Slow Burn: David Duke | 5. The Road to Hell

Release Date: July 15, 2020
Host: Josh Levine (Slate Podcasts)

Episode Overview

This episode of Slow Burn examines the political career and cultural influence of Edwin Edwards, Louisiana’s flamboyant and controversial former governor, as a crucial backdrop to the rise of David Duke. Through interviews, archival tape, and detailed storytelling, the episode paints a picture of Louisiana’s unique political landscape in the late 20th century—one defined by charisma, corruption, and deeply divided loyalties. The central narrative explores how Edwards’ era shaped the environment in which David Duke, notorious white supremacist, nearly seized statewide power.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Edwin Edwards: The Person & the Politician

• Private vs. Public Persona:
  • Edwin Edwards is described as introverted in private life, in stark contrast to his public flamboyance.
  • "[I'm] a very different person when I'm not on the stage. ...I don't drink at all. ...the most fun I have in life is taking care of my 7-year-old child and my wife." (Edwin Edwards, 01:15)
• Trina Edwards as a Bridge:
  • His much-younger wife, Trina, serves as a go-between in the interview due to his age and hearing difficulties.
  • Their relationship began while Edwards was in prison for corruption charges.

2. Edwards’ Rise and Unique Coalition Politics

• Distinct Louisiana Political Landscape:
  • Louisiana’s politics are depicted as unique, shaped by entrenched corruption, shifting alliances, and colorful figures.
  • Edwards’ ability to unite Cajuns and Black voters is cited as an electoral formula.
    • "He had a coalition... Cajuns and blacks. If you can put those two voting bases together... it was an unbeatable coalition." (Marc Morial, 03:10–03:24)
• Bucking Party Trends:
  • Unlike most Southern white Democrats, Edwards was a strong civil rights proponent, increasing Black representation in government and fighting discrimination.

3. Charisma, Scandal, and Popularity

• Mythic One-Liners:
  • Edwards became famous for sharp, sometimes outrageous quips that cemented his populist image.
    • "The only way I could lose this election is if I got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy." (Edwin Edwards, 04:56)
    • On regret: "No, it's one of the things I said that people identified with me and they thought it was kind of funny." (Edwin Edwards, 05:26)
• Scandal Tolerance:
  • Voters were remarkably forgiving about Edwards' numerous scandals and grand jury investigations; he seemed untouchable in the 1970s and early 1980s.

4. The Highs: Political Victory and the Paris Fundraiser

• 1983 Election and Celebration:
  • Edwards wins big (62% of the vote), then hosts a lavish fundraiser in Paris for supporters willing to pay $10,000. Over 600 guests attend.
  • "The whole deal did not smell of righteousness, that's for sure. But... it's hard to be proper and have a real good time." (Roy Blunt Jr., 06:21–06:35)
  • Anecdotes include playful banter with a Parisian nun, highlighting Edwards’ irreverent charm.

5. The Lows: Economic Decline and Indictments

• Collapse of Oil Economy:
  • The 1980s oil bust hits Louisiana hard; Edwards responds with tax hikes, eroding his popularity.
    • "When you're trying to raise taxes on people who are really struggling already, it's a very precarious political situation." (Marc Morial, 07:51)
• Federal Indictment:
  • Edwards is indicted on racketeering and fraud (1985), but after a lengthy trial, he’s acquitted.
  • On the prosecutor: "That was an example of a stupid prosecutor who didn't know anything about what was happening." (Edwin Edwards, 09:30)
  • He denies ever profiting improperly: "No, because there's no truth to it. So it didn't bother me at all. I just laughed about it." (Edwin Edwards, 09:49)

6. Transition & Political Downfall

• 1987 Election Loss & Strategic Exit:
  • After a poor showing in the 1987 election, Edwards shocks everyone by withdrawing before the runoff, ending his long gubernatorial reign.
    • "I have determined that under the circumstances... it would be inappropriate for me to continue this election." (Edwin Edwards, 11:01)
    • His family is in tears; the state moves on to Buddy Roemer as governor.
• Calculated Comeback Plan:
  • Edwards’ withdrawal was strategic—he predicted his successor would fail, positioning himself for a future return.
    • "He was absolutely resolute... oh, look, I’m gonna let him have it... and he's gonna disintegrate. You mark my word." (Marc Morial, 11:39)
• 1991: The Stage is Set for David Duke
  • The episode concludes by suggesting that the instability and resentments of the late '80s set the stage for David Duke’s rise. The battle for Louisiana would now be about its identity and future, with Duke entering at the height of his influence.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Edwin Edwards on Louisianan Identity:
  • "I don't like Louisiana politics. I love Louisiana. I love Louisiana enough to make some people angry." (Edwin Edwards, 10:18)
• On His Own Infamy:
  • "It was illegal for them to give, but not for me to receive." (Edwin Edwards, paraphrased from narrator, 03:52)
• Paris Fundraiser, with humor:
  • "She gave him what she described as a French kiss... so he said, 'Okay, Sister, but just don't let me get into the habit.'" (Roy Blunt Jr., 06:46)
• On Resignation and Comeback:
  • "Dropping out of the race, that was the first step in his comeback plan." (Narrator, 11:21)

Key Timestamps

• 01:08–02:51 – Edwin Edwards discusses his private life and relationship with Trina.
• 03:10–03:24 – Marc Morial explains Edwards’ winning coalition.
• 04:56 – Edwards delivers his most famous “dead girl/live boy” one-liner.
• 06:06–07:10 – Roy Blunt Jr. recounts the Paris fundraiser.
• 07:34–09:59 – Discussion of Edwards’ legal troubles and public reaction.
• 11:01–11:21 – The moment Edwards stuns supporters by withdrawing from the race.
• 11:39–end – Morial explains Edwards’ strategy; the narrative pivots to the coming battle with David Duke.

Tone & Style

The episode is reflective and wry, filled with colorful anecdotes and a sense of Louisiana’s outsized, theatrical politics. The storytelling is rich in direct quotations, letting the personalities of Edwards and his contemporaries come through. Josh Levine’s narration weaves a connection between past and present, setting the political scene that made David Duke’s later rise both possible and chilling.

For listeners new to the saga, this episode delivers a vivid portrait of Louisiana’s political circus and the larger stakes at play as David Duke prepares to enter the national stage.