WXIA/V-103 poll: ATL mayor’s runoff a dead heat
The Atlanta mayoral runoff has become a dead-heat, according to the latest poll sponsored by WXIA-TV and radio station V-103.
SurveyUSA, conductor of the poll, gives former state senator Kasim Reed a nominal 49 percent to 46 percent advantage over Councilwoman Mary Norwood, within the survey’s 4.5 percent margin of error.
Norwood is precisely where she was the week before the first round of voting on Nov. 3. Reed pulled 36 percent of ballots in the first round.
You can consider this week the last before voters begin to unplug for the Thanksgiving holidays. So the poll is significant. But its true importance — and its accuracy — is hard to gauge, simply because turnout for a vote five days after T-Day is likely to be so darned small, and thus, volatile.
One caveat: the SurveyUSA poll presumes that African Americans will make up 58 percent of the turnout, and that white voters will be 38 percent.
SurveyUSA has posted the details here. Included in the analysis:
[U]nderneath the surface, the results paint a picture of two different Atlantas. White Atlanta backs Norwood 4:1. Black Atlanta backs Reed 3:1. Wealthy Atlanta backs Norwood. Less wealthy Atlanta backs Reed. College grads back Norwood. Those who have not graduated from college back Reed.
Those who voted for Lisa Borders in the general go 2:1 for Reed in the runoff.
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145 comments Add your comment
Cutty
November 16th, 2009
1:44 pm
Fizzirst!!!
Reed supporter
November 16th, 2009
1:45 pm
Look this where it should be Reed is in lead with the polls he gaining more and more votes.I just read the rich is supporting Norwood I bet you that the Republicans are switching over to vote for Mary Norwood.
Mary Norwood is not for the poor people of Atlanta
Donny Fairplay
November 16th, 2009
1:46 pm
Getting my popcorn ready for the race war. Should I bring my marshmellows? Do you think there will be fires?
Reed supporter
November 16th, 2009
1:50 pm
The way Norwood supporters are they will through race in it. Reed will just do a good job by talking about the issues in Atlanta.
Donny Fairplay
November 16th, 2009
1:52 pm
@Reed supporter, apparently the ignorant and illiterate are supporting Reed too.
AH
November 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
Most likely the race is about dead even, but this is a bad poll and I was looking forward to digesting some good polling numbers today. I don’t think there is much to be done for either one of the candidates at this point other then try and get voters to the polls.
In the mean time lets all try and get some help for “Reed supporter”
“1,000 city of Atlanta adults were interviewed 11/12/09 through 11/15/09. Of them, 890 were registered to vote. Of them, 499 were determined by SurveyUSA to be likely to vote in the runoff. In SurveyUSA’s turnout model, 58% of voters are black, 38% of voters are white. If blacks turn out in larger numbers, Reed will outperform the poll numbers shown here. If whites turn out in larger numbers, Norwood will outperform the poll numbers shown here.”
Reed supporter
November 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
Donny you are very ignorant and you probably racist. Wow that why Norwood is losen now because ignorant people like you are supporting her. Reed is coming out strong everything dont have to be about race.
If Norwood have done alot for Atlanta in 8 years I would have supported her but what have she done nothing. I am going to get out the early votes for Reed.
Beth
November 16th, 2009
2:07 pm
Kasim Reed is on fire! The electorate is finally calling Mary Norwood’s bluff
Reed supporter
November 16th, 2009
2:08 pm
AH let get you some help because why are you talking about who coming out in large number whites or blacks it does not matter. Both candidates have mix race voting for them.
Buckhead Bill
November 16th, 2009
2:11 pm
Anyone who votes for Mary Norwood just because she’s white is an idiot. This city is facing some very complex issues and anyone who has heard her speak knows she doesn’t have the intellectual depth to help us.
Midtown for Reed
November 16th, 2009
2:22 pm
Thanks Buckhead Bill even Buckhead resident is waken up to see Norwood is not a candidate for mayor.
Formerly RJ
November 16th, 2009
2:23 pm
A three-point spread with a margin of error of 4.5, and, if you look at the survey results, 5% are undecided. In other words, it all comes down to voter turnout. Fortunately, Mary Norwood’s supporters (black and white) tend to be better educated, more conscientious, and, consequently, more likely to vote.
Unless Kasim starts paying people to vote, or rounding up the vagrants on Pine St. and hauling them to the voting station, my money is on Norwood being the next mayor.
Midtown for Reed
November 16th, 2009
2:27 pm
RJ that was very racist to say look that why we would see if the people chose Norwood
Reuben
November 16th, 2009
2:29 pm
It sounds like the cliquish, rap-loving, V-103 crowd wins again. 4 more years of the ATL.
AH
November 16th, 2009
2:35 pm
NO RS it’s a bad poll due to the methodology used. I don’t dispute the overall premise that it is roughly 50-50 who will win. But this poll told us nothing and it has nothing to do with race, it has to do with the limited data. You ended up with a 58/38 split because they couldn’t get a larger sample size. 1000 to start with and you ended up only using 499 of those. I’m not concerned about black vs white showing up in Dec. because that isn’t what will determine the winner, it will be who the people trust more simple as that.
And Reed Supporter I think you need to look into some adult education classes, check your local library they typically have that information handy.
Jackalope
November 16th, 2009
2:44 pm
So let’s get this straight:
- The poll assumes African Americans will show up 20% higher than whites in the run off (HA! ask Jim Martin)
- Reed went negative and had the help of the GA Democratic party to go Negative against Norwood
-Reed has spent the last 2 weeks racking up endorsement after endorsement
AND NORWOOD IS STILL AT HER 46% OF THE VOTE??!?!!!!!!!!!!
Reed is NOT going to be peeling away Norwood supporters – this will be 100% about turn out. And if history is any judge…Mayor Elect Norwood will be giving her acceptance speech in time for the 10 o’clock news.
That's What I Was Telling You Before
November 16th, 2009
2:47 pm
Kasim will win, unqualified people will continue to run the city, and life will go on in Atlanta, Georgia. Kasim is playing smart because he can’t come out and attack little ol’ Mary. He is too busy greasing the gears of the “Machine,” turning and churning it until Dec. 1!
Midtown for Reed
November 16th, 2009
2:56 pm
Midtown are coming out strong for Reed wow you should have seen all the Reed supporters at Piedmont Park Sunday. Everyone was saying we want Reed. Where was Mary Norwood no where to be found.
AJ
November 16th, 2009
2:57 pm
There is a very simple comparison that each and every person voting on December 1st should be able to form. Place each candidate side-by-side and list the attributes and characteristics of each candidate. If black and white are at the top of your list, you are ignorant. For me, as a voter, I have seen two important characteristics since Nov. 3rd. One candidate is out in the neighborhoods just as she has been for 20 years. The other candidate is collecting endorsements. Dig into the facts. One in five contributors to Kasim Reed are connected to contracts with the Atlanta airport. That connection alone is cronyism at it’s best. As for endorsements, it shouldn’t take any thinking or rational person to remember Roy Barnes and the widely covered corruption (2002) related to land deals involving the Northern Arc. If the City of Atlanta wants to remain status quo or, God forbid, head to the depths of what Detroit or New Orleans has become in terms of lingering and rising poverty joined up with lingering and rising crime, then Reed will be elected. If the City of Atlanta is truly interested in change and moving forward as a best-class city, then Norwood will be elected.
Harry
November 16th, 2009
2:58 pm
This race is ONLY about turnout. No other story to be told.
John Doe
November 16th, 2009
3:06 pm
This is actually good news for Norwood, as her supporters are more likely to show up and vote. It’s funny some of Reed’s supporters are saying only whites are playing the race card, first off the poll shows blacks are 3:1 supporting Reed…How’s that not racial???
Additionally blacks have overwhelmingly supported every black mayoral candidate since Jackson, hence why Massell was defeated for his reelection in the 70s, and why no white candidate has been elected since, thanks to the Jackson corrupt political machine. Now that white flight ended this will no longer be enough, if not this time it’s a matter of time before a white person will once again be mayor. Why can’t both races finally live together and share political power in our city? What happened to the city too busy to hate???
Finally, why is it so bad that the more affluent and educated support Norwood??? The upper middle and upper class is what pays the most in taxes in the city…Why can’t Buckhead ever be recognized as important? Calling Norwood a “Buckhead Betty” is typical of ignorance.
Vote for change, vote for Norwood…
Say no to the Reed-Jackson political machine
Midtown for Mary Norwood
November 16th, 2009
3:08 pm
@Reed supporter – You’re fooling yourself if you don’t think your candidate is not stoking the flames of racism to get the few extra votes. Look at all the churches (who don’t pay taxes) jumping in full force to the political field to support Reed. Just pathetic how reverse racism works in this town. It’d be good to see a candidate pull this town together, but this is the South and racism is alive and kickin.
John Doe
November 16th, 2009
3:11 pm
Sad but true Midtown for Mary….For some reason people don’t see reverse racism which exists here as racism…
Racism is racism period…Two wrongs don’t make a right…
I’m tired of the racism both sides display in Atlanta politics…
Everyone is friends with one another outside, but in the polling booths on election day in Atlanta, everyone (both races) play the race game…
I support Norwood as I want change..>I’m tired of the Jackson political machine ruining our city…
For Real!!!
November 16th, 2009
3:12 pm
John Doe, you do realize Norwood CANNOT win without the black vote. Way to make blacks more inclined to vote for your candidate.
william
November 16th, 2009
3:13 pm
Who are the illegals voting for in this election? How close a race this is without ACORN! I guess the dead will not rise and vote this time around. I am sure there is hope on the horizon! I can see this race tightening up to 49% to 48% then come the racist organiztions out to empty the nursing homes or there will be a sudden burst of abscentee ballots filling the void. Yep, just another day in the arm pits of ATLANTA! You WILL get what you deserve, I have not doubts about it.
John Doe
November 16th, 2009
3:15 pm
For Real, what did I say that was offensive to the black voters??? I said Norwood’s supporters are more likely to go to the polls…Where did I say blacks aren’t likely to go to the polls??? Don’t play that game with me my friend…
For Real!!!
November 16th, 2009
3:15 pm
AJ- Where are the facts to backup your airport contracts statement?
where's jessie spikes & clark howard???
November 16th, 2009
3:15 pm
man – wish jessie spikes were still in the race – he’s absolutely right… both buckhead and south atlanta is being ill-served by the city government… there’s no need for a divide, everyone’s dealing w/ a bad government. also – I wish clark howard had run… yeah – he’s prolly way 2 republican 4 me… and he’d prolly want 2 privatize stuff i am not comfortable privatizing… but I truly think he would know what to do to increase business in the city limits.
J. Mae Buckner
November 16th, 2009
3:16 pm
The big deal about the Atlanta mayoral election is that neither one of the candidiates are the Best for the city of Atlanta. What Atlanta needs in terms of a Mayor is a person that has the knowledge to navigate us out of this mess and I mean mess. The problems are mounting in Atlanta and must be addressed and not feigned off in denial, we are in a CRISIS, look around and you see and ride over pot holes; the sewage line incomplete; the housing crisis; the educational system failures; the parks and recreational facilities; the lack of programs for Seniors, children and families; lack of housing for low income residents; the fire and police departments; City Government daily blunders; fire and police departments; homeless problems; drug brokering and dealings and a host of other ills. We need superman or superwoman and a team of great men and women from all walks of lefe to pull us from this HELL we are steadfastenly falling into. I recommend Councilman KWANZAA HALL. He knows what it takes to pull a team together that are competent and strong to carry out the missions of the city charter and the goals to continue to make ATLANTA the place to be and live and the envy of the world for a governemnt that works for the people.
btw william
November 16th, 2009
3:17 pm
william by the way – it’s not “just another day in the ATL” it’s “another OPENING day in the ATL” coz every day is an opening day.
Lee
November 16th, 2009
3:18 pm
If the Republicans would have came out and voted for Norwood in the primary there would notbe a run-off. However, I still believe Marry wiil pul out with the diversity of voter support she will get. The “old vanguard” of arrogant black contractors really running the city is played out. Black people in Atlanta are finally starting to understand their game. They get rich off tax payer financed minority contracts and they do nothing in return for the residents of this city but flash their money and arrogance to the black community. They are no different than rich whites. The people will decide this election. They are “poverty pimping” the black community of Atlanta. There are no good candidates in this election. I PRAY FOR US ALL IF ANY OF THEM WIN.
For Real!!!
November 16th, 2009
3:20 pm
John Doe, we’re not friends because you’re using an alias and I have no idea who you are.
You said: “It’s funny some of Reed’s supporters are saying only whites are playing the race card, first off the poll shows blacks are 3:1 supporting Reed…How’s that not racial???”
Galloway’s thorough analysis of the election data from November 3rd clearly showed that more blacks voted for Norwood than whites for any other candidate combined. SO you “blacks will only vote for blacks” analogy is way off. If anything, BASED ON FACTS from the general election, blacks are more inclined to vote for a white candidate than vice versa.
You ask why can’t all races share power in the city AFTER you make the claim that blacks will only vote for blacks. You have your poll of 1,000 voters. I have an analysis of every precinct in the city and how they voted. My friend.
MIchelle
November 16th, 2009
3:20 pm
MY FAMILY SUPPORTS & WILL VOTE FOR ‘KASIM REED’ GOOD LUCK
Lee
November 16th, 2009
3:23 pm
If Reed wins this is going to be a BIG embarrassment to Atlanta as if we needed more to be embarrased about …. remember the 1996 Olympics with Bill Campbell at the helm? Even though Obama was elected President, this will show that most African-Americans will simply not go for a white mayor because of the race issue. I hate to know that this election has made the news all across our country and beyond. When will supporters of the Jackson-Campbell-Franklin regime ever wake up? My guess is most won’t.
AH
November 16th, 2009
3:26 pm
HA HA HA HA, I guess Kwanza will be the next BIG endorsement for Reed. If I were him I’d be careful with that.
Midtown for Reed
November 16th, 2009
3:27 pm
Wow look still talking about race card, look Norwood is a nice lady but she is not the best candidate for this job. I dont trust Norwood and like foreal said she can not win the election without the black votes yall better wake up before yall make some of them black voters turn against norwood and starts to vote Reed.
Greg P.
November 16th, 2009
3:28 pm
People of Atlanta want to keep it a chocolate city like New Orleans. The people will never wake up. The Jackson-Campbell-Franklin machine has done nothing for this city. Call like it is..it will be decided on race.It will be a shame if Reed is elected. Borders would never have supported Norwood. Barnes supports him because he needs him, these are same folks that still think Vick should still be with the Falcons. What a friend we have in Jesus
John Doe
November 16th, 2009
3:31 pm
For Real, yes, Norwood will win because people are tired of politics as usual (Jackson Machine). Norwood has never played the race card. She has been out in Southwest Atlanta campaigning hard. But many call her a Buckhead Betty making it sound like she ignores Southwest Atlanta…It’s a non-partisan election yet everyone is labeling her a Repub…
I just want to get you on the record, you don’t believe this runoff sadly has racism from both white and black voters??? I slammed both races in my above post because I think it’s time we all get along…
What say you?
Midtown for Reed
November 16th, 2009
3:32 pm
Greg why all the Bill Campbell and Franklin staff on Norwood campaign staff like Zee bradford ..Do your research Greg.
Formerly RJ
November 16th, 2009
3:33 pm
@Midtown,
There was absolutely nothing racist about my comment. I clearly stated that Norwood’s supporters– both black and white– are more likely to vote because they are educated and conscientious.
Reed, on the other hand, tends to be supported by less well-educated and, consequently, less conscientious individuals. Therefore, he will need to motivate people to vote.
Please refrain from imputing racism where it does not exist.
NotAtlanta
November 16th, 2009
3:34 pm
The ignorance portrayed daily on V-103 (especially the Frank & Wanda show) is an embarrassment to many Atlantans. I don’t trust any political poll in which they are affiliated. I’m not voting for Reed because he’s associated with Shirley Franklin who’s a lousy mayor — for Cascade Heights and all of the city. Mary Norwood all the way!
For Real!!!
November 16th, 2009
3:37 pm
These people talking about the ‘Jackson Machine’ act as if this is Chicago or New York. The Daley Machine of Chicago is a MACHINE. People like myself are implants and have a vague idea who Maynard Jackson is, other than being the first black mayor. A MACHINE as some like to call it, has the goal of getting people to “vote early and vote often!” In Chicago, the alderman can make the call and get out votes in their district. No one has that kind of clout or street money to hand out in return for votes so just end the ‘Machine’ noise.
Roy Barnes and Jim Martin must be racists too then since they endorsed Reed?
Mary Norwood is not the best candidate, period. I’m still waiting for a supporter to described ONE substantial piece of legislation she was written and had passed in her 8 years on the city council. Just one, thats all. Talking to constituents is well and good, but what concrete actions has she accomplished in 8 years? No one has yet to answer that simple question.
For Real!!!
November 16th, 2009
3:38 pm
John Doe….. Campaigning in SW and getting things done in SW are two entirely different things. Of course she campaigns there because she needs the votes.
Voter
November 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
You’re all idiots!!!
FALCONS SORRY
November 16th, 2009
3:40 pm
MARY NORWOOD CAN NOT BE MAYER OF ATLANTA. HOW CAN A WOMAN THAT DRIVE A OLD HOOPTEE MAKE ME THINK SHE QUALIFIED TO BE MAYER? MAYNAR JACKSON WOULD BE ROLLING IN HIS GRAVE RIGHT NOW IF HE WASN’T CRAMMED SO TIGHT IN THAT COFFIN ! ATLANTA IS A CHOCOLATE CITY AND WHITE CHOCOLATE IS NOT AS POPLAR !
JUST LIKE MATTY NOODLE ARM RYAN IS A BUST SO WOULD NORWOOD IF ELECTED.
CAN YOU SEE IT NOW, MARY NORWOOD HOOPTEE BRAKING DOWN ON THE WAY TO CITY HALL? SHE NEED TO RIDE CLEAN IN A PIMP MOBILE LIKE KISSEEM REED !
william
November 16th, 2009
3:41 pm
Hey Atlanta is the scene for CNN is it not? Why did they fire Lou Dobbs? Was it a kind of racist thing too? No one seems to be discussing it. Why?
Midtown for Reed
November 16th, 2009
3:43 pm
For Foreal these are Mary Norwood ignorant supporter you can not explain to them that Norwood have done nothing like you said what have she pass since she been in cith hall for 8yrs nothing. Her commercial stated what she going to do but it dont take 8 yrs to fix the crime , fix pot holes and to reopen recreation center back up. Norwood why did you pass the furloughs in police dept.
Concerned about Atlanta
November 16th, 2009
3:45 pm
I know everyone has divided into their opposing camps, but is it really possible that Atlanta may elect a man who has made his living working to deny civil rights to minorities, women and gays?
Has it really come to that in the birthplace of MLK? This is a travesty.
Where are the King Family and Joseph Lowery.
BREAKING: Reed Fought Workers for Corporations as Attorney –
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0546.html
Puhleeze
November 16th, 2009
3:48 pm
An empty Business skirt= Norwood
Marc
November 16th, 2009
3:53 pm
I find this poll a bit dubious. 23% of its likely voters either did not vote on November 3 or aren’t sure whether they did or not. The survey isn’t detailed enough to see how individuals who voted for Keyser or Spikes are likely to vote, but if you look at voters who actually voted on November 3 for one of the top 3 candidates, Norwood would lead in this poll 50-46. For people who did not vote, weren’t sure, or voted for a non-Top 3 candidate (Non-Top 3 Voters), they would have to favor Reed 55-34 to make the poll’s results work. While I can’t figure our how Keyser/Spike voters said they are liely to vote, they only make up 14% of Non-Top 3 Voters, As a result, this poll’s results are greatly affected by people who didn’t vote on November 3 or can’t remember whether they did or not who support Reed by an overwhelming majority.
In all, it points to the key finding, Reed can’t win with the electorate that showed up on November 3 and must get out more people. This “within-the-margin-of-error” poll shows that he barely wins if 23% of the voters are new (assuming he can hold on to the same percentage of November 3 voters as Norwood does). I doubt this will happen based on historical trends and see this poll as a good sign for Norwood.
newA
November 16th, 2009
4:03 pm
Norwood’s campaign is out of steam. She will lose.
CDog
November 16th, 2009
4:09 pm
Runoffs are all about turnout. Norwood will have the turnout over Reed. No Obama boost for Reed. Norwood by 9-10%.
White Person For Reed
November 16th, 2009
4:10 pm
Race has nothing whatsoever to do with supporting Reed. I support Reed because Mary has never, ever, in her 8 long years on the City Council, come up with a solution to anything.
The problem isn’t just that she’s not bright, it’s also that she is not realistic. The woman doesn’t know the first thing about public safety because she and her neighborhood have employed a private security company, so why would she want to know? No wonder she didn’t care when or even if the police furloughs ended.
One more thing, you people are absolutely appalling. Most of the people I know who are supporting Norwood are either old white racists who go on and on about this so-called “machine” that they can’t explain and blacks like Able Mable Thomas who want to drain the taxpayers dry.
Bernie Matt
November 16th, 2009
4:19 pm
John Doe ,
are you serious!!! In one sentence you say “… now that white flight has ended…” and in the next you ask “… why can’t we all get along…?”
are you seroius!!! It amazes me how you folks can presuppose that blacks are the ones who are bias and more apt to be prejudice, but history and your own statements bear out the OPPOSITE.
Just amazing! Tell you what, Next time you think someone is prejudice or think someone can not live with a Mayor of the opposite race, before you post anything here, GO HAVE A LONG TALK WITH YOUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS, WHO WERE A PART OF THE WHITE FLIGHT GROUP WHEN THEY SAW A BLACK FACE IN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE.
You people are amazing, just rewrite history, why don’t you!!!!
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 16th, 2009
4:23 pm
My man Reed has this in the bag. The Jackson machine will provide the votes. 8 more years, 8 more years.
Jim
November 16th, 2009
4:23 pm
What a shock – a bunch of uneducated poor folks back Reed?? Is this really a surprise to anyone?
Lee
November 16th, 2009
4:31 pm
Just read the bit from the Atl Progressive News …. Reed is not a friend of the common man and not a friend of the gay community.
Nu'Keese Richardson
November 16th, 2009
4:33 pm
I’ll vote for Reed if he keeps me out of jail.
"Mohammed Kasim Reed"
November 16th, 2009
4:36 pm
Is this my real name?
ummmh!
November 16th, 2009
4:45 pm
Enter your comments here
Montrell M
November 16th, 2009
4:45 pm
The African-American community needs to come out in force and vote for Kasim!!! norwood will not represent our interests and will protect only the white power structure in the city. Vote KASIM!!!
ummmh!
November 16th, 2009
4:48 pm
In a run-off black folks ain’t trying to come out why? b/c they voted the first time… ain’t that enough?! the people that voted for mary are better educated and more likely to come out and vote agin reed folks ain’t trying to do that i belive mary got it jus by history of voter turn out for run-offs yeah reed supporters can fly in all ova but they gonna have to put out some money or chicken to get black folks to come out for the second time!
Mr. Personality
November 16th, 2009
4:55 pm
These comments make me glad that I live in a city that formerly was known as Atlanta.
Reed supporters need to enroll in EAASL classes.
Gay votes
November 16th, 2009
4:56 pm
Lee you dont speak for the Gays in atlanta I am a gay white man and i am supporting Reed. I dont trust Norwwod let me ask Norwood this question are you going to give money to keep Southern Voice running.
Vote for Reed
Roekest
November 16th, 2009
4:58 pm
So basically the poll says if you’re an uneducated rube you’ll more than likely vote for Reed. And most intelligent residents back Norwood. She may not have the endorsements Reed has, but getting the backing from Atlanta’s smartest and wealthiest residents says enough. Everyone else isn’t bright enough to see that Reed is just more of the same Jackson/Young Political Machine.
Reed represents Atlanta’s past; Norwood…the future. Just look at Reed’s endorsers. I’m sure they’ll get nice kickbacks if he’s elected….
Gay votes
November 16th, 2009
5:01 pm
UMMMM where Mary Norwood was eating friend chicken on the news I am sure Norwood giving chicken dinner to the black people who supporting her.
John Doe
November 16th, 2009
5:02 pm
I’m asking for us all to get along and look beyond race, and look at the posts going on…
Bunch of biggots on this blog…
Montrell M
November 16th, 2009
4:45 pm
The African-American community needs to come out in force and vote for Kasim!!! norwood will not represent our interests and will protect only the white power structure in the city. Vote KASIM!!!
Gay votes
November 16th, 2009
5:03 pm
December 1 please hurry get here I want Mary Norwood to cry when she lose.She probally friend with Karen Handler……Norwood giving out free varsity if you vote for her.
Bernie Matt
November 16th, 2009
5:05 pm
Hey Jim,
What about my comments said poor and uneducated? You people are a joke! Truth hurts huh!
Okay, I’ll get in the gutta for you, so you’ll feel better. How’s this, GO TELL YO RACIST ASS GRANDPAPPY AND GRANDMAMMY THAT THEY SHOULD FALL ON THEIR KNEES AND ASK FOR REPENTENCE.
After you can confirm for me that you’ve done that, black folks around here will take what you say to heart. MOTHER%UCKER!
WHO YA WIT! I AIN’T SCARED OF YOU MOTHAS!
The Same Blogger by Any Other Name
November 16th, 2009
5:07 pm
Midtown for Reed = Gay votes = etc.
someareidiots
November 16th, 2009
5:09 pm
AJ you are an idiot. What contracts? Who are the people that have these contracts? How come you don’t want anyone of color to bid on a contract and win? What laws are they breaking by having a contract? Of course, there would be people on Reed’s disclosure that have contracts. There are probably people all mary norwood’s disclosures that have airport contracts. Stop your onesided smearing approach–it really is junior high school. Give me a website on the law that was broken and give me Mary Norwood’s disclosure without any individuals that have contracts. I know of two people that are supporting Mary that have contracts at the airport. You are truly an idiot.
Ebonics Sends a Thrill Up My Leg
November 16th, 2009
5:10 pm
Re: poor and uneducated [huffy, at that]
Actually, it’s spelled “repentance.”
Wow
November 16th, 2009
5:14 pm
Reading the comments on here depresses me. How can you save a city if its filled with these morons. “Not all, just some, you know who are” – Luda
I think Reed would be best, but Norwood will win because of turnout.
City Council Races
November 16th, 2009
5:15 pm
We really need to be watching the City Council Races. Who are these people that are running for City Council? Do we really know any of these people except for Ceaser Mitchell and somewhat Clair Muller. If they don’t have any track record and just promises don’t vote for them. There is no money to do anything they are promising. Look at their record–not their promises.
Racist
November 16th, 2009
5:17 pm
when the white people going to stop blamming people who cares I bet MLK is looking down at these racist people on here and shaken his head.
Stop the racist comments.
City Council Races
November 16th, 2009
5:18 pm
Atlanta needs results-oriented leadership and representation. What were the positive outcomes from anything they put forth that benefits Atlantans? If no record, no vote! See how simple that is folks.
Emory Texan
November 16th, 2009
5:21 pm
Neither of these candidates seem that strong. Norwood doesn’t have a great track record and Reed represents the same ole leadership that has been running this city ineffectively for the past however long. In short, they are both more of the same.
If Atlanta wants to start growing again, it needs a mayor that can lure new business from both the burbs and the rest of the country. I get this from the mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, the former CEO of Turner Construction, the largest construction company in the country. He brought in a mentality of accountability and respect that was unseen in recent Dallas politics (our city council was a horrible mess before him). He also brought about new ideas for marketing the city and big-time connections that helped bring in lots of jobs. In my opinion, you help a city rebuild itself with jobs, private sector philanthropy, and the prestige that comes with a sound economy. All of these means a city can benefit greatly from working with the private sector, not making them out to be the bad guy. This is why I lean towards Reed of these two options because Norwoods comments on taking on “big bad developers” worries me.
In short, I reluctantly support Kasim.
Tuxedo Park
November 16th, 2009
5:25 pm
As I stated over the weekend, Norwood has a spotted history and was a pals with Bill Campbell during his time as mayor. It wasn’t until he was unpopular that she distanced herself. Clair Muller was pushed by Maynard Jackson, who was a fine man and great friend of my father’s, and he was a strong proponent of Atlanta, period. For him there was no white or black, just ATLANTA. Its very odd that everyone has gotten amnesia, or maybe those that know the true story won’t share. This town was a sleepy little city prior to the likes of William Hartsfield Ivan Allen, Sam Massell and Maynard Jackson. These men had vision and they were able to see beyond race, in many instances. It is my opinion that, many whites in this city (including some of my own friends) want a white mayor for optical purposes and this is inherently wrong. And it is for this reason that I feel Norwood will lose this election. There are some black voters that will support Mary Norwood, because they truly have a connection to her and there are even some whites that have that same connection. There are a lot of whites that have legitimate concerns about where the city is headed and there have been some failures with past administrations, but Mary Norwood’s skin color is not the answer and that is the wrong direction to head in. I must say that I didn’t know much about any of the candidates in the race prior to January, but once I started paying attention to style and substance I learned a lot. I initially liked Lisa Borders the most, but it was always unclear as to whether she was truly committed to the task at hand. Norwood always struck me as a bit unprepared and loud. She seems to be a gadfly that lacks the proper focus to really lead in a meaningful way. I just get uneasy with the thought of her sitting at the helm. She seems nice and I have even had some good conversations with her at a social event or two. My biggest concern with Norwood is her populist attitude. It seems that she is too easily swayed by the people, who don’t always understand the greater issues that some times give way to unpopular decisions. I just don’t know if Mary Norwood would be capable of leading Atlanta to do the right thing, even if it were unpopular. She doesn’t strike me as that type of leader.
This leaves us with Kasim Reed. Honestly, I was very concerned with him as a candidate before. My concerned lied in the fact that he seemed to be a Johnny come lately and that is definitely not the type of mayor Atlanta needs to get out of this morass. But as I paid attention more and more, he seemed to have a grasp of the issues and he has run a heck-of-a campaign. I mean 40 points in three months, that is impressive. I like his proposals and I think he has the right understanding of what lies ahead.
I want him to committ to greater ethics reform, to avoid Lamar Willis and Ceasar Mitchell incidents. I also want him to committ to a more open procurement process in the city. Blacks are not the only ones that have benefited from contracts. so please don’t take my comments as race-baiting. I remember the days when William Hartsfield’s wife had a “real” no-bid contract at the airport and King and Spaulding handled all of the city’s legal work.
This is just my two cents for the day. Maybe i’ll post again later. I’m not going to begin to suggest on this thread who people should vote for, because that is still an American right that is private but I will say please be smart about your vote.
Emory Texan
November 16th, 2009
5:38 pm
BTW, Maynard Jackson was born in Dallas.
undecided.
November 16th, 2009
5:39 pm
Seriously, people learn how to write. Furthermore learn how to speak. This is sad.
Tim
November 16th, 2009
5:47 pm
“Clair Muller was pushed by Maynard Jackson, who was a fine man and great friend of my father’s, and he was a strong proponent of Atlanta, period. For him there was no white or black, just ATLANTA. Its very odd that everyone has gotten amnesia, or maybe those that know the true story won’t share.”
Tub ‘o’ Lard Jackson did try to come across as the white man’s black mayor in the early years, out of necessity. In his last years, his true colors (black) came out. Just before he croaked, he was just another rhyming, race-baiting whale in a moo-moo. You seem to only see the play-pretend Maynard of the ’70s.
Racist
November 16th, 2009
5:49 pm
VOTE FOR REED
Early Vote for Reed
insider
November 16th, 2009
6:06 pm
Bill Cosby should be mayor of Atlanta, He would win by a landslide and do everything the proper way!
Votor
November 16th, 2009
6:17 pm
Reed is a corporate shill federal lawyer who represented cracker barrel and can’t even be honest about his real name, he is entirely backed by cash from the ultra rich money spigot, and is even paying people to post trash here in the comments section. AJC are race pimps trying to turn this into a racist black v. white election. I saw Reed “supporters” out waving signs who were obviously paid, given the lack of genuine enthusiasm. I saw a huge crowd of enthusiastic Norwood sign waivers who were obviously volunteers and were mostly black. Hmmmmm, what’s wrong with the fake picture AJC reporters are trying to paint for their ultra rich elitist scum masters? This election isn’t about black v. white, like AJC race pimps and the paid shills posting here want you to believe. It’s about the crooks v. the people, and clearly, Reed represents the crooks, which is why a toilet rag like AJC supports him.
wow
November 16th, 2009
6:19 pm
I think my IQ has been lowered by 50 points by reading these comments.
“AJC race pimps” is my new favorite term, though.
Votor
November 16th, 2009
6:32 pm
And Reed’s money is coming in from New York, D.C., and Philly — does anyone believe that money is small grass roots donations? Please read about the dirt bag and his dirty work for fascist corporations before you cast a vote for another Bush with dark skin (yes, that’s how dumb the elites think we are, that we will vote for a creep because of the color of their skin): http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0546.html
ps. I’m not voter from above calling everyone idiots. In case you are new to politics, the elites always have teams of shill posters trying to still up trouble. In this election, the scum back Reed.
Lee
November 16th, 2009
6:35 pm
Mr. “Gay Vote” ….. I never said I speak for the entire gay community but I believe when its said and done, Norwood will get the support of the vast majority of the gay vote. I am a gay white male as well and I’m voting for Norwood. Thank you.
deborah
November 16th, 2009
6:51 pm
Reed has about one-quarter fewer supporters from one Midtown precinct than Norwood has, and real people speak with with their OWN money. Of about five to eight Reed supporters, one was Reed giving himself a loan and two were folks with airport contracts. This same ZIP reliably gives some of the most Dem money in the city.
To people who don't get it
November 16th, 2009
6:53 pm
REPOST FOR TUXEDO, I think you are on it. My mother is a white woman and my father so happens to not be black… they both knew and loved Maynard. I agree with the openess and transparency and I believe that he would be able us what we need as Mayor. I think Kasim Reed is our best of the two choices and all we need to do is stop bickering and being hateful an hold his feet to the fire.
Mary…I think she will say “I lost my phone” OR “I couldn’t find Atlanta”, if we tried to hold her feet to the fire on anything concrete. At least Kasim shows that he has some awareness to what is going on and what needs to be done.
So here is the repost from Tuxedo. Thank you for most original thoughts.
As I stated over the weekend, Norwood has a spotted history and was a pals with Bill Campbell during his time as mayor. It wasn’t until he was unpopular that she distanced herself. Clair Muller was pushed by Maynard Jackson, who was a fine man and great friend of my father’s, and he was a strong proponent of Atlanta, period. For him there was no white or black, just ATLANTA. Its very odd that everyone has gotten amnesia, or maybe those that know the true story won’t share. This town was a sleepy little city prior to the likes of William Hartsfield Ivan Allen, Sam Massell and Maynard Jackson. These men had vision and they were able to see beyond race, in many instances. It is my opinion that, many whites in this city (including some of my own friends) want a white mayor for optical purposes and this is inherently wrong. And it is for this reason that I feel Norwood will lose this election. There are some black voters that will support Mary Norwood, because they truly have a connection to her and there are even some whites that have that same connection. There are a lot of whites that have legitimate concerns about where the city is headed and there have been some failures with past administrations, but Mary Norwood’s skin color is not the answer and that is the wrong direction to head in. I must say that I didn’t know much about any of the candidates in the race prior to January, but once I started paying attention to style and substance I learned a lot. I initially liked Lisa Borders the most, but it was always unclear as to whether she was truly committed to the task at hand. Norwood always struck me as a bit unprepared and loud. She seems to be a gadfly that lacks the proper focus to really lead in a meaningful way. I just get uneasy with the thought of her sitting at the helm. She seems nice and I have even had some good conversations with her at a social event or two. My biggest concern with Norwood is her populist attitude. It seems that she is too easily swayed by the people, who don’t always understand the greater issues that some times give way to unpopular decisions. I just don’t know if Mary Norwood would be capable of leading Atlanta to do the right thing, even if it were unpopular. She doesn’t strike me as that type of leader.
This leaves us with Kasim Reed. Honestly, I was very concerned with him as a candidate before. My concerned lied in the fact that he seemed to be a Johnny come lately and that is definitely not the type of mayor Atlanta needs to get out of this morass. But as I paid attention more and more, he seemed to have a grasp of the issues and he has run a heck-of-a campaign. I mean 40 points in three months, that is impressive. I like his proposals and I think he has the right understanding of what lies ahead.
I want him to committ to greater ethics reform, to avoid Lamar Willis and Ceasar Mitchell incidents. I also want him to committ to a more open procurement process in the city. Blacks are not the only ones that have benefited from contracts. so please don’t take my comments as race-baiting. I remember the days when William Hartsfield’s wife had a “real” no-bid contract at the airport and King and Spaulding handled all of the city’s legal work.
This is just my two cents for the day. Maybe i’ll post again later. I’m not going to begin to suggest on this thread who people should vote for, because that is still an American right that is private but I will say please be smart about your vote.
LinkReport this comment.
Votor
November 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
wow, that would put you in negative digits on IQ, are you still breathing? ;^D
One more thing, look at the phony poll — they asked 900 people who they would vote for, but only 500 count. We are supposed to trust why they threw out the other 400. Even the poll name and terminology are complete race pimping. This is trash propaganda, not a real poll… If you believe the pollsters, there are ONLY black or white voters in Atlanta. So, if you have a white parent and a black parent, sorry, you’re out of gas. If you are any other ethnic group, you don’t even vote, according to these creeps — what a joke…
deborah
November 16th, 2009
7:21 pm
Oops, an error: Reed has only one-quarter the supporters in one Midtown precinct that Norwood has, according to disclosure reports, and real people speak with with their OWN money. Of the about eight Reed supporters in this Midtown ZIP, one was Reed (giving himself a loan) and two were folks with airport contracts. This same ZIP reliably gives some of the most Dem money in the city.
CG
November 16th, 2009
7:34 pm
Well Norwood gets the 1/2 hispanic, Buckhead, college educated, no kids, want lower taxes vote…but it is based on her being the better candidate for the entire city. Let’s end the culture of corruption here the last 8 years.
Atlanta Sucks
November 16th, 2009
8:18 pm
This town is very racist and classist! A lot of white voters in this town are very racist when it comes to voting. Name 2 elected official in this city who is black that represent a majority white district. I can name a long list of white elected official that represent majority black districts. Elly Dobbs, Margaret Kaiser, Kathy Ashe, Nan Orrock, and Carla Smith. Just to name a few. Kwanza Hall is the only black official that represent a majority white district in this whole city and its marginal. So race is still alive but it is clear in this city that many whites blame every black politician for the issues of other black politicians. Now, they are trying to take Sen.Vincent Forts seat with white candidate Grahm Balch. Any black politician or person who think these particular whites care about improving the black community are delusional. The black politicians are so aurogant and stuck on stupid. If Mary loses this race it is because she underestimated the power of machine politics. The joke is she has a little machine of her own. While she was helping to keep every black candidate out of office the very white people she and her firm supported don’t have the balls to endorse her. The very whites that are helping to elect him will work to defeat him and take all of the remaining seats held localy by blacks. Atlanta voters, business communty, and politicians are scared of real political talent that isn’t bought and payed for. Every one has already lost!
this is horrible campaigning
November 16th, 2009
8:19 pm
ALOT OF THESE COMMENTS ARE FAKE!!!!!! CLEARLY THE IGNORANT ONES ARE TO SWAY VOTERS. JUST THINK, WOULD THESE IGNORANT COMMENTERS ACTUALLY CARE OR READ ABOUT THE ELECTION!!!!!!!!!
James
November 16th, 2009
8:25 pm
Why I’m voting for Norwood:
I hate new buildings. Her plan to not allow anything to be built that will block the view from an existing building is brilliant. Maybe she will force the Aquarium to be blown up because it blocked my view of the park and I was here first.
I think it is a good idea to make people hang out in the sewer. Her plan to run light rail through sewer tunnels is out of the box thinking. Sure you’ll need your own oxygen tank in order to breath and need to wear a fire suit since there will be no safety systems in the sewer tunnels but the fare will be cheap.
I hate city living. Her support of the plan to make only those living in multi-family housing pay the cost of the Peachtree Streetcar makes me happy. Her plan to exempt those in suburban style single family homes, regardless of closeness to the streetcar stops, is great. The sooner we can get rid of tall buildings and turn Atlanta into Jonesboro, the better.
I also like that she didn’t help out those living in multi-family dwellings when they were being charged huge sums for water that single family dwellings didn’t have to pay. By allowing the same amount of water for each building before the punitive water waster rates are imposed, she guaranteed that any building with more than one dwelling in it would pay for most of the cost of the sewer upgrades. Density is for liberals and yankees. Anything she can do to run them out of town but squeeze them for as much money as possible first is fine by me.
I like that she took the time to check with the public on who she should say she voted for in the presidential election. Most people would have quickly answered the question or said none of your business. But my girl Mary made me feel better about my votes by checking first to make sure her’s agreed with mine. Telling me what I want to hear makes me happy.
Speaking of not hurting people’s feelings, I like that she doesn’t stick her nose into the business of the various city departments. She had eight years in which she could have called department heads or led investigations but Mary knew that would make people uncomfortable so she did nothing.
By doing nothing for eight years, she makes me feel better about sitting around on the internet posting on blogs all day. She’s right for the job because she’s just like me! What could be more important in a mayor than that?
Are people really that ignorant?
November 16th, 2009
8:32 pm
Are people coming on here pretending to be Reed supporters to make real supporters look ignorant, or are there some Reed supporters who are really that ignorant?
There are obviously some Reed supporters who have come on here and made good arguments for Reed, but some of these folks claiming to be Reed supporters take the cake, and apparently ate it all at once then went into a sugar fog before typing their posts.
Tyrone
November 16th, 2009
8:37 pm
Norwood has an uncle tom and some buckhead money on her side. Reed is the best candidate for the African-American people in the city and based on the polls, Kasim should win pretty easy. The rich white people will not get out to vote like the minorities in the city.
this is horrible campaigning
November 16th, 2009
8:39 pm
EXACTLY!!!! THESE REED COMMENTS ARE TOTAL FAKES. WHY WOULD SOMEONE THAT IGNORANT EVEN SEARCH AJC
Teela
November 16th, 2009
8:47 pm
@ Ebonics S ends A Thrill up my Leg…ROTF!
Thank you…that has to be the most original ‘handle’ I have seen here.
One thing I have learned reading these posts. Education in Georgia isn’t alive and breathing. The attempts to appear ignorant and stupid…well, how is this going to reflect favorably on “YOUR” candidate?
Makes me shudder. I support Mary because of what she has DONE in our SW Atlanta neighborhood. She has been there, way before she was running for mayor. Years before.
Reed is just a fat, stuffed hack that is propped up by the Jackson/Franklin machine.
Oh, and “rhyming, whale in a moo-moo”…regarding Jackson.
I wet my pants on that one.
Cheers, everyone! Let’s vote for more educated posters the next time. The world might be reading.
Are people really that ignorant?
November 16th, 2009
8:47 pm
Horrible campaigning, it makes sense that some of these are fakes, because if they weren’t, I doubt some of these people could even spell AJC much less search for it.