Episode 9 | A Full Circle Moment: Finding Your Way in Politics Part Two

From moonlighting on campaigns to building his own political firm, Anthony Davis Jr. returns for Part Two of The Southern Comfort Podcast to dive deeper into the realities of being a Black operative navigating politics across the South and Northeast. He breaks down what it means to earn respect in every room, the tension between local and national strategy, and why organizing in Boston hits different. With stories that span from Ayanna Pressley’s historic win to the chaos of Mississippi elections, this episode is a masterclass in mentorship, growth, and grit.

Topics

📍 04:23 – "Swiss Army Knife Operatives"
Anthony explains how Black campaign staffers are expected to do it all—organize, handle press, coordinate with electeds—without the title or the pay.

📍 08:15 – "The Pain of Losing Maryland"
Why Ben Jealous’s loss for governor hit harder than any other campaign defeat—and what it revealed about Black voter turnout in PG County.

📍 17:54 – "Coalition Fractures & Black Men for Trump?"
Why campaigns keep failing to understand the diversity of the Black male vote—and how group chats reveal more than polling ever could.

📍 29:06 – "A Boston Awakening"
Anthony shares how working on Ayanna Pressley’s campaign introduced him to organizing in the Northeast—and to his future wife.

📍 56:12 – "Finding His Voice on Warren’s Campaign"
From imposter syndrome to commanding the mic at a rally in front of thousands—how Anthony stepped into his power on the 2020 trail.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Ayanna Pressley – For leading with courage, grace, and clarity—especially in the face of political dysfunction and public scrutiny.

🐍 AOC & Bernie Sanders (Honorable Mention) – For showing up across the country and using their platforms to speak truth to power in a time when voters are losing faith in institutions.

🐍 The Wives (Mamba Moment of Love) – Jill, Erin, and Lady O, for being the unshakable support system behind the scenes.