The Tara Show
The Tara Show

The Tara Show

Audacy

Overview
Episodes

Details

Tara presides over the Upstate's #1 all news/talk morning show every weekday on News/Talk 989 WORD.Tara's faithful listeners are affectionately known as "Tara-ists" because of their passion and participation in the show. Tara was named 2021 Best News Talk Show and Best overall Personality, AGAIN, by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association! Tara took home the same honors in 2018 and was also named 2016 "Personality of the Year!" In addition, Tara has also won over two dozen state and national journalism awards for column writing, news reporting and investigative reporting while working for three newspapers and writing for a variety of national publications. She won a first place reporting award from the North Carolina Press Association for an investigative series about the weaknesses in Charlotte's overburdened court system, which regularly let murderers off the hook with less than 15 years in prison. Due to her work, that system has been reformed. Tara is also a winner of the prestigious first place Green Eyeshade Award, a national award for column writing from The Society of Professional Journalists. Tara took to the airwaves about 15 years ago to do a radio show heard up and down the coast and fell in love with bypassing her editors to talk straight to the people. Tara hasn't stopped reporting, and still brings her investigative journalism to the show. Tara is a mom, wife and talk radio convert-- and weekday mornings she's live and local on News/Talk 989 WORD. Are you a "Tara-ist"? It's time to get captured!     

Recent Episodes

Full Show - Endorsements, Scandals & Global Shockwaves: Today’s Political Firestorm
JUN 1, 2026
Full Show - Endorsements, Scandals & Global Shockwaves: Today’s Political Firestorm
Today’s show connects three volatile threads: a heated South Carolina governor’s race shaped by a late Trump endorsement, a series of political scandals driving national outrage narratives, and escalating international conflict involving Iran, Israel, and U.S. military action. Layered underneath it all is a broader argument about power, institutions, and ideological division across the U.S. and abroad. 🏛️ SEGMENT 1: SOUTH CAROLINA POWER STRUGGLE The South Carolina governor’s race remains the dominant political story of the day, framed as a defining battle over the state’s political direction for the next generation. Key themes from the discussion: A tightly contested GOP primary with multiple candidates clustered near the top of polling Debate over whether a late-stage Trump endorsement reshapes the race Ongoing controversy surrounding potential running mate selections and political alliances Accusations of a long-standing “political machine” influencing succession politics in the state Commentary centers on the idea that: Backroom coordination between major political figures may be shaping outcomes Voters are being presented with limited transparency about future leadership decisions The race is intensifying rapidly as election day approaches 🗳️ SEGMENT 2: ENDORSEMENT POLITICS & PARTY TENSIONS The Trump endorsement is portrayed as both decisive and strategically complicated. Discussion highlights: The endorsement is seen as arriving late in the cycle, after the field had already formed Speculation that internal political deals may be tied to leadership tickets Claims that unresolved questions about lieutenant governor selection are fueling voter skepticism Polling remains tight, with no candidate fully breaking away The broader takeaway presented in commentary: Endorsements are no longer just signals of support, but leverage points in intra-party negotiations ⚠️ SEGMENT 3: NATIONAL SCANDAL NARRATIVES & POLITICAL FIGHTS Several overlapping controversy narratives dominate this segment of the show, including: A Democratic Senate candidate controversy involving past online activity and personal scandal allegations A separate state-level candidate discussion involving messaging about social issues and ideological positioning Heated accusations about political hypocrisy, media framing, and opposition research strategies The discussion frames these events as part of: Increasingly aggressive campaign environments Rapid-response media cycles driven by personal and digital history revelations Campaigns attempting to redirect attention through competing storylines 🌍 SEGMENT 4: INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT – IRAN, ISRAEL & U.S. MILITARY ACTION A major portion of today’s coverage focuses on escalating geopolitical tensions. Key points discussed: U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian-linked military capabilities Continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz region Ongoing proxy conflict dynamics involving Iran and allied groups Israeli military operations and debates over escalation strategy The commentary argues: Military operations are ongoing and strategically incomplete U.S. policy is described as inconsistent or evolving in real time Regional actors are positioned in a complex and escalating conflict environment 🌐 SEGMENT 5: IDEOLOGY, GOVERNANCE & SOCIAL TENSION THEMES The final segment expands into broader philosophical and political framing, focusing on: Deep ideological divisions in U.S. domestic politics Competing interpretations of justice, governance, and institutional trust Immigration enforcement and federal-state coordination disputes Comparative references to European legal and policing controversies The underlying argument presented: Modern political conflict is increasingly shaped by competing moral and institutional frameworks Public trust in systems of governance is under strain from multiple directions 🔥 CLOSING TAKEAWAY Across every story today—South Carolina politics, national scandals, a ...
play-circle icon
108 MIN
H1: TRUMP'S Endorsement Comes With A Twist
JUN 1, 2026
H1: TRUMP'S Endorsement Comes With A Twist
DESCRIPTION What should have been a straightforward endorsement has become one of the biggest political stories in South Carolina. Tara and Roger dive into President Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette and the immediate fallout that followed. The discussion centers on allegations of backroom negotiations involving Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina's congressional redistricting fight, and speculation surrounding Henry McMaster Jr.'s possible role as Evette's lieutenant governor pick. The hosts examine claims that Trump's endorsement may have been tied to broader political negotiations and explore why a single line in Trump's endorsement message has generated so much attention. They also discuss the growing divide between establishment Republicans and grassroots conservatives, the future of the McMaster political machine, and what all of this could mean as primary voters prepare to head to the polls. With the governor's race entering its final stretch, the political drama is only getting hotter. SHOW SUMMARY Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette was expected. What wasn't expected was the controversy that followed. Tara breaks down allegations involving South Carolina's redistricting battle, questions surrounding a potential lieutenant governor selection, and why some observers believe the endorsement message itself may have revealed more than intended. KEY TOPICS Donald Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette South Carolina governor's race Henry McMaster political influence Congressional redistricting controversy Lieutenant governor speculation GOP establishment politics South Carolina primary election Conservative grassroots movement SEGMENT HIGHLIGHTS • Trump officially endorses Pam Evette. • Debate erupts over comments included in the endorsement announcement. • Discussion of allegations involving political negotiations and redistricting. • Questions raised about Henry McMaster Jr.'s political future. • Analysis of establishment versus grassroots Republicans. • Examination of the impact on the final days before the primary. SOCIAL MEDIA TEASER 🚨 Trump finally endorsed Pam Evette... but was the endorsement itself a political grenade? Tara and Roger unpack the fallout, the redistricting battle, and why one sentence has South Carolina politics buzzing. 🍿🔥 CLICKABLE HEADLINES TRUMP'S Endorsement Comes With A Twist Did Trump Just Reveal Too Much? South Carolina GOP Drama Explodes The Endorsement Everyone Is Talking About Political Bombshell Rocks Governor's Race TAGS Donald Trump, Pam Evette, South Carolina Politics, Governor Race, Henry McMaster, Republican Primary, Redistricting, Conservative Politics, South Carolina Elections, AmperWave Daily CUSTOM LABELS Trump, Pam Evette, Henry McMaster, South Carolina, Governor Race, GOP Primary, Redistricting, Political Drama, Conservative News, AmperWave Daily
play-circle icon
24 MIN
H2: Trump Endorses Pam Evette—Then Throws Her Under the Bus?
JUN 1, 2026
H2: Trump Endorses Pam Evette—Then Throws Her Under the Bus?
DESCRIPTION President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Pam Evette in South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial primary, but the endorsement sparked immediate controversy. During today's show, Tara examines Trump's surprising reference to Henry McMaster Jr. as Evette's future lieutenant governor pick—a claim Evette has repeatedly declined to confirm publicly. The conversation explores allegations of political deal-making involving Governor Henry McMaster, the failed congressional redistricting effort, and whether Trump's endorsement was strategic support or a subtle warning shot. Callers weigh in on the future of South Carolina politics, concerns about establishment influence, and comparisons to political shifts seen in other states. Later, gubernatorial candidate Rom Reddy joins the program to discuss the endorsement, polling trends, government spending, and his vision for South Carolina's future. KEY TOPICS Donald Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette Henry McMaster Jr. lieutenant governor controversy South Carolina congressional redistricting battle Claims of political deal-making and establishment influence New gubernatorial polling data Caller reactions from across South Carolina Rom Reddy interview and campaign platform Concerns about the future direction of South Carolina politics SEGMENT BREAKDOWN Segment 1: Trump's Endorsement Sparks Debate Tara analyzes Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette and focuses on the portion of the statement mentioning Henry McMaster Jr. as a future lieutenant governor candidate. The discussion centers on whether Trump intentionally highlighted a politically sensitive issue for Evette's campaign. Segment 2: The McMaster Connection The show explores allegations that support from Governor Henry McMaster came with expectations regarding future political appointments. Tara argues that Trump's comments exposed an issue Evette had previously avoided addressing publicly. Segment 3: Redistricting and Political Fallout Discussion shifts to South Carolina's failed congressional redistricting effort. Tara contends that political leaders failed to support changes sought by Trump and examines how those developments may have influenced the endorsement. Segment 4: Listener Reactions Callers from across South Carolina share concerns about establishment politics, open primaries, voter engagement, and comparisons to political developments in Colorado. Several callers discuss why they believe the gubernatorial race remains highly competitive despite Trump's endorsement. Segment 5: Rom Reddy Interview Gubernatorial candidate Rom Reddy joins the program and reacts to Trump's endorsement. Reddy discusses polling, government spending, taxes, economic development, and concerns about what he describes as the creation of a long-term political dynasty in South Carolina. Segment 6: Looking Ahead The show concludes with discussion about the increasingly crowded Republican gubernatorial race, emerging polling data, and questions surrounding how much influence Trump's endorsement will ultimately have on primary voters. TOP QUOTES "Donald Trump endorsed Pam Evette in the governor's race. That's not even the interesting part." "A big added plus for Pam is that I hear Henry McMaster Junior will be running with her as the next lieutenant governor." "People don't like that sort of thing. It starts marking the old smoke-filled backroom politics." "Governor is a CEO. We need to focus on the record." "Are we tired of politicians? Are we tired of all the name-calling?" SEO KEYWORDS Trump endorsement, Pam Evette, South Carolina governor race, Henry McMaster Jr, South Carolina politics, gubernatorial primary, Rom Reddy, Alan Wilson, Ralph Norman, Nancy Mace, redistricting controversy, Republican primary, South Carolina election, Tara Show, political analysis SHORT PROMO Trump endorses Pam Evette—but one line in that endorsement may have created a bigger controversy than the endorsement itself. Tara breaks dow ...
play-circle icon
27 MIN
H3: Trump Endorsement Backfires? SC Governor Race Explodes Into Chaos
JUN 1, 2026
H3: Trump Endorsement Backfires? SC Governor Race Explodes Into Chaos
DESCRIPTION Donald Trump's endorsement of South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Pam Evette was supposed to be a game changer. Instead, it may have triggered one of the biggest political controversies of the campaign. Tara breaks down allegations of backroom deals, questions surrounding Henry McMaster Jr.'s potential role as lieutenant governor, growing frustration over redistricting battles, and reactions from gubernatorial candidates Alan Wilson and Rom Reddy. Plus, a stunning discussion about China, Iran, U.S. military security, and a bizarre political scandal involving a controversial Democratic candidate. PODCAST SUMMARY A weekend Trump endorsement has completely reshaped South Carolina's governor's race. The controversy centers on Trump's endorsement of Pam Evette and his statement that she would be running alongside Henry McMaster Jr. as lieutenant governor—a claim that directly contradicts months of public denials from Evette's campaign. Tara examines allegations that a political deal was struck involving Governor Henry McMaster, the failed redistricting effort, and Trump's endorsement. The discussion explores concerns about political dynasties, insider politics, and whether South Carolina voters are being asked to support candidates without full transparency. Attorney General Alan Wilson joins the program to discuss his campaign, outlining plans to eliminate the state income tax, reduce property taxes, lower utility costs, combat government waste, and increase government accountability. Wilson also addresses illegal immigration, law enforcement endorsements, digital ID concerns, and the state of the gubernatorial race. The show then shifts to international affairs, examining reports involving China, Iran, military threats to American forces, and concerns over ongoing negotiations with Tehran. Finally, Tara discusses a developing political scandal surrounding a controversial Democratic candidate and questions that emerged following reports about online activity linked to a notorious platform. TOP STORIES Trump's Endorsement Creates New Questions Trump endorses Pam Evette in the governor's race. Endorsement references Henry McMaster Jr. as future lieutenant governor. Raises questions after months of public denials. Critics allege a political deal involving redistricting and endorsements. Alan Wilson Makes His Case Calls for eliminating South Carolina's income tax. Promises lower property taxes and energy costs. Focuses on government modernization and accountability. Highlights strong support from Republican sheriffs statewide. Illegal Immigration Debate Intensifies Discussion of South Carolina's immigration enforcement efforts. Questions surrounding previous promises and implementation. Wilson outlines plans to expand cooperation with law enforcement. Digital ID Concerns Debate over digital driver's licenses and privacy protections. Concerns about government tracking and personal data security. Wilson pledges opposition to policies that threaten privacy rights. China, Iran, and National Security Allegations of Chinese military support for Iran. Concerns over weapons shipments and military technology. Debate over negotiations with Tehran and regional security. Political Scandal Emerges New controversy involving a Democratic candidate. Questions surrounding online activity and campaign damage control. Discussion of broader implications for the race. KEY TAKEAWAYS Trump's endorsement may have intensified rather than settled the governor's race. Questions remain about Pam Evette's choice for lieutenant governor. Alan Wilson continues positioning himself as a reform candidate focused on taxes, government efficiency, and public safety. Digital privacy and immigration remain major issues for South Carolina voters. Foreign policy concerns involving China and Iran continue to dominate national security discussions. Political scandals continue to shape the election landscape. QUOTE OF THE DAY "The office of governo ...
play-circle icon
26 MIN
H4: SC Power Shakeup, Trump Endorsement Drama & Global Flashpoints
JUN 1, 2026
H4: SC Power Shakeup, Trump Endorsement Drama & Global Flashpoints
South Carolina politics just turned into a high-stakes family drama with national implications—endorsements, backroom deals, and accusations of a political machine tightening its grip on the governor’s race. Meanwhile, the conversation explodes outward into global conflict, from Iran to Israel, and a broader debate about power, ideology, and influence in America. 🗞️ SEGMENT 1: SOUTH CAROLINA – THE MACHINE VS. THE MOMENT The governor’s race in South Carolina takes center stage as talk radio commentary frames it as a defining battle for the state’s future. At the center of the controversy: Former Attorney General Alan Wilson GOP figures Pam Evite (as referenced in transcript) and Henry McMaster Allegations of a long-running “political machine” influencing succession planning The discussion focuses heavily on claims that: A potential ticket pairing could lock in decades of political continuity Backroom negotiations allegedly involve strategic endorsements tied to future office appointments A perceived “news blackout” is shaping voter awareness in the state The Trump endorsement is described as a turning point, but also as ambiguous—portrayed by commentators as both influential and strategically complicated. 🗳️ SEGMENT 2: ENDORSEMENT STRATEGY & RUNNING MATE CONTROVERSY A major flashpoint is the claim that a lieutenant governor pick may already be pre-negotiated. Key talking points: The possibility of Henry McMaster’s son entering the ticket as lieutenant governor Accusations that this would extend a long-standing political network Criticism that voters are not being given clear answers about future leadership decisions The commentary suggests: Vague or non-answers from candidates are being interpreted as confirmation of internal deals Polling is tight among top Republican contenders A late Trump endorsement could significantly reshape the primary outcome 📊 SEGMENT 3: POLLING, POWER BLOCS & PRIMARY TENSION Recent polling is described as highly competitive: Multiple candidates are clustered near the top No clear frontrunner has consolidated the field The Trump endorsement is framed as a potential deciding factor The race is portrayed as: Highly volatile Influenced by outside messaging and PAC activity Increasingly heated over the past month 🌍 SEGMENT 4: INTERNATIONAL ESCALATION – IRAN, ISRAEL & U.S. MILITARY ACTION The conversation pivots sharply to global conflict. Key claims and themes include: U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian-linked capabilities Ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz Allegations of Chinese involvement in regional military supply chains (as stated in transcript) Continued instability involving proxy groups like Hezbollah The commentary argues: U.S. strategy has been inconsistent and prolonged Israel is positioned as a central actor in regional conflict resolution Military escalation is framed as ongoing rather than resolved ⚠️ SEGMENT 5: IDEOLOGY, POWER & SOCIAL CONFLICT NARRATIVES The final portion of the discussion expands into broader ideological framing, focusing on: Marxism as a recurring explanatory lens Claims of systemic bias in legal and political institutions Immigration enforcement debates tied to federal-state cooperation Criticism of prosecutorial discretion and classification of offenders The segment connects domestic politics to: European crime and policing cases (used as comparative examples in commentary) Broader fears about institutional trust and governance direction 🔥 CLOSING TAKE From South Carolina’s heated governor’s race to international military escalation, the episode frames a world defined by: Political consolidation vs. disruption Competing narratives of truth and power And escalating tension both at home and abroad The central question driving the entire discussion: Who ultimately controls the system—voters, institutions, or entrenched political networks?
play-circle icon
30 MIN