amber waves of 00:37 For purple mountain majesties. 00:59 share his grace on thee. 01:09 Wait 01:12 from sea to shining sea America is back! 01:26 Let's go to the WRD talk line. talk to Matt in Greenville. Matt, how are you? Good. How are you, Charlie? I'm fantastic. What's up, buddy? Hey, I was just going to be the pessimist here about the SAVE Act and predict that absolutely nothing is going to happen. They're not going to pass the bill. Right. They're not going to change the rules in the Senate. 01:55 And I think the big reason is, is more than anything else, senators want to be relevant. And they say when you're in the minority in the house, you might as well not even go to work. Yeah. In the Senate, they, they gotta, you know, they keep the filibuster there because no matter who's in power, I'm still relevant. If I'm in the majority, I'm relevant. And if I'm in the minority, they got to get past a filibuster. Yeah. 02:24 and they're never going to change the speaking rules on a filibuster for a real simple reason. When they got rid of it back in the 70s, you know, actually having to speechify. Right, right. ah When they got rid of it back in the 70s, there was no C-span. Can you imagine the blowback if... 02:49 Senator Scott got up there and started reading the Charleston phone book My god, the the country's head would explode. Yeah, I might be wonderful But he but you know Matt here because they can change the rules, Yeah, they can change rules. It's a so emotional thing. It's right So why don't they make it to where if you have to stand up and vote or I stand up and filibuster? 03:17 Why don't they pass a rule where all of your debate has to be directly related to the topic? 03:24 Well, because it's not going to look good on TV. You're right. I? And I really think it's just that simple. Yeah. I don't blame. If just gets up there and drones on and on, even the people whose party he's in are going to go, dude, you know, take the loss and go on to something else. Yeah. Yeah. But now, now you just roll over and... 03:52 I wonder who was in power when they passed that rule change. I I bet it'd be a good thing to look it were all for it because it gave them all cover on what I was talking about. Yeah, you're exactly right. They in the mirror and say, good morning, Mr. President. that's right. That's why they do it and they're not going to change. And somebody called in earlier today and said we ought to do away with the 17th Amendment. 04:21 and I couldn't agree more, it would make the legislature in Columbia matter. Right now, they can sit down there and do whatever they want because nobody pays attention to them. Right. But if you push that back down to the legislature, I think in a way, it actually gets closer to the people. That's my two cents worth. You're right. I appreciate it, Matt. Thank you. What Matt was talking about is what does a Democrat or what does a senator say every morning when he looks in the mirror? 04:50 Good morning, Mr. President. Yeah, that's really that's way they feel. That's why they feel. I saw a thing the other day where Susan Collins said when she was first running for the Senate that she was only going to serve two terms. But it was that been 30 years ago, something like that. Yeah. Well, all right. And yes, there was a test vote that was just held in the Senate. I'll tell you about that coming up in just a second. But let's move a little closer to home right now down in Columbia. 05:19 um That budget that was passed by the House, that bloated, hideous budget that they gave us, that is actually going to raise income taxes for about 22 % of South Carolinians, these people never see anything like it. The status quo, the establishment. 05:45 In ...

00:00 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:27 spacious skies for amber waves of 00:37 For purple mountain majesties. 00:59 share his grace on thee. 01:12 from sea to shining sea. America is back. Yes, sir. And we are back. Well, today, um the uh Speaker of the House in South Carolina, probably the most powerful man in government here in South Carolina, he made a little video. 01:39 that he put out talking about all of the wins that they had yesterday in the House. have this overwhelming vote in support of the budget. Also after the budget, we did income tax. We concurred with the Senate amendments. So that means income tax is going to get accomplished in South Carolina. It's on the way to the desk of government master and hopefully going to have government master sign that in very near future. 02:03 So we're going to see immediate relief. We're going to untether ourselves. Hey, let me go back. That wasn't exactly the beginning. Here's the beginning. Hey, everyone. It's 9.30 on Tuesday. We just wrapped up our second day of the budget debate. It's been a historic day for us here in South Carolina. What's happened today is we adopted a budget, which is a strong budget that protects taxpayers and protects the 02:27 Teachers and core functions of government is something that we're very proud of. want to give a shout out to the Ways and Means Committee. Huh. A shout out to the Ways and Means Committee. 02:39 Gilda Cobb Hunter was appointed, she's a Democrat, appointed by that fellow, Merle Smith, to the Ways and Means Committee. want you to listen to what Gilda Cobb Hunter said about Moms for Liberty. T-A or some, Moms for Liberty, please. They are a terrorist group. Moms for Liberty, that is, that's who Merle Smith. 03:06 That's who Murrell Smith, the same woman that called Charlie Kirk a racist, that's who Murrell Smith appointed as the first vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Now, was everything that he was saying actually even possible? Because remember, a lot of these people that voted for this, they didn't even read the bill. Representative Mike Kukaski was talking with Representative Serita Edgerton when he said this. 03:36 ah you will find that there is no provision requiring you to actually read anything. And I think that after this short couple weeks you've been with us, you'll find that too often nobody reads anything. Nobody reads anything. Let's talk with Sarita Edgerton right now. Representative Edgerton, welcome to the program. Hope you're doing well. Hey Charlie, I just wanted to say I started out my morning with some terrorists at the Moms for Everybody press conference. 04:03 Oh, exactly right. right. Unbelievable. And she's first vice chair. So what Merle Smith was... She had a subcommittee, not a whole committee. Yeah, the subcommittee. But she was appointed by Merle Smith. But the question is here, he's talking about all of these great things in the budget. What he's leaving out is this is the largest budget in South Carolina history, right? That's correct. Increased by 2.1 or 2.2 billion dollars of the B9M. Yeah. 04:34 So that's a lot of money. Now, how can you give tax breaks and increase the budget at the same time? um You asked a very good question, Charlie. I don't see where you can. I just don't know that it's financially and fiscally responsible to do so, um but self-sufficiency will try it again. Yeah, absolutely. So we are hearing that this tax plan that they have 05:00 is actually going to increase taxes on about 20 % of South Carolinians? So, yes, and forgive me, my numbers aren't exactly correct, but it's about 22.6 % will see an increase. Approximately 42 point something percent will see no change at all, which is good for them. Right. And about, I guess, 30 something that's left or yeah, something that's left, ...

00:00 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:27 spacious skies for amber waves of 00:37 For purple mountain majesties. 00:59 share his grace on thee. 01:12 from sea to shining sea. America is back. Yes, sir. And we are back. Well, today, um the uh Speaker of the House in South Carolina, probably the most powerful man in government here in South Carolina, he made a little video. 01:39 that he put out talking about all of the wins that they had yesterday in the House. have this overwhelming vote in support of the budget. Also after the budget, we did income tax. We concurred with the Senate amendments. So that means income tax is going to get accomplished in South Carolina. It's on the way to the desk of government master and hopefully going to have government master sign that in very near future. 02:03 So we're going to see immediate relief. We're going to untether ourselves. Hey, let me go back. That wasn't exactly the beginning. Here's the beginning. Hey, everyone. It's 9.30 on Tuesday. We just wrapped up our second day of the budget debate. It's been a historic day for us here in South Carolina. What's happened today is we adopted a budget, which is a strong budget that protects taxpayers and protects the 02:27 Teachers and core functions of government is something that we're very proud of. want to give a shout out to the Ways and Means Committee. Huh. A shout out to the Ways and Means Committee. 02:39 Gilda Cobb Hunter was appointed, she's a Democrat, appointed by that fellow, Merle Smith, to the Ways and Means Committee. want you to listen to what Gilda Cobb Hunter said about Moms for Liberty. T-A or some, Moms for Liberty, please. They are a terrorist group. Moms for Liberty, that is, that's who Merle Smith. 03:06 That's who Murrell Smith, the same woman that called Charlie Kirk a racist, that's who Murrell Smith appointed as the first vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Now, was everything that he was saying actually even possible? Because remember, a lot of these people that voted for this, they didn't even read the bill. Representative Mike Kukaski was talking with Representative Serita Edgerton when he said this. 03:36 ah you will find that there is no provision requiring you to actually read anything. And I think that after this short couple weeks you've been with us, you'll find that too often nobody reads anything. Nobody reads anything. Let's talk with Sarita Edgerton right now. Representative Edgerton, welcome to the program. Hope you're doing well. Hey Charlie, I just wanted to say I started out my morning with some terrorists at the Moms for Everybody press conference. 04:03 oh Oh, exactly right. right. Unbelievable. And she's first vice vice chair. what Murrell Smith was of a subcommittee. Yeah. The subcommittee. But she she was appointed by Murrell Smith. But the question is here, he's talking about all of these great things in the budget. What he's leaving out is this is the largest budget in South Carolina history, right? That's correct. Increased by two point one or two point two billion dollars of the B9M. Yeah. um 04:34 So that's a lot of money. Now, how can you give tax breaks and increase the budget at the same time? um You asked a very good question, Charlie. I don't see where you can. I just don't know that it's financially and fiscally responsible to do so, um but self-sufficiency will try it again. Yeah, absolutely. So we are hearing that this tax plan that they have 05:00 is actually going to increase taxes on about 20 % of South Carolinians? So, yes, and forgive me, my numbers aren't exactly correct, but it's about 22.6 % will see an increase. Approximately 42 point something percent will see no change at all, which is good for them. Right. And about, I guess, 30 something that's left or yeah, something tha ...

In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with South Carolina State Representative Jeff Bradley, chairman of the House Regulations and Administrative Procedures Committee, about a major push to rein in the administrative state and make government more accountable to the people. Bradley explains how South Carolina's Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act would force a regular review of regulations, create a seven-year sunset for rules that are no longer justified, strengthen protections for citizens challenging agency decisions, and put real checks on unelected bureaucrats. He shares how overregulation hurts small businesses, raises costs, slows growth, and makes it harder for entrepreneurs to succeed. The conversation also explores how South Carolina is using new tools, including artificial intelligence, to identify duplicative rules and modernize government. Bradley lays out why reducing red tape is not anti-regulation, but pro-accountability, pro-growth, and pro-freedom — and why this fight matters for every South Carolinian.

Tara interviews Ralph Norman about the state of South Carolina's taxes, infrastructure, and business incentives. Norman argues South Carolinians are overtaxed while Florida thrives with no income tax. He promises a forensic accounting of state agencies and a crackdown on wasteful spending. Controversial EV incentives for Scout Motors are criticized as a misuse of taxpayer money, especially as roads and infrastructure remain neglected. Gas tax hikes, failed contracts, and bloated bureaucracy are highlighted as core issues Norman aims to fix. The episode also explores Norman's plan to prioritize infrastructure, reduce utility costs, and hold state legislators accountable for mismanaged funds. Get an inside look at South Carolina politics, fiscal responsibility, and Norman's vision for a taxpayer-first administration.

Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democratic candidate challenging Lindsey Graham for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, joins the Chuck ToddCast to discuss why healthcare providers must lead the fight for reform in an era of collapsing trust in federal institutions. Andrews explains that pediatricians should be at the forefront because Medicaid—the largest insurer of children—has been gutted, and doctors are now disputing dangerous government vaccine policies from an administration where medical information can no longer be trusted. She argues the healthcare system is fundamentally broken, rewarding providers for delivering more treatment rather than better outcomes while facing what she describes as a coordinated attack on healthcare. As a physician countering "Dr. Internet" disinformation, Andrews discusses running as a Democrat despite the challenges, emphasizing that Democrats have a severe geographic disconnect with rural voters, particularly rural Black voters in South Carolina for whom nothing has improved. Andrews takes direct aim at Lindsey Graham, calling him a follower rather than a leader who simply follows Trump and supports unconstitutional actions while thinking he's politically invulnerable. She expresses disappointment that Nikki Haley and Nancy Mace couldn't stand up to Trump, noting both have "devolved in recent years." Drawing inspiration from the Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock blueprint for Democrats in the South, Andrews insists that if Democrats win the midterms they must be bold, hold Trump accountable, and not take impeachment off the table. Reflecting on her pandemic experience—a period she believes Americans still don't understand—Andrews criticizes D.C. politicians for being disconnected from the real world and argues that on issues like AI regulation, profits cannot be prioritized over common sense safety solutions. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Dr. Annie Andrews joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 When did you first want to enter politics? 03:30 Did you learn about the healthcare business in med school? 06:00 Pediatricians should be leading the way on healthcare reform 06:45 Medicaid is largest insurer of children & has been gutted 07:30 Pediatricians dispute government vaccine policy for kids 09:00 We can’t trust medical info from the federal government 10:00 Has any RFK proclamation or policy actually made sense? 11:15 How do you deal with “Dr. Internet”? 12:15 Doctors need an online presence to counter disinformation 14:00 Why is it more profitable to run a non-profit over for-profit hospital? 14:45 Healthcare system is rewarded for proving more treatment, not better 16:15 We’re seeing a coordinated attack on our healthcare system 17:00 Jaime Harrison’s campaign in SC was a disaster 18:15 Easiest way to run in the south is to erase the D by your name 19:00 Many challenges to running as an independent 20:30 Democrats have a geographic disconnect with rural voters 21:30 Nothing has gotten better for rural black voters in SC 23:30 The pandemic was a huge reason for Harrison’s bad loss 24:15 How do you win over a voter that supported Trump? 25:15 Lindsey Graham is supporting unconstitutional actions 26:00 Graham isn’t a leader, he’s a follower & he follows Trump 27:00 Disappointing Nikki Haley couldn’t stand up to Trump more 29:00 South Carolinians says they want outsiders, then vote for insiders 29:45 Graham thinks he’s politically invulnerable 31:00 People will have their lives negatively impacted by GOP policy 32:15 What do you make of Nancy Mace’s political saliency? 33:15 Nancy Mace has devolved in recent years 34:30 Thoughts on Chuck Schumer as Dem leader in senate? 35:45 Jon Ossoff & Raphael Warnock provide blueprint for Dems in south 37:30 Trump & the administration must be held accountable 38:45 Dems must be bold in their agenda if they win the midterms 39:30 Impeachment shouldn’t be off the table 41:30 Can you be both a fighter and a uniter as a candidate? 42:45 Too many D.C. politicians are disconnected from the real world 44:00 How should congress regulate AI? 45:45 Profits can’t be the priority over common sense safety solutions 46:45 Best TV doctor show that gets it right? E.R. & The Pitt 48:00 Americans don’t understand what hospitals were like during Covid 49:00 What’s your campaigning rhythm as a candidate? 50:15 Clemson or South Carolina?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It feels like Groundhog Day in Washington, but with far higher stakes: Chuck Todd unpacks how the constant churn of déjà vu political scandals has morphed from quirky repetition into full-blown national exhaustion. This episode dives into a rapidly growing blue-wave electorate colliding with what may be the most consequential corruption story of our time—allegations that Trump-era public policy was effectively put up for sale. From a $500 million UAE investment in a Trump-linked company to the approval of advanced AI chip sales, lucrative pardons, and billions in defense contracts tied to the Trump family orbit, Chuck argues this isn’t a one-off scandal but a systemic pattern that dwarfs Watergate. As Congress looks away and enforcement agencies stay silent, the question becomes existential: when foreign money shapes national security decisions, is American policy still being made for the country—or for the first family? Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democratic candidate challenging Lindsey Graham for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, joins the Chuck ToddCast to discuss why healthcare providers must lead the fight for reform in an era of collapsing trust in federal institutions. Andrews explains that pediatricians should be at the forefront because Medicaid—the largest insurer of children—has been gutted, and doctors are now disputing dangerous government vaccine policies from an administration where medical information can no longer be trusted. She argues the healthcare system is fundamentally broken, rewarding providers for delivering more treatment rather than better outcomes while facing what she describes as a coordinated attack on healthcare. As a physician countering "Dr. Internet" disinformation, Andrews discusses running as a Democrat despite the challenges, emphasizing that Democrats have a severe geographic disconnect with rural voters, particularly rural Black voters in South Carolina for whom nothing has improved. Andrews takes direct aim at Lindsey Graham, calling him a follower rather than a leader who simply follows Trump and supports unconstitutional actions while thinking he's politically invulnerable. She expresses disappointment that Nikki Haley and Nancy Mace couldn't stand up to Trump, noting both have "devolved in recent years." Drawing inspiration from the Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock blueprint for Democrats in the South, Andrews insists that if Democrats win the midterms they must be bold, hold Trump accountable, and not take impeachment off the table. Reflecting on her pandemic experience—a period she believes Americans still don't understand—Andrews criticizes D.C. politicians for being disconnected from the real world and argues that on issues like AI regulation, profits cannot be prioritized over common sense safety solutions. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the meeting at Yalta following World War 2 and why the “spheres of influence” world order prioritizes short-term stability over long-term legitimacy. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 It feels like “Groundhog Day” in Washington D.C. 03:00 Movie changed meaning from a quirky holiday to exhaustion 04:15 Political headlines just keep repeating themselves 05:00 Huge “blue wave” is building in the electorate 06:30 Trump bribery scandal should be seismic, likely gets ignored again 07:45 At what point does a policy decision become a product for sale? 09:00 Wall Street Journal stories are legally airtight 10:45 Every piece of public policy is for sale under Trump 12:30 UAE exec bought 49% stake in Trump company for $500m 13:15 Steve Witkoff also made millions from the deal 15:30 This scandal makes Watergate look like a third rate burglary 17:00 After deal, government agreed to sell 500k advanced AI chips to UAE 18:30 Whoever controls reserves of World Liberty Financial controls the yields 20:15 Shortly after deal, Trump pardons the co-founder of Binance 21:15 This isn’t an isolated incident, it’s part of a much larger pattern 22:15 Company linked to Donald Trump Jr received billions in defense contracts 23:00 The founders obsessed over corruption and foreign influence 25:00 Is American policy being made for first family, not the country 26:00 Republicans obsessed over Hunter Biden selling paintings 27:15 If AI race is existential, then Trump signed our death warrant for money 28:30 If Congress won’t investigate, FBI should… but they won’t 29:15 Deals like this undermine U.S. sovereignty, everything is for sale 36:15 Dr. Annie Andrews joins the Chuck ToddCast 37:30 When did you first want to enter politics? 39:45 Did you learn about the healthcare business in med school? 42:15 Pediatricians should be leading the way on healthcare reform 43:00 Medicaid is largest insurer of children & has been gutted 43:45 Pediatricians dispute government vaccine policy for kids 45:15 We can’t trust medical info from the federal government 46:15 Has any RFK proclamation or policy actually made sense? 47:30 How do you deal with “Dr. Internet”? 48:30 Doctors need an online presence to counter disinformation 50:15 Why is it more profitable to run a non-profit over for-profit hospital? 51:00 Healthcare system is rewarded for proving more treatment, not better 52:30 We’re seeing a coordinated attack on our healthcare system 53:15 Jaime Harrison’s campaign in SC was a disaster 54:30 Easiest way to run in the south is to erase the D by your name 55:15 Many challenges to running as an independent 56:45 Democrats have a geographic disconnect with rural voters 57:45 Nothing has gotten better for rural black voters in SC 59:45 The pandemic was a huge reason for Harrison’s bad loss 1:00:30 How do you win over a voter that supported Trump? 1:01:30 Lindsey Graham is supporting unconstitutional actions 1:02:15 Graham isn’t a leader, he’s a follower & he follows Trump 1:03:15 Disappointing Nikki Haley couldn’t stand up to Trump more 1:05:15 South Carolinians says they want outsiders, then vote for insiders 1:06:00 Graham thinks he’s politically invulnerable 1:07:15 People will have their lives negatively impacted by GOP policy 1:08:30 What do you make of Nancy Mace’s political saliency? 1:09:30 Nancy Mace has devolved in recent years 1:10:45 Thoughts on Chuck Schumer as Dem leader in senate? 1:12:00 Jon Ossoff & Raphael Warnock provide blueprint for Dems in south 1:13:45 Trump & the administration must be held accountable 1:15:00 Dems must be bold in their agenda if they win the midterms 1:15:45 Impeachment shouldn’t be off the table 1:17:45 Can you be both a fighter and a uniter as a candidate? 1:19:00 Too many D.C. politicians are disconnected from the real world 1:20:15 How should congress regulate AI? 1:22:00 Profits can’t be the priority over common sense safety solutions 1:23:00 Best TV doctor show that gets it right? E.R. & The Pitt 1:24:15 Americans don’t understand what hospitals were like during Covid 1:25:15 What’s your campaigning rhythm as a candidate? 1:26:30 Clemson or South Carolina? 1:27:30 This Trump bribery scandal needs a sharp name for it to stand up 1:28:30 The bribery story is too complex to explain in a few minutes 1:30:00 ToddCast Time Machine – February 4th 1945 1:30:30 Stalin, Roosevelt & Churchill meet in Yalta 1:31:00 Yalta legitimized “spheres of influence” 1:32:00 Why Yalta was a mistake 1:32:45 Eastern Europe traded rule by Nazis to rule by the Soviets 1:33:45 Could Yalta have been avoided? 1:35:15 Roosevelt gambled Stalin could be restrained 1:36:00 Yalta traded long term legitimacy for short term stability 1:37:30 Yalta avoided immediate catastrophe, planted seeds for future tumult 1:40:00 Ask Chuck 1:40:15 Would you consider having Ralph Nader on as a guest? 1:43:30 Any meaningful parallels between Minneapolis and Kent State? 1:46:00 Will there be an election or will Trump declare an emergency to stop it? 1:48:30 Will future president focus more on domestic issues if filibuster is removed? 1:53:00 Is it normal for a president to have so many cognitive exams? 1:56:00 Differences between charter schools and magnet schools? 1:59:00 College basketball thoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 292 of The All About Nothing podcast, Barrett Gruber sits down with Julie Zimmerman, the Democratic candidate for South Carolina State House District 71.Julie shares her deeply personal journey into politics, sparked by a desire to provide a genuine alternative for her community in the wake of national shifts. They dive into the front-line issues facing South Carolinians today: the crisis in public education, the urgent need for mental health access in schools, and the growing healthcare deserts across the state.Julie challenges the conventional wisdom of the "Deep South," arguing that South Carolina is actually a "purple state" that is simply waiting for working-class representation. If you believe that "all politics is local," this conversation is a must-watch for understanding the future of advocacy and voter engagement in 2026.Key Topics: #JulieZimmerman #SCHouseDistrict71 #SouthCarolinaPolitics #EducationReform #MentalHealthAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #LocalElections2026 #VoterEngagement #AllAboutNothingPodcastEmail Julie: juliezforsc@gmail.comVisit JulieZForSC.com for more information about Julie's campaign!Website | Julie Z for SCJulie Z for SC Volunteer Sign-up SheetBlueSky | Julie Zimmerman for SCHD71TikTok | Julie Zimmerman for SCHD71Instagram | Julie Zimmerman for SCHD71Facebook | Julie Zimmerman for SCHD71ActBlue | Julie Zimmerman for SCHD71Zac King | LinktreeBarrett Gruber | LinktreeThe All About Nothing: Podcast | LinktreeClick here for Episode Show Notes!As always, "The All About Nothing: Podcast" is owned and distributed by BIG Media LLC!Check out our network of fantastic podcasts!Click Here to see available advertising packages!Click Here for information on the "Fair Use Copyright Notice" for this podcast.Mentioned in this episode:BIG Media Copyright 2026BIG Media LLCZJZ Designs - St Patrick's Day ShirtsZJZ DesignsEverplay Spring 2026 LeaguesCheck out Everplay Sports and Social for the full list of the 2026 Spring Leagues and 2026 Late Spring Leagues!Everplay Sports & Social League

H2-Seg3-TCJS- Tues1/13/26- Interview with Former SC Rep Johnathan Hill about SC BAD BILLS list 00:00 Well, can you believe it? The South Carolina State Legislature is back in session and we've already got some bad bills. If you want to keep up with the bad bills that are going on in Columbia, I highly recommend you subscribe to State Representative Jonathan Hill's bad bill sheet. He joins us right now. Jonathan, welcome to the program. Hope you're doing well. Happy New Year. Thank you, Charlie. Appreciate you having me on. 00:23 Already bad bills. I'm going to start off with one that is kind of weird with me. This whole thing about casino gambling here in South Carolina, whenever we see casino gambling, a lot of other bad things come along with it, doesn't Yeah, I think that's pretty clear to everybody. You can just look and see what's happened in other states. I will say that it's truly a South Carolina way to do it to say we're going to have casinos 00:52 and we're going to create a brand new government agency to decide which casinos get to be here and basically create a total state-run monopoly around that. mean, whether you're coming at this from a social perspective that we shouldn't have casino gambling at all, or whether you're coming at it from a free market perspective of the government shouldn't decide which companies get to come here, the bill is just horrible either way you look at it. 01:18 So this new gambling commission, who would that be comprised by? uh Well, the details are in the bill. And like I said, you know, it's not necessarily a done deal by any stretch. I mean, in many cases, let's see, uh like so many boards and commissions that govern different things, it's a hybrid thing between the 01:47 Right, the governor and legislators would make the appointment. Okay. Yeah, like so many other things. that's a system that has proved its failures over and over again in South Carolina. It really does. Tell us about the uh privilege tax of 15%. The privilege tax? uh you know, that's, what would the justification be for that? that 02:14 Yeah, mean, it puts a 15 % on gross gaming revenue. We're talking about potentially a lot of money here. Where would that money go? Well, the current amendment to the bill seems to be earmarking that for at least a portion of that fund to the counties that presumably would be affected by the locations of these casinos. 02:40 um Arguably, that funding would go towards infrastructure and emergency services and law enforcement and healthcare and whatever else. Yeah. All the usual suspects, right? Right. In your list of the bad bills, one says the income tax hike disguised as a tax cut. How does that work? Yeah. If you're going to cut the income tax, what we would expect is to see the percentage of income tax 03:09 decrease over time or all at once like we could just zero it out today and we'd be fine. uh But that's not what they did. They totally reinvented the income tax structure so that some people are going to pay more and some people are going to pay less. And from the state's perspective, overall, it's going to be less income tax revenue coming in. That is a bizarre way to do it. And it's definitely a proposal that a policy proposal that comes from 03:39 you know, those in the ivory tower of the Capitol, uh you know, not looking at this thing from the taxpayer perspective. I mean, they tried to pass a so-called tax cut that would actually raise taxes on 60 % of South Carolinians. Why can't they get this figured out? Well, it's a great question. I mean, I've always said, Charlie, that, uh you know, tyrants are never willingly going to give up one iota uh or even one penny. 04:07 of your money or control over your life, has to be forcibly taken from them by we the people. They're never going to give up money willingly. And so, you know, it seems to me like uh that that's an element at play here. ah You know, in all seriousness, if they if ...

Congressman Jim Clyburn is a legendary statesman whose influence spans from advising presidents to serving as a beacon of change and unity in American politics. Representing South Carolina, he is not only a champion of justice and progress but has also shaped the course of history with his powerful endorsements and unyielding voice. With deep roots in the civil rights movement and a life devoted to public service, Congressman Clyburn's impact resonates across generations—especially inspiring young leaders and change-makers to envision what's possible through mentorship, storytelling, and unwavering purpose. Takeaways: Legacy and Representation: Congressman Clyburn's new book, The First Eight, uncovers the overlooked history of the eight African Americans who served in Congress from South Carolina before him, proving the power of representation and the importance of knowing one's history. Mentorship by Example: Though Clyburn didn't personally know his forerunners, their stories and those of his own father provided mentorship from afar—showing that guidance and inspiration often transcend direct relationships. Power of Storytelling: Clyburn emphasizes the importance of learning outside traditional education, absorbing wisdom from lived experiences, and communicating with passion and inclusivity—skills he encourages the next generation to develop for real impact. Sound Bytes: “No, before I was first, there were eight.” “Robert Smalls is the most consequential South Carolinian, bar none.” “There's a certain amount of education that you gotta get outside of the books.” Connect & Discover Jim: Instagram: @clyburnsc06 Facebook: @ClyburnforCongress X:  @RepJamesClyburn YouTube: @RepJamesClyburn Website: Congressman James E. Clyburn Book: The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation

Congressman Jim Clyburn is a legendary statesman whose influence spans from advising presidents to serving as a beacon of change and unity in American politics. Representing South Carolina, he is not only a champion of justice and progress but has also shaped the course of history with his powerful endorsements and unyielding voice. With deep roots in the civil rights movement and a life devoted to public service, Congressman Clyburn's impact resonates across generations—especially inspiring young leaders and change-makers to envision what's possible through mentorship, storytelling, and unwavering purpose. Takeaways: Legacy and Representation: Congressman Clyburn's new book, The First Eight, uncovers the overlooked history of the eight African Americans who served in Congress from South Carolina before him, proving the power of representation and the importance of knowing one's history. Mentorship by Example: Though Clyburn didn't personally know his forerunners, their stories and those of his own father provided mentorship from afar—showing that guidance and inspiration often transcend direct relationships. Power of Storytelling: Clyburn emphasizes the importance of learning outside traditional education, absorbing wisdom from lived experiences, and communicating with passion and inclusivity—skills he encourages the next generation to develop for real impact. Sound Bytes: “No, before I was first, there were eight.” “Robert Smalls is the most consequential South Carolinian, bar none.” “There's a certain amount of education that you gotta get outside of the books.” Connect & Discover Jim: Instagram: @clyburnsc06 Facebook: @ClyburnforCongress X:  @RepJamesClyburn YouTube: @RepJamesClyburn Website: Congressman James E. Clyburn Book: The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation

In the autumn of 1775, rebellious South Carolinians raised a distinctive new flag over a waterfront fort just seized from British hands. Their commanding officer later described the creation of the state's enduring banner in his memoir, but did not recall the date of its unveiling. Across Charleston Harbor, however, two British naval officers witnessed the flag's debut and recorded a surprising detail regarding its appearance.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 16, 2025: a preview from House Speaker Murrell Smith and other members of House Republican leadership on their priorities for 2026; a South Carolinian is set to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate; the measles outbreak continues to rage in the Upstate; and more!

The red flowered plant that shows up everywhere at this time of year–I saw a forest of them in Wegman's this morning– is called in Mexico the cuetlaxochitl, or the noche buena; but Americans know it by as the namesake of man who introduced it to the United States: poinsettia. Yet Joel Roberts Poinsett was a more interesting organism than that plant given his name. He was a South Carolinian who spent years away from the state, and was a committed nationalist and anti-nullifier; a world traveller when few Americans were; a slaveowner who other slaveowners regarded as potentially anti-slavery; an international investor who also labored for South Carolina local improvements; a diplomat who spent years if not decades trying to find a way to be a soldier. And that's leaving a few facets of his identity out. As my guest Lindsay Schackenbach Regele sums him up, “He was not the same, anywhere.”Lindsay Schakenbach Regele is with me to discuss Joel Poinsett, his era, and what he reveals about it. She was previously on the podcast in a conversation that dropped on April 3, 2019, which focused on her book Manufacturing Advantage: War, the State, and the Origins of American Industry, 1776–1848 (Hopkins, 2019). Her latest book is Flowers, Guns, and Money: Joel Roberts Poinsett and the Paradoxes of American Patriotism, and it is the focus of our conversation today.For more information and links, to to our Substack at www.historicallythinking.org00:00 – Introduction 00:22 – Joel Roberts Poinsett: A Complex Figure 02:47 – Early Life: A Loyalist Family's Journey05:19 – Education in New England and England 06:50 – European Travels and Grand Tour 08:56 – Mission to Latin America 11:11 – Journey Down the Volga River 13:38 – Botanical Interests and Scientific Pursuits 18:34 – Secret Agent in South America 21:41 – Supporting Independence Movements 23:38 – Return to South Carolina 25:24 – South Carolina Politics and Public Works 26:32 – First Mission to Mexico 30:02 – Masonic Lodges and Political Influence 32:43 – Mining Investments and Financial Dealings 35:57 – The Nullification Crisis 42:35 – Understanding Nullifiers vs. Anti-Nullifiers 46:15 – Secretary of War 47:44 – The Trail of Tears and Indian Removal 50:38 – The Seminole War and Bloodhounds 51:44 – Later Life: Cuba and Final Years 54:06 – Evaluating Poinsett's Legacy 57:36 – Meeting Tocqueville59:48 – Next Project: Francisco Miranda 1:02:28 – Closing

The red flowered plant that shows up everywhere at this time of year–I saw a forest of them in Wegman's this morning– is called in Mexico the cuetlaxochitl, or the noche buena; but Americans know it by as the namesake of man who introduced it to the United States: poinsettia. Yet Joel Roberts Poinsett was a more interesting organism than that plant given his name. He was a South Carolinian who spent years away from the state, and was a committed nationalist and anti-nullifier; a world traveller when few Americans were; a slaveowner who other slaveowners regarded as potentially anti-slavery; an international investor who also labored for South Carolina local improvements; a diplomat who spent years if not decades trying to find a way to be a soldier. And that's leaving a few facets of his identity out. As my guest Lindsay Schackenbach Regele sums him up, “He was not the same, anywhere.”Lindsay Schakenbach Regele is with me to discuss Joel Poinsett, his era, and what he reveals about it. She was previously on the podcast in a conversation that dropped on April 3, 2019, which focused on her book Manufacturing Advantage: War, the State, and the Origins of American Industry, 1776–1848 (Hopkins, 2019). Her latest book is Flowers, Guns, and Money: Joel Roberts Poinsett and the Paradoxes of American Patriotism, and it is the focus of our conversation today.For more information and links, to to our Substack at www.historicallythinking.org00:00 – Introduction 00:22 – Joel Roberts Poinsett: A Complex Figure 02:47 – Early Life: A Loyalist Family's Journey05:19 – Education in New England and England 06:50 – European Travels and Grand Tour 08:56 – Mission to Latin America 11:11 – Journey Down the Volga River 13:38 – Botanical Interests and Scientific Pursuits 18:34 – Secret Agent in South America 21:41 – Supporting Independence Movements 23:38 – Return to South Carolina 25:24 – South Carolina Politics and Public Works 26:32 – First Mission to Mexico 30:02 – Masonic Lodges and Political Influence 32:43 – Mining Investments and Financial Dealings 35:57 – The Nullification Crisis 42:35 – Understanding Nullifiers vs. Anti-Nullifiers 46:15 – Secretary of War 47:44 – The Trail of Tears and Indian Removal 50:38 – The Seminole War and Bloodhounds 51:44 – Later Life: Cuba and Final Years 54:06 – Evaluating Poinsett's Legacy 57:36 – Meeting Tocqueville59:48 – Next Project: Francisco Miranda 1:02:28 – Closing

Dr. Kasie Whitener, the Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, joins Josh to talk about her campaign, core principles, and her mission to bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington—and the one million South Carolina voters she'll need to get there.   Follow and support Kasie's campaign: Kasie South Carolina – 1 million South Carolinians know our government isn't working for us. Are you one?   Follow Kasie on X: https://x.com/kasiewhitener?s=21&t=S8JoQpY3m4n6bFrTo8tLrg  

Today's top headlines: Youth arrested after North Charleston Police officers locate gun in vehicle Dorchester County man accused of distributing child sexual abuse material Classroom Champions: Charleston County staff seek scrubs to teach medical careers Charleston County School District salary increase boosts local economy Health experts urge awareness as seasonal depression affects South Carolinians Orangeburg County deputies warn public of warrant arrest scam Charleston leaders consider buying port union property for affordable housing Charleston City Council weighs ordinance that would transfer county land to city Lawmakers weigh new ideas to improve SC roads, pay for it Charleston presents priorities for 2026 transportation sales tax Isle of Palms urges caution amid coyote activity spikes, holiday pet attack Hegseth cites ‘fog of war’ in defending follow-up strike on alleged drug boat Trump says he doesn’t want Somalis in the US, urges them to go back to their homeland

Today's top headlines: Search warrant leads to arrest in Charleston apartment complex North Charleston Police arrest convicted felon on gun charges Mount Pleasant awards contractor for Mathis Ferry Road pedestrian project Historical park planned to recognize Mount Pleasant’s first Black settlement Dorchester County Sheriff marks 1st year with focus on trust and transparency South Carolinians urged to prepare for winter weather this season SC health officials encourage dialogue about mental health and decision-making ‘It’s more than just a tree’: James Island residents push to save grand oak Charleston Animal Society pushes for adoptions as shelters reach capacity

Fifty years ago, USC established what would later become known as the Arnold School of Public Health, the state's only accredited public health college. It's mission, then and now, is to improve the health of all South Carolinians and help fill the pipeline of the public health workforce. 

Vincent and Joel sit down LIVE from the CoverSC conference with J. J. Gentry Senior Lawyer for the Ethics Committee to talk about his push for lung cancer awareness, Guest Senator Russell Ott to discuss statehouse updates and his recent election, and Guest, consultant Walter Whetsell, to discuss lobbying, consulting, and campaigns in South Carolina, along with the Coverage Gap and how CoverSC is trying to help South Carolinians. Hear Bourbon Briefs where the Senators go over the latest Nancy Mace controversy, Senator Climer's lawsuit against the general assembly, Special Election victory for Lee Bright in Spartanburg Senate, congressional gerrymandering, Jermaine Johnson's gubernatorial candidacy, and other exciting news!Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills. Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C.   Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 1, 2025: we look at the federal government shutdown, the lapse in SNAP benefits, how the state is responding, and how it will affect 560,000 South Carolinians; Republican gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Alan Wilson rolled out his law and order platform; state Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson jumps into the race for governor; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 28, 2025: we have some breaking Democratic campaign trail news on the gubernatorial front and updates on several other state campaigns as well; we have the latest on the drama involving leadership at the State Election Commission; SNAP benefits are about to disappear for more than half a million South Carolinians as the government shutdown continues; and more!

Show NotesOrigin story: From pharma to inpatient BH—witnessing 7–10 day transformations.Definition reset: BH includes SUD, PTSD, SMI, and cognitive issues (e.g., dementia).Stigma & seniors: “Toughen up” culture vs. the art + science of psychiatry.By the numbers: Many struggle; only about half receive treatment; rural access gaps.SC lens: A significant share of South Carolinians live with BH conditions; access differs by geography.Double burden for seniors: Depression/anxiety + chronic disease = worse outcomes if untreated.Integration works: More check-ins, coordinated teams, better adherence, fewer ER visits/hospitalizations.Your Health approach: Prevention, integration, outcomes—BH as part of every care plan.Personal reflection: Normalizing conversations reduces shame and opens doors to help.Set-up for Part 2: Social media's role, early intervention, and the provider playbook. www.YourHealth.Org

“N” is for Nullification. The passage of the federal tariff law of 1828 signaled the rise of the nullification controversy in South Carolina. Led by John C. Calhoun a majority of South Carolinians eventually came to assert that a state had the right to nullify or veto federal laws and secede from the union.