Bubba On the Lake: A Visit with Former Congressman Jerry Carl – Episode Summary
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Introduction
In this riveting episode of "Bubba On the Lake," host Bill Bubba Bussey welcomes a special guest, Jerry Carl, the former Congressman from Alabama's District 1. Joined by his wife, Betty Lou Bussey, and other familiar voices, Bubba delves deep into Jerry's political journey, his experiences in Congress, and his perspectives on current political dynamics.
Meet Jerry Carl
Timestamp: 00:46 – 01:12
Jerry Carl reminisces about his previous appearances on "The Rick & Bubba Show," highlighting the warm reception he received from Bubba and his team. Bubba humorously recalls a memorable early morning meeting in Birmingham where Jerry was "carrying a bunch of biscuits" into the studio.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
Timestamp: 01:53 – 02:24
Post-Congress, Jerry is actively involved in assisting local businesses with management issues, albeit without compensation. His sights are set on a role within Donald Trump's administration, specifically aiming for a position in the Federal Maritime Commission. Reflecting on his roots, Jerry shares, “It's called Federal Maritime Commission. There's five commissioners, and they're pretty much responsible for all import exports.”
Political Landscape and Gerrymandering Concerns
Timestamp: 07:04 – 08:24
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the redistricting challenges Jerry faced, particularly the race-based redrawing of Alabama’s District 1. Jerry explains the complexities of representing a diverse district stretching from Mobile to Dothan, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality representation over racial considerations. He asserts, “But you know, the NAACP money and some of the Democrats, strong Democrats will continue throwing money at it and try to get it done.”
The Capitol Riot: A Personal Account
Timestamp: 29:12 – 36:36
Jerry provides an eye-opening firsthand account of his presence during the January 6th Capitol riot. He describes the chaos, confusion, and the overwhelming sense of fear he felt. Reflecting on the events, Jerry states, “It was pure chaos. But we get in this room. So some of us take our mask off. We couldn't breathe. And the next day... Republicans using chemical warfare against Democrats because we took our mask off.”
Campaigning Strategies: Then and Now
Timestamp: 23:07 – 27:24
Jerry contrasts his grassroots campaigning approach with modern strategies. Having knocked on 15,000 doors single-handedly for his county commissioner run, he emphasizes the effectiveness of personal touch. “I knocked on 15,000 doors by myself,” Jerry shares, highlighting the challenges of contemporary campaigning dominated by media and negative advertising.
Tariffs, Trade, and Economic Policies
Timestamp: 41:37 – 45:53
The conversation shifts to economic policies, particularly tariffs and equal trade. Jerry supports Donald Trump's stance on tariffs as a means to achieve fair trade, stating, “I'm not for tariffs, but I'm for equal trade. And if it takes a tariff to get equal trade, I'm certainly in support of equal trade.” He discusses the potential repercussions of unequal trade practices and the importance of a strong military in maintaining economic stability.
COVID-19 Reflections and Management
Timestamp: 49:00 – 52:23
Drawing from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jerry critiques the government's handling of the crisis. He questions the aggressiveness of ventilator usage and suggests that “we’re killing people on ventilators, not knowing what was going on.” Additionally, he speculates on the origins of the virus, hinting at possible Chinese involvement: “I think China probably played around with that.”
Media, Transparency, and Political Accountability
Timestamp: 53:32 – 55:25
The discussion touches upon the role of the media and political transparency. Jerry criticizes figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, alleging financial motivations behind his actions: “He made one and a half million dollars a year as, as a doctor his whole life of the government.” Bubba adds, “He’s one of the highest-paid government employees we have,” underscoring concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Family and Personal Anecdotes
Timestamp: 39:32 – 65:36
Interwoven throughout the episode are heartfelt moments about Jerry’s family, particularly his daughter, Caitlin. Humorously, Jerry recounts Caitlin’s role as a designated driver, sharing amusing incidents that highlight her spirited personality. Additionally, Bubba introduces Caitlin as a "spirited child," further emphasizing the blending of personal and professional narratives in their discussions.
Closing Thoughts
Timestamp: 66:04 – End
As the episode winds down, both Bubba and Jerry reflect on the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the need for politicians to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over partisan agendas. Jerry emphasizes, “We all want to rest in peace at night. We want to die with our families around us,” advocating for unity and common goals.
Notable Quotes
- Jerry Carl: “It's called Federal Maritime Commission. There's five commissioners, and they're pretty much responsible for all import exports.” (02:24)
- Jerry Carl: “We have to quit being distracted by politicians that want to create stories. Let’s focus on fixing stuff, not tearing stuff up and tearing people down.” (60:55)
- Bubba Bussey: “We still want safe neighborhoods. We want a house, we want a store we can go to and buy food.” (60:09)
- Jerry Carl: “If I was the Democrat Party right now, I'd be looking and I'd be saying, huh, so We've got this 16 million people here illegally. Trump is going to try to send as many back as he can. We gonna need that labor.” (57:44)
Conclusion
This episode of "Bubba On the Lake" offers listeners an insightful glimpse into Jerry Carl's experiences and viewpoints as a former Congressman navigating the tumultuous waters of modern American politics. From grassroots campaigning to high-stakes political debates, Jerry provides a candid and often humorous take on the challenges facing today's political landscape. Whether you're a seasoned political enthusiast or new to the discourse, this episode delivers a rich tapestry of discussions that are both engaging and thought-provoking.