Behind the Bastards Part One: America's First Fascist Governor
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Oct 8, 2024 Delve into the tumultuous life of Eugene Talmadge, Georgia's first fascist governor, whose authoritarian rule defined a chaotic era. Explore his controversial rise in politics, marked by corruption and power struggles, all set against the backdrop of a racially charged South. The podcast highlights Talmadge's manipulative tactics and the struggles of local farmers during a desperate agricultural crisis. With humorous insights and historical reflections, the narrative paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous period in American history.
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Questionable Payments
- Eugene Talmadge took on a variety of legal cases, often representing poor clients who paid him in goods like chicken and eggs.
- A rumor circulated that a poor black woman paid him with her four young boys, whom he allegedly kept in a barn and mistreated.
Early Political Ambitions
- Eugene Talmadge's political ambitions were evident early on, as he immediately began inquiring about the local "courthouse gang" upon arriving in McRae.
- His unpopularity and tendency to take on less desirable cases made him disliked by the established power brokers.
Racist Violence
- Eugene Talmadge was known for his racist outbursts of violence, often targeting black individuals.
- In one instance, he chased a black butler with an axe after the butler was seen eating apples with a white woman.
