MSM 617 Sen. Thad Cochran - An Achievement-Oriented Family

Senator Thad Cochran was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, on December 7th, 1937. In this episode, he discusses his family's long history in Mississippi and his parents' careers in Education. As the son of public school teachers, Cochran was expected to excel in academics, sports and music. He explains how their emphasis on education and hard work made theirs an achievement-oriented family. Even though Cochran's parents worked hard to provide for their family, money was always scarce. He remembers how they scrimped and took on extra jobs to make sure he and his brother could attend college. Cochran got his first experience in politics when his parents campaigned for various candidates and got him involved, as well. He also recalls his poker-playing grandmother's run for county supervisor. Mississippi Moments is written and produced by Ross Walton, with narration by Bill Ellison.