Cory Vaillancourt from Smoky Mountain News joins us today, and boy, do we dive into some juicy political drama! The main dish? Congressman Chuck Edwards actually showed up for a couple of town hall meetings, and let's just say, things got a little spicy. With the folks in Canton and Asheville throwing some serious shade his way, especially about cuts to Medicaid and the whole Social Security debacle, it's a wonder he didn’t just crawl under a rock. Spoiler alert: he didn’t answer the tough questions—surprise, surprise! We also chat about the absurdity of political theater, the glaring disconnect between politicians and their constituents, and how a sh*tstorm of misinformation is wreaking havoc on public perception. Buckle up, because this convo is one wild ride through the chaos that is local politics—complete with a side of sarcasm and a dash of reality-check vibes!
Cory Vaillancourt, the political editor from Smoky Mountain News, joins us for a wild dive into the chaos of local politics in western North Carolina. The episode opens with a bang as we recount Congressman Chuck Edwards’ recent town hall meetings in Canton and Asheville, where he bravely (or foolishly?) faced a crowd that was more than a little hostile. As the three of us dissect the peculiarities of Edwards’ approach to constituents—who, let’s be real, are not exactly rolling out the red carpet for him—we can’t help but crack jokes about his ability to dodge accountability like a pro. You’d think he was in a game of dodgeball instead of trying to address the concerns of the people he claims to represent.
Vaillancourt shares the drama that unfolded at the Canton event, where a frustrated constituent named Nate Roberto shouted pointed questions about Medicaid cuts, leaving Edwards visibly rattled. We can practically feel the tension in the air as we discuss how the Congressman, who was supposed to be handing out $41 million in federal funds, looked like a deer caught in headlights when confronted about his legislative choices. The irony of him showcasing “other people’s money” while simultaneously critiquing the federal government is not lost on us, and we dive into the absurdity of the situation like it’s a hot tub full of hypocrisy.
As the episode progresses, we transition to the Asheville town hall, where things go even further off the rails. With over 2,000 people trying to cram into a venue meant for 360, it’s a perfect storm of frustration, anger, and an overwhelming sense of urgency from constituents who feel ignored. We laugh (and cringe) as we recount the scenes, including a veteran being escorted out for voicing his displeasure—because who doesn’t love a good ol’ political spectacle? In a world where democracy often feels like a spectator sport, our chat with Cory reminds us that it’s vital to stay engaged, hold officials accountable, and, most importantly, keep the sarcasm flowing as we navigate the absurdities of politics.
Takeaways:
Cory Vaillancourt spills the tea on Congressman Chuck Edwards' town halls—they're like reality TV but with more awkward silences and less drama.
The town of Canton got a sweet $41 million for its water system, but the irony is that it comes from the same folks Edwards loves to roast.
When Chuck Edwards faced a hostile crowd, he dodged tough questions like a pro, proving that accountability is not on his agenda—surprise, surprise!
The chaotic town hall meetings showed that folks in WNC are fed up and ready to hold their politicians accountable, like a public roast but without the marshmallows.
Cory's trip to Ukraine revealed the stark contrast between American political woes and the genuine crisis faced by Ukrainians—cue existential dread.
If you thought the state of journalism was bad, just wait until you hear how people value their news sources—hint: kitten videos are winning over hard facts.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Elon Musk
Smoky Mountain News
Blue Ridge Public Radio
Evergreen Paper Mill
Biden
Social Security Administration
HCA
Mission Health
Asheville Citizen Times
WLOS
USA Today
Project Hope
Doge
Angel's Envy
