Brack: Something a little odd spotted at Statehouse

Something happened at the Statehouse this week that threw me for a loop.

It wasn’t another strange bill that somebody introduced. Or an argument that happened between two irritated politicians. Or even some new salacious scandal that made tongues wag.

It was this: I saw a possum waddling around a state monument on the Statehouse grounds near the Gressette Senate Office Building. It happened so quickly that I first thought the critter was some kind of weird hairless dog. But the rat-like tail gave it away.

The episode was such a shocker that I almost forgot there was a camera in the phone. I snapped a couple of shots, but only got his tail-end scampering away.

Coincidentally, when I mentioned the possum-sighting to a Greenville friend frequently in Columbia, he said, “I saw him on Tuesday.” And it was in the same area.

Seriously: We both saw a real, live, fat possum. And he or she (we’re not going to get into a dumb pronoun debate) was certainly well-fed.

And this is where the jokes might start:

How could you tell it was a possum and not some kind of waddling legislator?
I thought the only possums were inside the Statehouse, not on the outside.
At least he (or she) didn’t roll over and play dead like the do-nothing possums inside the Statehouse.
No wonder that horse statue in front of the Wade Hampton building looks like it’s running away.
Is this possum a new member of the Statehouse Fat and Ugly Caucus?
You reckon former Gov. Mark Sanford wants to pick up the possum and take it inside like those pigs Pork and Barrel that dribbled poop on him all of those years ago?
Did the possum turn over and play dead like too many state legislators are doing on important issues to help working people?
Maybe this possum can be the new Statehouse mascot. The Statehouse gift shop could make millions on possum T-shirts and mugs.

If you’ve got more jokes or want to give the possum a unique name, share your thoughts at feedback@statehousereport.com.

Opossums, unfortunately, often get a bad rap – just like many politicians in our state.

Possums often are thought to be dirty or diseased because they are scavengers, but experts say they’re remarkably clean and groom themselves like cats to remove ticks and fleas. It doesn’t help that they can sometimes have frightening facial features or that rat-like tail.

Possums also are odorless because they don’t have sweat glands. There’s a misconception that they’re often rabid, but because they have low body temperatures, the virus can’t easily survive inside them, according to science.

Possums also often are known to “play dead.” But that’s really just a self-induced reaction to fear, not a sign of their intelligence.

So yes, it was odd to see the Statehouse possum. And speaking of odd things happening this week at the Statehouse, it would be helpful for someone to explain why there’s such a pell-mell rush to memorialize slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk by naming a bridge and road after him. He’s not from South Carolina. He visited a couple of times in 2025 but didn’t make a consequential impact. ButNevertheless, partisans are frothing like some possums to honor him.

Seems like it would be a lot better to honor a leader from South Carolina. Maybe someone who made a real impact across the world. Like, perhaps, the late Jesse Jackson who died last month?

Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send to: feedback@statehousereport.com