Update: Audio added
KET’s Bill Goodman says he expects a lot of heat in the climate and between political parties at the 2016 Fancy Farm Picnic in western Kentucky. Goodman spoke to Tracy Ross about the 136th annual political speaking event at St. Jerome's Church in Graves County.
The August 6th picnic draws political figures from across the state as spectators come out for barbeque and speeches. Goodman says Fancy Farm has a long history of being able to make or break political hopefuls, as spectators can openly and vocally express their support or disapproval.
“Someone figured out several years ago that the more young people you could bus into Fancy Farm, the louder and more raucous it would get whether they’re democrats or republican young people," said Goodman. "And that has become sort of the norm to sort of create as much chaos in that two hours and a half at Fancy Farm."
Goodman says some figures, like Gov. Matt Bevin, have decried the partisanism as harmful to the political process and want to tone down rhetoric. Still, Goodman says it's a can't-miss.
"It's also been said many times that if you are a serious politician and want a future in the state of Kentucky, you have to go to Fancy Farm," said Goodman. "After I’ve gone for so many years, I’ve often said that it’s a little bit like Las Vegas: you oughta go at least one time in your life.”
Goodman says this year he’ll be watching what influence the rhetoric between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will have, especially as Kentucky Republicans aim for control of the only Democratically-led chamber left in the South.
“There will still be a lot of attention on whether or not the focus on Donald Trump and people voting for him in Kentucky will have sort of a trickle-down effect if you will and lend toward changing a lot of people’s minds this year in voting for a Republican representative instead of a Democratic representative," said Goodman.
Former George W. Bush aide and conservative commentator Scott Jennings from Louisville is emceeing the event.
Speakers include US Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul and his democratic challenger Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Governor Matt Bevin and surrogates for the Presidential candidates.
State Senator Ralph Alvarado says he’ll be representing Trump. Former North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan will speak for the Clinton campaign.
