Ben Jones

Redneck Boy in the Promised Land:
The Confessions of “Crazy Cooter”

Original airdate: July 25, 2008

I met with Mr. Jones and his wife Alma near the front desk of the Jefferson hotel. They could have been anyone’s parents as they stood in faded blue jeans on the marble floors in the lobby. They were expecting to do the interview down there with all of the other touristy people and were taken aback when I asked to do it in their room.

They mumbled something about “a mess” as we entered the suite. It was usual hotel disorganization: pajamas on the floor, overflowing suitcases, newspapers- nothing a microphone stand couldn’t slide out of the way.

Jones’ eyes were remarkably blue and looked at me over the top of his socked feet pitched up on the coffee table. Alma announced that she was getting in the bed. She laughed lying supine as Mr. Jones told the remarkable story of who he is, how he almost died before becoming a famous mechanic and politician. He concluded the story with very kind words about her, the love of his life and how she was the reason he was a happy man today.

We talked for over an hour. They both repeatedly asked about me and my life. I could have told them all of my problems and climbed in a suitcase to follow them home, forever.

The rest of what happened is included below.

Thanks for tuning in,

Liz

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