“It” Kids Meet The Real Speaker
Her title may be “former Minority Leader,” but S.C. Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter is generally regarded as one of the Palmetto State’s most influential politicians – even more powerful than the Republican Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives, according to some.
One thing we know for sure is that Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg) makes no bones about her ideological moorings … unlike Harrell, who talks a good “pro-business” game but consistently governs like an FDR liberal.
Speaking of big government types, though, we would equate Cobb-Hunter’s style to that of another former Democratic president – Lyndon Baines Johnson – given her flawless command of an interpersonal lobbying technique known as “the treatment.”
Cobb-Hunter is a “python of persuasion” one State House insider told FITS, adding that “I’ve never been squeezed so hard in my life.”
Indeed, Cobb-Hunter’s “squeeze sessions” are legendary in Columbia, and they typically end with her getting exactly what she wanted.
Last week, Gilda took her persuasive method on the road to Kelly Payne’s current issues class at Dutch Fork High School – which has quickly become the Palmetto State’s new home for political talk.
She spoke at length with Payne’s students about South Carolina’s budget situation, the impact of the federal “stimulus” bill and the role of women in politics.
And while there’s no indication that she was able to get any of the students to cough up their lunch money to fund Medicaid, the students reportedly loved her “fiesty” personality.
As do we …
Comments
By Philip Branton on February 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Sic……
…stop petting the CAT…!!!! Get some Clarity…!!!
Where is Gilda’s trash …DUMPED ???? Does she now its ENERGY…??? Does Gilda enjoy kissing Hugo Chavez and King Abdullah…????
Does she know that we are SLAVES to OIL….?? She is NOT a slave master like “sweet 16″ Henry Brown and James CLYBURN is SHE…??!?!? Do we have a CHOICE at the pump between Algae Bio-diesel from AMERICAN Farmers or “Black Oil” from Shieks in White sheets…???? I bet she DOES NOT have a choice…..???? What is she going to DO about it…!!!!? I bet these “Squeeze Sessions” are really Lobbyists squeezing her at OUR taxpayin’ expense…!!!!
Do we have school choice…..???? If we have NO choice then WE are …SLAVES !!!! If Gilda is NOT for school choice then she is a SLAVE MASTER…!!!
DO VOTERS of the STATE have a CHOICE between Nuclear Plants and COAL Plants, or Coastal Windfarms along OUR Entire Coast….??? I wonder if SHE knows which one is CHEAPER for the TAXPAYERS…??? I wonder if she CARES about workers in AIKEN than COAL MINERS….WHERE…?????
MY BACKSIDE….!!!!
This WOMAN is an UNCLE Tom-ette !!!!! ….along with every other ELECTED and appointed official that does not support complete transparency or FREE and open CHOICE for voters to vote….ON !!!!
WE ARE FED …..UP !!!!!!
OBAMA …..WANTS ……CHANGE ….!!!!!!
By Whoville Resident on February 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Gilda’s cool, Philipe. Where have you been?!?
She stands up to Jakie Knotts and all the rest of those gun-toting legislative cowboys unarmed. Unafraid. Uncorruptible!
By Sarah Patterson on February 23rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Dang. I missed this class??
By Philip Branton on February 23rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Whoville,
Maybe she’s COOl……
But we need elected officials to call OUT anyone who is winking the voters around here and especially calling out people ….LIKE CLYBURN for the stunts he has pulled concerning the PORUKULUS ……
Has she EVER called out ANYONE in her own PARTY….!?!
My Backside………..!!!
Its easy to call out ol’ Knotty !!!!!
I expect her to USE that leadership AWARD…!!!!
I’m calling OUT everyone until we citizens start seeing some CHOICES ……………..and CHANGE !?!?!?!~
By Phillip on the Skids on February 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
You got me forced to crack
my lids in two
I´m still stuck inside this rubber room
I gotta punch the clock that
leads the blind
I´m just another gear in the assembly
line – oh no
The noose gets tighter around
my throat
But I ain´t at the end of my rope ´cause
I won´t be the one left behind
Can´t be king of the world
If you´re slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
Can´t be king of the world
If you´re slave to the grind
Get it?
A routine injection, a lethal dose
But my day in the sun ain´t even close
There´s no need to waste
your prayers on me
You better mark my words
´cause I´m history
Yes indeed
You might beg for mercy to get by
But I´d rather tear this thorn
from my side
I won´t be the one left behind
You can´t be king of the world
If you´re slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
Can´t be king of the world
If you´re slave to the grind
They swallowed thier daggers by
turning their trick
They tore my intentions apart
brick by brick
I´m sick of the jive
You talk verbal insecticide
They swallowed thier daggers by
turning their trick
They tore my intentions apart
brick by brick
I´m sick of the jive
You talk verbal insecticide
I won´t be the one left behind
You can´t be king of the world
If you´re slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
You can´t be king of the world
If you´re slave to the grind
By Scott on February 23rd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Looks like a major loser to me!
By Toyota Kawaski on February 24th, 2009 at 9:39 am
She is a racist pig
By An Ardent Admirer of Ms. Payne on February 24th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Further evidence that politicians of all pursuasions are welcome to Ms. Payne’s class. Mrs. Cobb-Hunter presented sides of issues that are not commonly heard in the uber-conservitive northwest part of Richland/Lexington County. The kids had a great learning experience that I wish I had been able to experience when I was in high school. Gov. Hollings was a little busy at the time so I understand why he was not able to speak to my class.
By Current Issues Observer on February 24th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Toyota Kawaski- Racist pig? Are you for real??? Maybe very liberal, and outspoken, but definetly NOT racist. If she were so “racist” why would she visit a District 5 school like DF?
By Rebecca on February 24th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I liked Mrs. Cobb-Hunter’s attitude. She kept the room fired-up and she presented new opinions to our class. I didn’t agree with all of her opinions, but at the same time, it was great to hear somebody else’s viewpoints on the economy, recorded voting, schools, and taxes. It was refreshing to hear someone boldy speak their true feelings, without worrying what others thought. We threw her some curveballs and hard questions, and she bravely answered each one of them without side-steping the question or mumbling through it or only answering one part. Thank you so much for visiting our class, Mrs. Gilda Cobb-Hunter!
By Sarah on February 24th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I totally agree with Rebecca. Mrs. Cobb-Hunter was not quiet when it came to her opinion on things. Everyone was very alert when she spoke with us. There are many things that she said that I would not support. But, she isn’t holding back on what she has to say and she lets you know that.
Oh and Philip,
She supports that women should HAVE THE CHOICE about abortion. She said that is something that the government should stay out of and I believe this is very true!
Thank-you for taking the time to speak with our class.
By Joyce on February 24th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Let me start off my saying that I really and truly enjoyed Mrs.Cobb-Hunter’s visit to our class. She was up-front with the class about her opinions and her views on everything. There was no hiding the true facts with her, she came and she came hard. She indeed did make the class room shake. Her points were strong and even though I did not agree with them,I still upheld the fact that she was honest and she was brave enough to say the things she said. She is a great person and a really great speaker, I just really wish she would run of another office. lol Anything is possible.
By J on February 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Mrs. Gilda Cobb-Hunter stayed fierce not even stopping for a second. Any question you asked her she had an answer for it. Keep doing what you do Mrs. Hunter.
By Jeremy J on February 25th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Mrs. Gilda Cobb-Hunter was a very good speaker. She told us what her views are on what the government has been doing and what they should do. Thanks for speaking in our class Mrs. Hunter.
By Brittany on February 25th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I really enjoyed Mrs. Gilda Cobb-Hunter’s speech. She was my favorite guest speaker so far. She kept it real and told us her opinions even if people didn’t agree with them. I respect the fact that shes bold and sticks by what she believes. Even if i didn’t agree with some things she said, she gave valid reasons for her statements. Her energy was great and she kept me interested. Thanks so much for speaking to our class !
By Corey on February 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I agree with becca and also like the fact that she will flat out tell it how it is. She is the person to go to at this point in time. We need help and she will find an answer because she never quits, she will keep going until she finds a way to turn this whole thing around.
By Ashley on February 25th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I very much enjoyed Mrs. Cobb-Hunter’s visit! We asked her many tough questions but she answered them as straight-forward as possible. She has a very likable personality and she kept everyone in the room interested at all times. I really admire that she is opinionated and strongly stands by her beliefs. Thank you Mrs. Cobb-Hunter for talking to our class!
By colton on February 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I appreciate Mrs. Gilda Cobb-Hunter’s effort in coming to our class to speak with us. Her expression of her views were very informing but not subjective, for she also encouraged other opinions. She has left a positive influence on my perspective of her.
By Breton on February 25th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Ms. Cobb-Hunter, however opinionated she may be, is exactly what I believe we need in SC politics. She isn’t afraid to tell it like she sees it to whomever she happens to be speaking to, including our class. She was informative and concise in her replies to whatever questions we threw at her, which was much appreciated given the rep that politicians usually have for answering questions. I enjoyed her visit very much and sincerely hope to see her again.
By Frankie C on February 26th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
i loved having gilda cobb-hunter come to our class. she brought this energy to the room that none of the other speakers have. just last class we had steve benjamine come to speak and though i did like to hear what he had to say i didnt feel he was as involved or interactive with us as she was. maybe it was her passion for children but i loved having her come to talk and id love to hear more of what she has to say on south carolina issues. PLZ COME BACK!!!
*girl with the smile
By Reginald T. on February 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Ms. Cobb Hunter is a very intelligent, fascinating, and outgoing person. I was present in Mrs.Paynes class when she came to Dutch Fork. Her views on Politics are very to the point. She does not hold back anything. Her personality got the attention of the entire class and she kept us on our toes the entire class. She is truly a brilliant person.
By Mary on February 26th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I’m sorry to have missed Ms. Cobb Hunter’s visit to Ms. Payne’s class. I understand she was a great speaker, not afraid to tell you what she believed and was able to speak to everyone on all levels. I think it very brave of her to support gay rights in a republican state. And I support her belief that the government should stay out of a womens’ choice about abortion. Because then, it will be an issue about secularism. Again, I’m sorry to have missed her, I know I missed out!
By wes on February 26th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
aww man! I wish I heard what she said…
By Eric on February 26th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Ms. Cobb-Hunter is very smart, alot of people liked her because her views on subjects may be different but she did not take back what she said. She ment what she said and the class enjoyed her speaking to us, Thanks Ms. Cobb-Hunter.
By Miguel on February 26th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
i hear Ms. Cobb-Hunter is the real deal, i would really have liked to see her. even thogh i missed her, i hear a lot about her. she is not afraid to say what she believes is right, and she stands up for it. i really kind of admire her, and would like her to run for a higher office.
By Matthew P on February 26th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I personally was not there to witness Mrs. Cobb-Hunter’s visit to Ms. Payne’s class. But from what i heard she was a very moving and outgoing speaker. I personally dont agree with all of her opinions but i think that she has great proof and reason to back up what she believes in and why. As Voltaire said, “I may not agree with what you have to say, but ill defend to the death your right to say it”. Thank you very much Mrs. Cobb-Hunter for coming to our class.
By nightHAWK on February 26th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I wasn’t here to hear her, but all i hear is good things from it, so im pretty upset i missed this, because i hear she speaks her mind and doesn’t think twice about what she says. But im glad she got to visit our school, its always exciting when bi names visit Dutch Fork. Some people don’t agree with her opinions but that doesn’t stop her from expressing her feelings. Thank you Mrs. Cobb-Hunter for taking time and visiting our class!
By Tony on February 26th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Even though I did’nt get the chance to hear her speak, I think it would have been cool. From what I hear she has a lively attitude, and she isn’t afraid to speak what she thinks.
By friend of a friend. on February 27th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Toyota- do you know the definition of racist?
I’m going to say no because this woman exemplified the opposite.
Mrs. Hunter spoke truth in a comfortable fashion, and none of her statements were in the least derogatory.
I for one was pleased to hear Mrs. Hunter speak. She spoke with passion and with a voice that commanded the room. She answered every question asked of her with ease and with confidence. She has made a wonderful addition to the list of outstanding speakers that have visited Ms. Payne’s growing classroom. Thank you again Ms. Cobb-Hunter.
By Alex on February 27th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I wish I could have heard her speak. I heard she was very cut throat with her opinions and I would have loved to challenge some of her ideas. I have started numerous debates already with her opinion on the abortion bill. Maybe next time…
By Alex C on February 27th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I’m bummed that I wasn’t there to hear her speak, but I believe it would have been a great experience if I was. I think that it is cool that she supports gay rights, and womens choice on abortion in a mostly republican state, although I wouldn’t agree with ALL of her opinons, I would have loved to hear her speak :)
By Dillon Johnson! on February 27th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
From what i hear it was really fun getting to meet and hear from Mrs. Cobb-Hunter. I wish i was there to hear her talk, i also herd she answerd every question thrown at her. I don’t agree with everything she said, but i respect her choices and i just wish i was there to hear her talk.
By nathan on February 28th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
i like hearing Ms.Cobb come to our class and and speak she is a good and powerful speaker i like the ideas that she has for our state i think she
coulld do alot off good things for this state and i think she would be a good governor
By meheret on March 1st, 2009 at 11:25 am
Ms. Cobb-Hunter i really agree with your veiws on the ultrasound bill. i thank you for being so straight foward in telling us your take on things. the turth is just want we wanted to know and you tell it like it is personallity was very much appericated because a lot of the time adults dont take the time to tell kids the truth because they want to protect us when all we really want to know is the truth. so thank you:)
By samantha on March 5th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I hear she voices her opinion, and doesn’t care what people think of her views- like the ultra sound bill, and supporting gay rights for example. She’s real and I like that about her. It would have been awesome to here her speak.
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