WTF is the deal with Arkansas and national politics?

Well it is a small state, but one with a rich history of bare knuckle politics. The Clintons are adept in fighters as well, as many of their past political opponents can attest too.

You add in the fact that we've had a good amount of charismatic politicians, despite our small population, and you will get some real donnybrooks going.

If it makes you feel any better Jefferson and Lincoln, two of our most revered Presidents, were notorious for taking potshots at political opponents. Hell, Jimmy Carter pretty well guaranteed he wouldn't get a second term as President by starting a vicious political feud with Teddy Kennedy when he said he wanted Kennedy to run against him for the Democratic nomination because... and I quote... "I'll whip his arse."

Cotton is not afraid to take the bull by the horns.

Tom Cotton is an immense idiot and embarrassment to the state of Arkansas. He brings nothing but shame to our image. And lol at his ambitions--he's reached his ceiling.

edit: his ceiling in politics. I won't be surprised if he ends up making bank as a consultant for a defense contractor after his first term is over.

I should also add, being a small state people take their politics very seriously here. As you can tell by everyone's replies to this thread.

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You must be a libtard

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I assume you realize that Cotton is direct violation of the constitution that he has sworn to uphold?

Arkansas also gave us William Fulbright, Wilbur Mills and the first woman elected to the US Senate, Hattie Caraway (with the assist from Huey Long).

Also David Pryor and Dale Bumpers. Bumpers is the GOAT.

The idea has long been that politics in Arkansas is personal, more so than most other states. (This isn't seen as the idea anymore. See the note below.) It's not a populous state, but it's very diverse and it requires someone who has to connect with large amounts of people.

So that's why Arkansas teaches pols how to work, how to be personal, which is very much needed to win national support. For instance, a guy who wins elections in Massachusetts (Dukakis, Romney) has to change his style almost completely when he goes national. Arkansas's political landscape is very similar to the national one.

Which is why until the past few elections, Arkansas has been a wild card, and Arkansans have been seen nationally as a group of people that can largely cut through the bullshite.

That reputation is gone now, as the past few elections have been largely partisan and mirrored national trends. Any hope for that trend being reversed was crushed when Leslie Rutledge beat Nate Steele.

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You must be a libtard

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Show me on the doll where my words about Tom Cotton touched you.

Please tell me you're actually defending him.

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cotton whether you like him or not

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Who in their right mind doesn't like Tom Cotton?? If you're one of the deranged that does - please tell me why - and dont just say 'because he's a Republican.'