Southern politics just got a front-row seat! In this debut episode of The Southern Comfort Podcast, veteran campaign operatives Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel break down the intersection of power, policy, and culture—all through a Southern lens. From war stories on the campaign trail to the unspoken realities of Black political operatives, they discuss what really happens behind the scenes. Plus, who’s got the Mamba Mentality in politics today? Let’s just say, some leaders are stepping up while others are stuck in the past.

Topics

📍 02:09 – "How We Met: Clinton, Campaigns & Chaos"
The untold story of how a bar meeting turned into a decade-long political partnership.

📍 05:07 – "Black Operatives, Same Old Story?"
Why Black campaign staffers always get the same extra assignment: “And also…Black people.”

📍 13:47 – "Atlanta vs. Birmingham: The Tale of Two Cities"
How one decision from Delta Airlines shaped the economic future of the South.

📍 27:14 – "Where Are the Bold Black Mayors?"
Randall Woodfin and Brandon Scott are leading with Maynard Jackson-level swagger—so why isn’t the DNC paying attention?

📍 40:25 – "Why the South Stays Slept On in Politics"
Campaigns throw millions at the Midwest, but the South holds the real power. Here's why they keep getting it wrong.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Right Reverend Mary Ann Edgar Budde – For standing firm and speaking truth to power—even to a sitting U.S. president.

🐍 President Jimmy Carter (Honorable Mention) – Because like Kobe, he didn’t care who he pissed off—he just got the job done.