Reflections from Fancy Farm

It was a beautiful day – characteristic of Western Kentucky summers, no doubt. The morning was stormy and gloomy, however as soon as I began my journey through the countryside the skies cleared, heat raised, and humidity steamed. Little did I know the afternoon would be filled with just as much storm as the morning had brought.

I had never been to the Fancy Farm Picnic, so I wasn’t familiar with the atmosphere and culture. Waiting for the speeches was something I could barely stand; it seemed like an eternity. Finally, the announcements were made, and speeches began. Senator McConnell began his time by paying tribute to the soldiers that had died just days before in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, which is the tone I then expected for the day. However as soon as the moment of silence was complete, the fiery rhetoric of mudslinging began. Senator McConnell’s was lighthearted in most respects, including joking with the Governor about their race in 1996 saying “it was over so fast, he (McConnell) was able to deliver his victory speech and catch an afternoon movie”. Next to speak was “Kentucky’s rising-star Republican” Senator Rand Paul. He too joked about the other candidates, specifically his 2010 opponent Jack Conway, and spoke to the necessity of electing Republican state leadership.

All in all, the candidates of both parties gave exceptional speeches. One to watch for is James Comer, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture.

I encourage you to listen to the speeches here: http://ket.org/fancyfarm/!