Revisionist History: Episode Summary – "Gone South: The Real Buford Pusser Part 1"

Revisionist History by Pushkin Industries, hosted by Malcolm Gladwell, delves into overlooked and misunderstood aspects of history. In the December 26, 2024 episode titled "Gone South: The Real Buford Pusser Part 1," Gladwell introduces listeners to a compelling narrative that re-examines the legacy of Buford Pusser, a legendary Tennessee sheriff whose heroic image is now under scrutiny due to recent investigations.

1. Introduction to "Gone South"

Malcolm Gladwell presents an episode of Gone South, a podcast hosted by Jed Lipinski. Gone South explores intriguing crimes and stories from the Southern United States, often from the perspectives of both perpetrators and investigators.

Malcolm Gladwell (01:34): "Hello, Hello. Malcolm Glabwell here. We'll be back with new Revisionist History episodes in January, but today we're going to bring you something a bit different."

2. Overview of Buford Pusser

Buford Pusser emerges as a near-mythical figure in Tennessee history—a sheriff celebrated for his relentless fight against corruption and crime. His life story inspired numerous books, songs, and films, notably the 2004 remake of Walking Tall starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Jed Lipinski (11:22): "The story of Buford Pusser reads a bit like a fable from the American South."

3. The 1967 Ambush

The episode recounts the tragic events of August 12, 1967, when Buford Pusser and his wife, Pauline, were ambushed. Pauline was fatally shot, and Buford was severely injured. The attack remains unsolved, with suspicions pointing towards the Dixie Mafia, specifically its alleged leader, Kirksey Nix.

Buford Pusser (04:34): "Voice and he couldn't pick me out."

Buford Pusser (04:48): "He was on the take. He was a dirty cop and he was a killer cop."

Authorities never identified the assailants, leaving the case cold for over five decades.

4. Buford Pusser’s Legacy and Cultural Impact

Buford's persona as a fearless lawman captured the American imagination. His efforts to clean up McNary County paralleled the legendary figures of the Wild West, fostering a heroic narrative that has influenced American pop culture.

Buford Pusser (09:33): "There's nobody on the face of the earth that has studied this story and been as involved in it as I have for 60 years."

5. Recent Developments: TBI Reopens the Case

A breakthrough comes when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) decides to exhume Pauline Pusser's body after discovering that no autopsy was performed at the time of her death. This decision was spurred by a tip from an unidentified source, prompting the TBI to seek answers that could potentially rewrite Buford's legacy.

Jed Lipinski (03:01): "...they intended to answer, quote, critical questions and provide crucial information that could help them identify who was behind Pauline's death."

6. Mike Elam’s Investigative Journey

Mike Elam, a former sheriff's deputy with a passion for Buford's story, becomes intrigued by the TBI's actions. His investigation raises critical questions about the original account of the ambush, suggesting discrepancies that point towards Buford himself.

6.1. Reenacting the Ambush

Elam conducts a reenactment of the ambush, revealing inconsistencies in Buford's narrative. The route taken by Buford to the scene was unnecessarily convoluted, raising suspicions about the assailants' intentions and actions.

Steve Sweat (32:48): "And we actually had a Cadillac beside the church that gave chase. However, by the time that I got to the bridge, they were still about 200, 250 yards behind me."

6.2. Blood Spatter Analysis

Elam collaborates with Steve Sweat, a Buford historian, to analyze blood spatter evidence. The findings contradict Buford's account, suggesting that the attackers fired from outside the vehicle rather than from within.

Steve Sweat (34:17): "He said that he was sitting in the car, that they pulled up close enough that they were right next to him. You would expect the shell casings to have been found in between the cars..."

Steve Sweat (34:45): "He said that someone was actually standing in front of that car when they were shot, not on the inside."

7. Questioning Buford’s Involvement

The absence of an initial autopsy becomes a focal point. Elam suspects that Buford may have colluded with local authorities to bury the truth, potentially implicating himself in his wife's death.

Steve Sweat (35:04): "And all of the blood spatter on the outside of the car leads you to believe that someone was actually standing in front of that car when they were shot, not on the inside."

Elam posits that Buford's influence over local officials—the District Attorney and the medical examiner—could have facilitated the suppression of critical evidence.

Steve Sweat (37:34): "You know, it is possible that Buford absolutely did not want an autopsy done and convinced the two men not to have one. It makes absolutely no sense otherwise."

8. Impact on Buford Pusser’s Heroic Image

The emerging evidence threatens to dismantle Buford's revered image. As a figure previously celebrated for his integrity and bravery, the possibility of his involvement in his wife's murder introduces a complex, darker layer to his legacy.

Steve Sweat (29:47): "I was a huge fan. I admired the man and everything he did. The 12th of August had me convinced. Then the movie came out, and I saw the movie. I thought it was incredible."

9. Emotional and Cultural Repercussions

For historians and admirers like Steve Sweat, these revelations are deeply unsettling. The potential tarnishing of Buford's legacy challenges the narratives that have been built around him for decades.

Steve Sweat (24:21): "Of course, the perception that America has is that Buford was a real hero, that he cleaned up the state line and that he sought revenge for his wife's death. But you know, there's a whole other story that needs to be told."

10. Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

The episode concludes with the realization that Buford Pusser's story is far more intricate than previously understood. Mike Elam's relentless investigation promises to uncover deeper truths, setting the stage for the next installment of Gone South.

Jed Lipinski (37:07): "At this point, I just started to gather up all the information that I possibly could."

Listeners are left anticipating the continuation of this investigative journey, eager to discover whether Buford Pusser's legacy can withstand the emerging evidence.

Notable Quotes

• Buford Pusser (04:48): "He was a dirty cop and he was a killer cop."
• Steve Sweat (34:17): "He said that he was sitting in the car, that they pulled up close enough that they were right next to him."
• Steve Sweat (37:34): "You know, it is possible that Buford absolutely did not want an autopsy done and convinced the two men not to have one."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Gone South masterfully intertwines historical narrative with investigative journalism, challenging long-held perceptions of a Southern icon. By scrutinizing Buford Pusser's actions and the circumstances surrounding his wife's death, the podcast invites listeners to reconsider what they know about heroism and legacy in American history.

For those intrigued by this complex tale, the next installment promises to delve even deeper into the shadows of Buford Pusser's life, seeking to uncover the truth that has remained obscured for over half a century.