Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast
Hosted by veteran campaign operatives and HBCU alums Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel, The Southern Comfort Podcast delivers unfiltered political analysis with a Southern perspective, drawing from over 40 years of combined experience shaping campaigns from City Hall to the White House. Each week, they break down complex policies, share insider stories, and explore the intersection of politics and culture, offering listeners a front-row seat to the strategies and wisdom that drive American politics.
Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast
Episode 17 | Boots, Blunts, & Ballots
This week, Rich and Kevin blend politics and pop culture like only they can—from the cost of Beyoncé tickets to the cost of losing Black voters. They share wild concert memories, then shift gears into a powerful breakdown of what went wrong for Democrats in 2024. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just Kamala. The fellas unpack voter apathy, brand erosion, and the myth of demographic inevitability. Insightful, personal, hilarious—and right on time.
Topics
📍 00:01 – Cowboy Carter & Concert Chaos
The guys kick off with tour talk, debating Beyoncé’s ticket prices, Prince’s legacy of free shows, and why Jay-Z doesn’t finish his songs. Plus: who had the better chemistry—Jay & Bey or Jay & JT?
📍 08:14 – Usher, Jeezy & That One Time in Morehouse
Rich and Kevin trade memories of iconic live shows, including Usher’s “homecoming at a strip club” vibes and a smoky backstage moment with Jeezy and Lloyd. Yes, security was high… literally.
📍 13:26 – What Really Sank the Democrats
Rich brings up a Cook Political Report deep-dive into Kamala’s 2024 loss. They dissect turnout data, voter shifts, and why Black men, Latino voters, and new voters drifted—or defected—to Trump.
📍 24:44 – Politics Ain’t the Cowboys
The fellas explore why voters don’t show brand loyalty in politics like they do in sports. Democrats have to earn votes every time—and right now, they're coming up short.
📍 39:38 – The Obama Blueprint is Broken
Kevin and Rich agree: the party needs more than vibes and nostalgia. Coalition building requires infrastructure, cultural competency, and real investment in overlooked communities.
🐍 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…
🎓 The Class of 2025 – Especially the graduates of HBCUs, who persevered through financial hurdles, administrative chaos, and systemic barriers. Whether it’s Spelman, Morehouse, Howard, or any Black college producing the next wave of thinkers and leaders, the hat tip is yours. You are the legacy—and the future.