Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Sid Salter: Neshoba County Fair Leaders Maintain Rules in Heat of Fiery Political Oratory

In three formal debates and innumerable individual speeches over the ensuing 134-year history of Mississippi’s most storied political speaking venue since 1889, the Neshoba County Fair Association has maintained order and enforced its rules.

The three debates include a 1928 U.S. Senate race debate between Democratic contenders incumbent U.S. Sen, Hubert D. Stephens of New Albany and challenger U.S. Rep. T. Wilson Webber of Laurel, a 1995 debate between Republican incumbent Gov. Kirk Fordice of Vicksburg and Democratic Secretary of State Dick Molpus of Philadelphia, and a 2002 debate between congressional contenders Republican Chip Pickering and Democrat Ronnie Shows.

Mississippi’s political pendulum has swung wide over the course of those three debates – from monolithic Democratic Party rule in 1928 to growing partisan realignment in the 1990s to a near monolithic Republican Party rule of Mississippi over the last 20 years.

But one thing has remained true – the Fair runs its speaking program based on its established time limits and rules. Candidates get 10-minute time allotments. The Fair’s leaders have been challenged twice in the federal courts over their legal rights to establish limits and maintain order and prevailed in both instances.

Certainly, the three debates were loud, raucous affairs with a significant amount of audience reaction. There are newspaper accounts of the 1928 debate, and I was standing on the stage moderating the 1995 and 2002 debates. But with security, a solid plan of crowd control and an attitude of polite but firm decorum, neither the debates nor decades of rafter-rattling, fiery individual candidate speeches have gotten out of hand.

Neshoba County Fair historian and author Steve Stubbs detailed in his fine 2005 published history of the institution that the central bone of contention in the 1928 debate was allegations that Sen. Stephens had engaged in federal patronage corruption “in awarding post office construction contracts to political cronies.”

Legendary Jackson Daily News Editor Fred Sullens was at the press table. In print, Sullens had encouraged Webber to testify before a grand jury investigating the matter. Webber did so and three individuals were indicted.

In front of the Neshoba audience, Webber stopped at the press table and loudly said: “Fred, I thank God for you.” Sullens shot back: “I’m glad you are thanking Him for something, Webber.”

Not to be outdone, Webber replied: “Well, I ain’t thanking Him for much.”

Whether candidates, their supporters, the media or an engaged crowd tried to hijack the proceedings, the Fair’s leadership maintained order and decorum.

That fact hasn’t stopped candidates or their seconds from attempting a wide array of stunts and strategies designed to gain some perceived advantage, but the Fair’s leadership has parried those attempts effectively.

As noted last week, the Neshoba County Fair – “Mississippi’s Giant Houseparty” – has 41 political speeches scheduled this week, representing the pinnacle of traditional political “stump speaking” in Mississippi. But the races for governor and lieutenant governor are expected to draw the largest crowds and the most media attention.

The marquee speeches this week will be the candidates for lieutenant governor, including incumbent Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (R) and challengers Shane Quick (R), Tiffany Longino (R), and state Sen. Chris McDaniel. McDaniel and Hosemann will speak back-to-back Wednesday, July 26 at 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in what should be the most heavily anticipated and scrutinized speeches of the day.

Statewide voters have elected Hosemann three times for secretary of state and once for lieutenant governor while rejecting McDaniel in statewide races for U.S. Senate in 2014 against the late Thad Cochran and in 2018 against now-U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Thursday’s speeches will feature the four candidates for Mississippi governor, including Republican challengers David Hardigree and Dr. John Witcher, Democrat challenger and current Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley and incumbent Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, who is seeking a second term. Presley will speak at 10:30 a.m. followed by Reeves at 10:40 a.m.

Not even the record heat projected this week is expected to hold back fair patrons and guests alike from attending the 2023 edition of the fair, listening to the speeches, and then enjoying the Fair’s hospitality.


Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at sidsalter@sidsalter.com.

11 comments:

Hotter'n A Dime On A Carhood in August said...

Takeaway...

1) Salter, to his credit, did not mention himself as much as was anticipated - only once, in fact, when he mentioned moderating several debates.

2) Not one mention of ice cream, seer-sucker or harness racing?

3) How could he possibly NOT mention the fact that Ronald Reagan once appeared on this stage and got his 'ten minutes of fame'...and the rest was history.

Footnote: Almost as famous as his threat tossed at Bert Case, was Fordice saying he was "going to take Molpus to the woodshed".

Anonymous said...

speaking of political ''stunts''....my favorite is the candidates who bring 4-5 busloads of supporters with them to cheer during their speech.

Anonymous said...

It is amazing how often the fair occurs on the hottest days of the year.

Anonymous said...

Back in the 20's and 30's my Dad's family down in Forrest County MS had a pair of miles on their farm; one named Webber after T. Webber Wilson and the other named Pat after Pat Harrison.

11:02 said...

Obviously that should have read Mules and not miles.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget, it's a big club, and you ain't in it.

Anonymous said...

Anyone see the lady(nice term) with the denim biker vest with an airbrushed picture of McDaniel on the back holding a scoped rifle and it said "Vote McDaniel for Lt. Gov". It's solid pine belt gold!

Anonymous said...

Can Hoseman get any dirtier in this campaign? He is about one more fistful of mud away from flipping me to McDaniel.

JohnnyWadd said...

Cab someone remind me if Sid has a cabin at the fair or not?

Anonymous said...

I already have to hold my nose for Eggbert and I agree 7:27.
I am a bit shocked at his mud slinging.

Anonymous said...

Sid and his take on the fair are now irrelevant. He takes a backseat to Girard and his poorly veiled support of Dogfart.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.