Southern Democrats are an endangered species—so what happened? In this episode, Rich and Kevin take a deep dive into the disappearance of white Democratic leadership in the South, the struggle for Black candidates to break into statewide office, and the game-changing impact of moderate Black leadership. They also explore the lessons from Obama and Clinton’s presidencies, why national Democrats keep fumbling the South, and what it takes to actually win in these battleground states. Plus, they hand out this week's Mamba Mentality Awards to two relentless leaders who embody the grind both on and off the court.

Topics

📍06:46 - The $2 Million What-If:
Did lack of funding cost Democrats the Maryland governor’s race? Kevin explains why just $2 million could have flipped the outcome

📍15:39 - The Vanishing White Southern Democrat:
Where did they go? Rich and Kevin break down how the Democratic Party lost its grip on white voters in the South—and why Black moderates might be the key to winning them back.

📍36:12 - Why It’s Harder for Black Mayors to Go Statewide:
Mayors are often seen as prime candidates for governor—unless they’re Black. The guys discuss why urban leadership doesn’t always translate to state-wide success.

📍41:08 - The Primary vs. General Election Trap:
Winning the Democratic primary doesn’t mean you can win the general. How do candidates get caught in this cycle—and how can they break free?

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Senator Raphael Warnock for staying relentless in the fight, breaking down DEI attacks with biblical precision, and refusing to back down.

🐍 Basketball legend Maya Moore for dominating on the court and then walking away to fight for justice, proving the Mamba Mentality isn’t just for the game.