Tonight, estranged First Lady Jenny Sanford will appear on ABC in an interview with Barbara Walters. It is predictable how Jenny Sanford will answer questions. She will try to hold the Governor accountable for his personal life and try to grab some star light from the appearance. Jenny Sanford's upcoming [...]
South Carolina lost one of champions on Monday, when former Treasurer Grady Patterson, 85, passed away. While others will be more long winded and more eloquent in their description of Grady Patterson, VUI will keep it simple. Grady Patterson was a man we should strive to be. He was loyal [...]
Williams-Brice Stadium was once again the host to South Carolina high school footballs "weekend of champions." While a good many in the Palmetto State were concerned over Clemson's fall to Georgia Tech in Tampa for the ACC crown, thousands were on hand this weekend to see who would be state [...]
While it is tempting to pick apart President Obama’ s speech on Afghanistan for partisan purposes, the nature of the enemy we face must not be forgotten. As such, we who are critics of President Obama must rise beyond partisan politics and support the President of the United States as [...]
A committee of lawmakers will meet again today to discuss the impeachment of Governor Mark Sanford. If their previous meetings are any indication of what will occur, prepare for Mark Sanford to finish out his term as Governor of South Carolina.
This week we highlight an older video that went around the internet. This video, from a news station in Mobile, Alabama, is a classic. Enjoy. Find the gold. :)
President Barack Obama bucked the vocal left wing of the Democratic Party and Congress, and committed the United States to victory in Afghanistan. Though Republicans might pick at this and that part of the President’s proposal, President Obama’s commitment of 30,000 additional troops and his reasons [...]
The recent scandal involving academic email exchanges among researchers working to present a report to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations highlights what happens when science becomes religious. Various reports confirm that the emails, though obtained by hacking, present a picture of researchers wanting to [...]
For thirty-four years, Bobby Bowden has been the head football coach of Florida State. Along the way, Bowden racked up 12 conference titles, two national championships and 321 victories. Bowden’s 388 coaching wins overall is second only to Penn State’s Joe Paterno.
VUI is reaching out to all those aspiring political cartoonists out there and asking for submissions. The first submission we received was from the cartoonists known as M and S. Their cartoon is an interesting take on President's Obama's agenda. Enjoy. Submit your cartoons to rbmccarty@gmail.com for posting on VUI. [...]
South Carolina scored a big win over the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, but Clemson fans have been filled with all sorts of excuses as to why it happened. Very few among them congratulate the Gamecocks on the win, instead, they reach for excuses. VUI has came up with the Top [...]
Happy Thanksgiving. First, thank you for reading and commenting on Voting under the Influence. It is has been a great year for this blog, and all involved with it have you, the readers, to to thank for that.
That said, on to the 4th Annual Voting Under the [...]
Attorney General Henry McMaster has to be hating what is going on in regards to Mark Sanford right now. As South Carolina's Attorney General, McMaster has the duty of prosecuting Sanford's wrongdoings or turning over such to a special prosecutor.
Prosecuting Sanford on his wrongdoings could alienate important [...]
it is Thanksgiving week, a time when most people are worried about their annual dinners with family, sporting events, including, of course, Carolina and Clemson facing off on the gridiron. However, Mark Sanford is grabbing headlines again.
Governor Sanford is grabbing headlines this week by being charged with [...]
Saturday in the fall is sacred to VUI. Someday, when archaeologists look at American culture, they will likely discuss the religion known as college football. However, yesterday some good old fashioned left wing big government stuff was going on as well as football.
A few months ago, when VUI noted how the federal deficit and spending were getting hitorically out of hand, we noted that at some point, Democrats would start talking tax increases, or "revenue enhancements" as some big government types like to put such things.
Friday night was another playoff night for South Carolina High School League football. The battle to determine who lands on the campus of South Carolina State in Orangeburg for the Class A Division I and II championships has been decided. The final battles to determine who shows up the first [...]
Voting under the Influence is no fan of the policies of President Obama. Further, it is right and acceptable for people to criticize the President of the United States. However, just as people on the fringe left went too far when they joked about hoping Bush would choke on another [...]
Governor Mark Sanford made much ado about the how the previous DOT head was a “good ole gal” and that “good ole boy” favors were being handed out by the SC Department of Transportation Commission. All that was supposed to change with Sanford’s ally, H.B. “Buck” [...]
In a few days, Voting under the Influence will present its 4th annual Thanksgiving political awards. Since the readers of this blog have made that it possible for VUI to stay around so long, this year VUI is seeking input from its readers.
This week's video, in consideration of our Governor's ethical concerns being addressed yet again due to his traveling for love, is the old country classic by Johnny Lee, "Looking for Love."
Since Don Bobby in the House is going to eschew impeachment against the Governor, even the Governor's folks [...]
The Grand Strand area is becoming famous for elected and public officials having run ins with police. The arrests of the Atlantic Beach Mayor and Police Chief have been widely reported and commented about on VUI.
Now, Myrtle Beach gets in on the action. According to WMBF-TV of [...]
VUI hates to do it, but we focus on Anderson County for this week's Top 9. No matter where you are in the state, you just can not help but realize how chaotic politics are in Anderson County. This Top 9 will hit those who know Anderson politics, and it [...]
The playoffs are in full swing around South Carolina in high school football, and while Class AAAA teams were beginning the playoffs with long road trips, Class A upper and lower state championship game teams were being determined.
The action on the field was overshadowed by what happened [...]
It has been a while since VUI addressed issues in our own backyard. There are several reasons. First, things in Anderson County are what they are. The so called Republicans on County Council replaced another group of so called Republicans and neither have acted like true Republicans committed to less [...]
State Represenative Nikki Haley is the darling of the Sanford crowd. She is Governor Sanford's heir apparent to his movement for whatever it is he claims to stand for.
During her career in the State House, Haley has been more the Representative from the Governor's Mansion than the [...]
The media started the notion of blaming the victims years ago with the Columbine High School shootings. Various media reports lamented about how the shooters were picked on and were outcasts, and that, along with the ease of access to guns, caused them to kill.
Usually, the VUI video of the week is something funny, or dramatic from life or sports, but this week, as we honor the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, VUI offers up Ronald's Reagan's historic remarks that came true.
Today is Veterans Day. It is often an overlooked national holiday. However, it honors the men and women who have kept the nation free.
Veterans Day started out as Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first anniversary of the armistice ending World War I as “Armistice Day” [...]
As President and Mrs Obama prepare to travel to Fort Hood today for the memorial ceremony for those lost in the terrorist attack upon the base by Major Nidal Malik Hasan, troubling questions about how the government dealt with Major Hasan are developing.
On this day in 1775, Captain Samuel Nicholas organized the Continental Marines in Philadelphia, marking the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.
Since that start, the United States Marine Corps has went beyond its mission of being infantry support for naval operations. [...]
9) The desk clerk tells you, “In India, we learn to live with the roaches and rats. We are all one.” 8) It is 5 AM and the folks in the room next to you are making a porno movie. 7) At 3 AM, the four hundred pound guy [...]
The United States of America is in shock and the prayers of America go to the families of the victims of the Fort Hood, Texas shootings. Twelve are dead and over thirty are wounded.
The news reports have been fluid about the incident, as they often are after [...]
A year ago, American voters made history, electing the first African American President. The charismatic campaign of President Obama had the majority of Americans in a frenzy. The Obama campaign's mantra of "yes we can" became a touchstone of high hopes for so many Americans, both' [...]
Tuesday night the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg was the site of yet another "pre-season" gubernatorial debate. Most of South Carolina is not paying attention to the Governor's race, and after watching Tuesday night's debate, who could blame folks for not paying attention?
Tuesday night was a night of welcomed relief for the Republican Party, as Republicans took over the Governor's Mansions in Virginia and New Jersey. Pundits and bloggers both are abuzz about the return of the GOP and how the Obama honeymoon is over.
Daytona and Talledega are NASCAR's monster speedways, where restrictor plate racing is practiced. Drivers and pundits complain about the plates and how the plates affect racing and safety. Last Sunday, Ryan Newman, driving the #39 car got one wild ride. Thankfully, Newman was not seriously injured. For those who think' [...]
It is over seven months until the party primaries in South Carolina for statewide and congressional offices. Most people are worried about how to deal with the upcoming holidays. The press is concerned with President Obama and his health care reform efforts and his decision on what to do in [...]
If there were any South Carolinians hoping that Governor Mark Sanford would go away quietly during the last 15 months of his term, they got a reality check when Governor Sanford made a stop at the Clemson Rotary Club Monday on the Governor’s apology tour.
Democrats appeal to us to support their health care reform efforts telling us our selfish interests of lower health insurance premiums will be met. Republicans tell us that the Democrats will take away the health care so many have. Big money interests from the insurance and medical industries have their [...]
Ah, the memories. To truly appreciate Charlie Brown, you can't fake it, you gotta live it. I am still thinking rocks are better than fruit cake. Have fun.
If you are looking for fear, well, here is a video of Tennessee fans taking on some innocent' [...]
You know a program expects more when after winning a conference title, the players and coaches are concerned about the playoffs. Since 2005, the Ware Shoals Hornets have owned their regional conference in Class A football. But, the players and coaches want more.
It is Halloween time again. Some folks just don't understand what is appropriate to hand out to the little kids that "trick or treat" them at their doorsteps. Here are 9 things to not give out.
9) Last's year's leftover Valentine's Day candy. Giving out [...]
It has been widely reported that now former South Carolina Assistant Attorney General Roland Corning, 66, was caught by Columbia police at the Elmwood Cemetery Monday afternoon with an 18 year old female Platinum Plus employee. For whatever reason, the investigating officer found reason to note that Corning had Viagra [...]
For some time now, VUI has pointed out the troubles in tiny Atlantic Beach, SC. The small beach town has historic significance because it once was the only place on the Grand Strand in which African Americans could enjoy the beach.
With the most liberal Administration in American history in place, perhaps it is time to remember the words of Reagan. Forget the RINO versus Rich bull manure in this state, and all the litmus tests. If Republicans want to return to power, Reagan lays it out. Watch and learn. [...]
The Jim Rex campaign pushed its most recent polling efforts and got coverage in The State newspaper. What is hard to understand is why they are pushing the internal poll numbers reported in The State.
According to that article, Rex has 60 percent name ID among Democratic voters. [...]
It is Halloween week and one has to have skeletons and the like to enjoy the holiday. Jeff Dunham had a routine about a year or so ago that was hilarious. Check it out. Happy Halloween. The only thing that brings out more fear: Obama Health Care!. Laugh and enjoy. [...]
In one of the most remarkable turnarounds in South Carolina political history, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford is being considered for the Nobel Prize in Economics in wake of the announcement that Boeing is going to build a plant in North Charleston.
The General Assembly is to convene in a special session today. As VUI addressed before, the stated purpose of the special session is to fix a glitch in the state’s unemployment system. However, as the special session approaches, lawmakers are hinting in an article in The State newspaper that a [...]
No one with a political brain can disagree with the political gifts President Obama has. He and his staff ran a masterful campaign in 2008. Howevever, it seems the President and his staff do not realize that they have the power. The President and his people are still in campaign [...]
Governor Mark Sanford gave a recent interview with the Florence Morning News in which he droned on about moving on and about how South Carolinians have a large capacity to forgive. Fair enough. South Carolinians can be a forgiving people. That is a good trait. We all have our moments. [...]
If you wonder how much the United States has changed over the years, check out this ad where doctors are promoting smoking Camel cigarettes. Now, to the video, from a much different America:
South Carolina is going to have its General Assembly reconvene next week, but not for the reason most thought it would. The impeachment of Governor Mark Sanford will not be addressed. Instead, the General Assembly will be meeting next week to solve a glitch in South Carolina law that prevents [...]
When Joe Wilson uttered the words "You lie!" during President Obama's address to the United States Congress, fundraisers went into high gear. Wilson's opponent, Rob Miller of Beaufort, raked in the money. Then, Wilson did the same. Millions poured into both candidates, setting the media into a frenzy about what [...]
We have a little over three years until the next Presidential election, and about two years and three months from the first primary. Yet, polling has begun.
Ramussen Reports came out with a poll this week and the results were interesting. The poll had Mike Huckabee leading the [...]
Politics is not all that hard to figure out. Like any other choice made in life, the political choice is often made based on who people are more comfortable with and trust. All sorts of things factor into such a choice. Some contend sexual attractiveness is paramount. Recently I listened [...]
Today is the birthday of the United States Navy. For all those sailors who served, thank you. God Bless the United States of America and the United States Navy. [...]
Blame it on the fact that I officiated a wedding a couple of weeks ago and that I and two members of the VUI staff are in a wedding coming up soon. Wedding drama got on my mind. Thank God I have not known any people like this. Drama, some [...]
It seems both parties in the General Assembly have leaders falling over themselves to ask Governor Mark Sanford to resign. Fair enough. Yet, no leader in the General Assembly seems to have the courage to stand up and call for the General Assembly to meet and get this matter resolved. [...]
From crazy mayors to corruption charges in various county courthouses, local government in South Carolina is out of control. VUI was all set to write about it when we found fellow blogger Earl Capps's remarks on the situation. Earl pretty much summed it up. Check out his remarks. We have [...]
There is some controversy in American schools today in how to celebrate or mark Columbus Day. Teachers with politically correct inclinations will spend this day telling their students to all but hate the white man from Italy who oppressed minorities so.
Forget about the rankings. Forget about the politics. Sometimes you gotta fire a friendly shot at a blogging friend. Mr. Earl Capps is called out. I gave him his praise with citing his local government entry. Now, it is time to have some fun with the Blogland. For Earl Capps [...]
VUI had a comment and several emails about posting the video of alternative country singer Junior Brown in our Sanford v. SCHP post. Well, there is more of that to come.
The late Porter Wagner was a legend. In one of his last videos, he covered the Highway [...]
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama becomes the third sitting President of the United States to win the storied prize. Presidents Theordore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson claimed the prize during their administrations.
What is curious about the selection of President Obama is that [...]
Mark Sanford is making state and national headlines again. This time for having his car pulled for speeding on Interstate 385. Further, news is now that the SLED agent driving will be issued a speeding ticket.
Frankly, and to the surprise of some, VUI disagrees with that decision. [...]
Last week, there was a video about children in New Jersey singing a song praising our Great Leader, Obama. Now, from the set of CNN come more school children singing for Obama health care reform.
No one blames the kids. Their teachers give them the program to run [...]
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are in a rare circumstance as the General Assembly weighs impeaching the embattled Governor.
Trysts with a South American woman, dereliction of duty, and even abuse of office for travel have been covered ad [...]
Lexington County State Representative Ted Pitts entered a crowded field for the GOP nomination for Lt. Governor last May. When he entered, there were rumors that Pitts might have the resume and the money to capture the nomination.
However, five months into his campaign and some Republican activists [...]
According to the British newspapers, which are better than the American ones at reporting hard hitting stories on the Obama Administration, President Obama is going to snub the Dalai Lama during the exiled Tibetan’s upcoming visit to Washington.
When rumors about the Empire State Building lighting up in yellow and red to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the communist takeover of mainland China came out last week, VUI dismissed it as one of those internet myths.
Earl Capps over at the Blogland recently posted about blog transparency and who was financing the supposed influential voices in South Carolina political blogs. Earl raised an interesting point. It does seem that some of those screaming the loudest online are getting paid very well to do so.
Years ago, when the likes of Barry Goldwater were railing against the creation of big government, an idea was offered that if government got big enough, it could be overtaken by big business, and that an inefficient allocation of market resources would result. In other words, [...]
The Mayor of Wellford rescinded her order to Wellford police officers not to chase suspects. Well, that is good. But, again watch her interview with a WSPA reporter. Wow. I would hate to be a police officer in Wellford with that kind of support from the leadership.
In what is likely the earliest South Carolina Gubernatorial debate ever, five candidates vying for the Republican Party nomination in 2010 met and debated in Newberry, SC. WIS-TV carried the debate on air and online.
With hardly anyone, including political junkies, paying attention to the race for Governor [...]
Twenty years ago, South Carolina awoke to mass destruction at the hands of Hurricane Hugo. The one thing South Carolina had going for it was a giant in the Governor's chair. Here is a video about Hugo and the late Carroll Campbell.
It is hard to be a conservative Republican in Anderson County. After years of standing up against the big liberal government ways of the previous County Council and Administrator we now have to live with the current Council spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on a political witch hunt [...]
There has been a disturbing movement over the past week that contends those of us who question the policies of President Obama are racist. Those forces seem all too eager to lump those of us who ask questions with the nut jobs.
An upstate reader sent VUI this clip from Channel 7 news in Spartanburg. Just when VUI was ready to lament on the new trials of the Mayor of Atlantic Beach, we were presented with Mayor Sallie Peake of Wellford, who wrote to her Police Chief that town officers were to [...]
9) The rumors about Governor Sanford and Rep. Rita Allison are false. But, if they weren’t I could not blame the Luv Gov. She’s sixty something and hot. A true GILF.
8)Your love rap includes the line, “Come on baby, just give the blue pill time to work.” [...]
First, as a white guy, or “cracker” as reader Obama Man puts it, I do not know what it is like to Black in America. I do know how it is to be Southern, white and accused of being a racist when there is not a racist bone in my [...]
Congressman Joe Wilson continued to catch flack over his outburst during last week’s Presidential address. In a move that makes the Democratic leadership look like thin skinned Obama sycophants to the rest of the world, the Democratic leadership in the House engineered a resolution disapproving of [...]
In the great mix between political commentary and downright comedy, the staff at VUI decided to offer, from time to time, Youtube videos, that well, were better left undone.
This video is from a guy upset with Kanye West's dissing of Taylor Swift at the MTV Music Awards. [...]
The Democrats had a lot of confidence after the election of President Barack Obama last fall. Almost a year later, Obama’s approval numbers are slipping, yet South Carolina Democrats are still feeling confident about the election in 2010, mostly because of Governor Mark Sanford and the damage Sanford has done [...]
Unless you have been under a rock this evening, you know that Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina shouted out "you lie" to the President of the United States.
Wilson has apologized for his lack of civility. But, his frustrations are understandable. The President papered over big issues [...]
The Republican National Congressional Committee has put together an interesting ad to highlight the rough summer bteak that their Democratic colleagues had. Watch and enjoy or watch and scream at the screen.