In this episode, Matt Parker and Cory Toth sit down with former Kansas Governor Bill Graves to discuss his unique experiences from the early days of campaigning with George H.W. Bush to his time in office serving as Secretary of State and Governor of Kansas. Bill shares his perspective on how pragmatism and bipartisanship doesn’t always work in today’s rough and tumble world of politics.

Takeaways

Governor Bill Graves’ Career

• From working the campaign trail for President George H.W. Bush to then himself being elected as Kansas’ Secretary of State in 1991 and Governor in 1994, Bill discusses how his love of public service led him to run for office.


• He went on to serve as the president of the American Trucking Association and as a board member for NASCAR.

Nascar Experiences

• Governor Graves delves into his experience as a board member for NASCAR and shares how he once served as the Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500 and rode in the pace car with Brooks & Dunn.

Introduction and Reintroduction to Golf

• Governor Graves shares how his passion for golf began during his childhood, but left the sport for a period of time, only to come back after his political career ended.


• He recounts a memorable golf story where President George W. Bush’s administration called him while he was playing golf and asked him to help with Hurricane Katrina.


• He discusses the best golf courses in Kansas, including Prairie Dunes.

Insights From the Campaign Trail

• Governor Graves shares his insights from working on President George H.W. Bush’s 1980 campaign where he ran against Kansas’ favorite son, Bob Dole.


• He reflects on the generosity and kindness of the Bush family.

Modern Politics

• Governor Graves shares his predictions for the upcoming election, offering an insider's view on the political landscape.


• Known as a pragmatic Governor, Bill discusses how modern-day politics has shifted from the old way of making political compromises and how it has become a team sport.

Get the full video version: https://youtu.be/pVp_d3gE-GQ?si=vCGyzAyQd9Ny89yi

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