Stepping back from the divide in the Atlanta race for mayor
No buckle-shoed Pilgrims were in sight, and to ask Native Americans to raise their hands would have been rude, but a small group of candidates and voters gathered this week for a Thanksgiving-style session on racial tensions bubbling up in Atlanta’s contest for mayor.
The verdict: We’re better than that, but let’s not examine ourselves too closely.
The topic of race has hung in the background since simple math and the city’s changing demographics both made it clear that, on Tuesday, Councilwoman Mary Norwood stands an even chance of becoming the first white mayor of Atlanta since “The Partridge Family” and bell-bottom jeans.
Even the candidates have been on edge. In a pair of televised debates over the weekend, Norwood and Kasim Reed, the former state senator, tiptoed to the edge of the abyss, peered over — then stepped back.
On Saturday, Norwood said her black supporters had been harassed and threatened. The next day, she said the election wouldn’t turn on such things. Reed, who is African-American, said his white supporters had run a gauntlet as well — yet attributed any excesses to the adrenalin of the campaign.
But again, there’s some nervousness. And so a couple dozen people gathered on Monday to discuss politics and race at an exotic, only-in-Atlanta locale: the Self Discovery Center on South Ponce de Leon Avenue, a house festooned with Krishna-oriented paintings.
Thanksgiving fare included cookies and peppermint tea. A large portrait of a wizened old man armed with a necklace of flowers and a staff looked down upon the runoff candidates for president of the Atlanta City Council and the District 6 council race. Other surrogates were there as well.
Neither Norwood nor Reed were present. They were busy marking the three-year anniversary of an elderly woman gunned down by police.
The moderator for the racial discussion was Al Bartell, an African-American and 2002 Republican candidate for lieutenant governor. He blamed the tone of the mayoral contest on “political marketing stakeholders.”
But midway through the session, 57-year-old Maceo Williams, clad in his blue Norwood T-shirt, stood up to give his angry testimony. “Up until today, I was doing outreach for Jesse Jackson. But because of my involvement in the Mary Norwood campaign, I’m no longer [with Operation] Rainbow/PUSH,” he said.
”I’ve been staunch, pro-black for quite a long time,” he told the group. That hardly matters now. “I get the iceberg treatment.”
(Janice Mathis, vice president for Rainbow/PUSH Atlanta, concedes that she and Williams had an argument over his work for Norwood. “I did caution him that Rainbow/PUSH does not take a position in political campaigns,” Mathis said, acknowledging that phone calls from “local campaigns” prompted the discussion. But Mathis said Williams’ name will remain on the group’s Web site.)
If Williams expected outraged sympathy at this encounter session, he didn’t get it.
The candidates and their representatives called the long-time activist a fine and worthy fellow, then moved on to blandly endorse a society that sees no difference between black or white, gay or straight, male or female. Williams doffed his leather touring cap and shook his head.
He needn’t have been discouraged. Their non-reaction was a good thing.
We often point to that first Thanksgiving feast as a symbol of reconciliation and brotherhood, conveniently forgetting that the massacres came after the pumpkin pie. Not before.
If you want to say grace over something today, give thanks that political Atlanta is grounded in reality. And more than a little hypocrisy. But mostly reality.
The reality is that overt appeals to race have become the surest path to defeat for citywide office, whether the candidate is white or black. Victory is found in the margins on the other side.
If Norwood can hang on to the level of black support she showed Nov. 3, if enough Maceo Williamses stick with her, she wins. If Reed has built an adequate network of votes in Midtown and Buckhead, the day is his.
The hypocrisy is that elections are about getting your most fervent supporters to the polls. In the South, that means appeals to racial identity are nearly inescapable.
But the overtures, by necessity, are becoming more and more subtle. And dicey, too.
One notch below the runoff for mayor, the two candidates for council president, Clair Muller and Ceasar Mitchell, present the match of race and gender — but none of the racial tension.
It has been a friendly and collegial contest. On Monday, both candidates declined to throw themselves into wake of the Norwood-Reed conflict. Again, this is a good thing.
Both are council veterans. They know each other too well, Muller said. “Clair’s a good person, and I’m a good person,” Mitchell said. “We both can go deep into policy, so we don’t need to go into personalities.”
And that’s something else to be thankful for.
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95 comments Add your comment
@Galloway
November 25th, 2009
3:12 pm
“If Norwood can hang on to the level of black support she showed Nov. 3, if enough Maceo Williamses stick with her, she wins. If Reed has built an adequate network of votes in Midtown and Buckhead, the day is his…” If your analysis proves true (and we will see), Norwood will win. Her base of African American voters is energized to say the least. People who think Rep. Long is alone in his support of Norwood are grossly mistaken. Reed’s base of votes in Midtown and Buckhead remains too small to measure. His campaign has conducted little or no outreach in the northern corridors of the city and when they did, they found the welcome mat rolled up. He does markedly better in Midtown. The post-Turkey Day vote will turn squarely on turn-out– not yardsigns, not endorsements, not web videos. Turn-out. Period. It’s a run-off, after all, and voting will be somewhere around 10-12%. Every bit of focus from both camps ought to be on delivering their voters to the polls. The one who does a better job of that will win. End of story.
PolitcOracle
November 25th, 2009
3:16 pm
I’m glad that we are rising above this racial crap. Atlanta has always been known for taking racial discussions into civil arenas and using our intellectual prowess to find resolve.
Both campaigns are on edge, but they’d do themselves well to cool their jets a little. I’m also here that Rep. Margaret Kaiser has endorsed Mary Norwood. Though the Net gains of such an endorsement won’t do much at this point, beause she is not well-known outside her districe. I’m glad she finally came around to support someone, sitting out a mayoral election in a district in the heart of the city seemed a little cowardly.
State Rep. Joe Wilkinson, a Republican from Sandy Springs also endorsed Kasim in a newly released video. A great showing of bi-partisanship.
Kasin Reed for Mayor
Really now
November 25th, 2009
3:23 pm
And I guess the physical intimidation of Norwood supporters by Reed staffers is another shining example of using intellectual prowess to find resolve?
Really now
November 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
Funny how not a single supporter of Kasim Reed has come out and reported an incident of physical intimidation by a Norwood staffer.
@Galloway
November 25th, 2009
3:33 pm
@PolitcOracle Nice to have, but doubtful that Kaiser or Wilkinson will make any difference in the race. And as you can see on previous message streams, we’re not above any of this. I’ve read with disdain some of the most distasteful, vitriolic language in recent days. There is certainly nothing civil about this race and I think we can place the blame squarely on the candidates for engaging such low-minding people to blog for them. As an aside, even with his record in the statehouse, after those state democratic mailers and his attack of Mary’s voting record in the debates, I’m not sure I trust Reed’s promise of bi-partisanship. He cannot have it both ways. It smells of polical expediency– something he is known for. Norwood also cannot have it both ways. Being independent is fine and I think her record shows that. It’s the wavering back and forth that hurt her.
OMG
November 25th, 2009
3:37 pm
that’s because they are mature, brush it off, and keep it moving.
If you have other things to talk about (such as a record) you don’t waste time going negative.
Really now
November 25th, 2009
3:49 pm
Claire Muller, Ceasar Mitchell, Mary Norwood, and Kasim Reed. Who is the only candidate to have had credible allegations of physical intimidation of opponent’s supporters made against them?
If this is a sign of their personal ethics, can we afford to take the chance of giving this person even more power in Atlanta?
@Galloway
November 25th, 2009
3:57 pm
@Really Now… A clear indication of one’s character is who they choose to surround themselves with. A leader should and must be judged by his/ her team. Allowing that kind of environment to fester, if true, is tantamount to incompetence or at the very least a wreckless disregard for the integrity of the process. If I cannot trust you to manage the footsoldiers of your campaign, I certainly cannot trust you to manage the various department heads and over 7,000 city employees.
JW
November 25th, 2009
4:19 pm
Someone (Really now?) post a link to information about these “credible” allegations of intimidation. I haven’t been able to find any evidence of it. Norwood on the other hand is employing downright lies about her record, Reed’s “fake” tax problem, and the city of Atlanta’s issues. I’ve never been a fan of her, but she isn’t doing anything to change my mind.
Really now
November 25th, 2009
4:22 pm
Thank you JW, for falling right into the trap. I’ll let some of the more politically savvy posters explain it to you.
The Machine
November 25th, 2009
4:30 pm
This race is over, Kasim Reed is the winner in a landslide. As Maynord Jackson says ” Vote Reed early & often”
It's an interesting question
November 25th, 2009
4:35 pm
Norwood, Reed, Mitchell, Muller. I haven’t heard anything about physical intimidation. Which candidate is doing that?
Who's lying PoliticOracle, Long or Bickers?
November 25th, 2009
4:44 pm
PoliticOracle I know you are a Reed supporter, but do you have the integrity to come on here and say what your gut feeling is on who’s lying?
Remember before you answer, that you are the one who came on here and told us about Erica Long’s donation to the Reed campaign. So if the Long family is playing both ends against the middle what is the most logical explanation.
Long concocted this elaborate scheme to discredit Reed and is lying about the whole thing, or Long was genuinely pi$$ed off about the signs being stolen, caught Reed in the act, and now Bickers is lying to cover it up?
They can’t both be telling the truth, so given the evidence, including the evidence you presented about the Longs on both sides of the fence, who is the most logical person to be lying?
What you don't read, tells as much as what you do read.
November 25th, 2009
4:51 pm
Three statements you have not, and most likely will not read.
As a Muller spokesperson, we deny any reports that we have physically intimidated our opponent’s supporters.
As a Mitchell spokesperson, we deny any reports that we have physically intimidated our opponent’s supporters.
As a Norwood spokesperson, we deny any reports that we have physically intimidated our opponent’s supporters.
Looks like what you don’t read tells you as much about this election as what you do read.
PoliticOracle
November 25th, 2009
5:59 pm
@Who’s lying PoliticOracle, Long or Bickers?
Why would you include me in the questions to Long and Bickers? I’m not an operative for either candidate. Secondly, this story is so stupid I’m not sure who to believe. It is very interesting that Ralph Long would stake out and then “conveniently” catch someone on video, but the video provides no proof of any payment being made or the culprit identifying himself as a Reed worker. Now, Mitzi Bickers does seem a bit flustered when the media questioned her, but so does Reed and sense neither of them called the police the whole thing seems like a mindless waste of time. Ralph Long needs to get a life and apparently a job and Mitzi Bickers needs to be better prepared for media appearances.
I say again, I don’t think either of the candidates is condoning or promoting this kind of behavior but I know both sides take signs. It’s not illegal to do so and it happens quite frequently in races on all level.
Kasim Reed is going to beat Mary Norwood like Mike Tyson’s training bag and it will be due to her thin record and the amatuer night campaign team she put together.
BPJ
November 25th, 2009
6:17 pm
The most encouraging thing I’ve seen lately is several yards with campaign signs for both Kasim Reed and Clair Muller. Apparently some voters are looking beyond race and gender and choosing the best individuals for mayor and council president, respectively.
@Galloway
November 25th, 2009
6:22 pm
@BPJ Now that is encouraging.
Bs
November 25th, 2009
6:29 pm
@BPJ, you’re a paid staffer, I have yet to see anything like that. @Galloway, you may as well endorse the candidate opposite Norwood already.
@Galloway
November 25th, 2009
6:39 pm
@Bs Sorry dude, I don’t do endorsements. They are utterly meaningless in this race. I have no affinity for either camp. But there are five voters in my house and we’re still deciding. I call them like I see them. Neither has been very impressive so far, so we’ll see what Tuesday brings, eh?
As for BPJ’s sighting, he’s right. My neighbor on the right has both Reed and Muller signs. The one one the left has a Norwood sign. We don’t have a sign in our yard and no one has called and offered to give us one– even though we vote in EVERY election and our phone number is listed.
HA HA HA HA HA HA
November 25th, 2009
7:03 pm
So that’s the latest Reed strategy BPJ; make Reed look kinder and gentler by aligning him with Clair Muller? What’s next BPJ making Reed look like a consensus candidate by saying you saw Reed signs in the same yard you saw Palin 2012 signs? LOL
Hey guess what everybody? I just got back from overseas and I saw Reed signs in China, Japan, South Africa, Germany, and England. And Antarctica!
@PoliticOracle
November 25th, 2009
7:22 pm
Plenty of folks aren’t nearly as worried about Mary’s so called thin record as they are Kasim’s seeming inch think file of machine connections.
As far as Mary’s campaign team, it should thank its lucky stars it’s not performing on amateur night, because it would get booed off the stage in twenty seconds.
For example how did the Norwood camp allow Reed to score points on the missed vote in council without immediately pointing out the OPENLY GAY ANNE FAUVER skipped the PROCEDURAL vote because the results had been decided? In advance! Talk about blowing a golden opportunity to embarrass the Reed camp! It didn’t take an oracle to see that.
You seem to be up on things PoliticOracle; how is it that these people who are PAID to think these things through, aren’t THINKING THESE THINGS THROUGH?
disappointed
November 25th, 2009
7:24 pm
The point of the yard signs of Reed and Muller appearing together is that there are still people who don’t vote based on race (in other words, Reed/Mitchell or Norwood/Muller exclusively). Some people really have no clue. The rest of us will vote or have voted for Reed.
We aren't that slow disappointed
November 25th, 2009
7:30 pm
The point of the Reed and Muller signs appearing together is that is was a Reed talking point with no confirmed basis in reality.
On the other hand, it has been confirmed that Reed has become a world wide phenomenon with signs sighted in China, Japan, Russia, Germany and England. And Antarctica!
Also why is no one reporting on the Dali Lama’s comments, when he was it Atlanta, and how he found Reed to be so much more spiritual than Mary Norwood, and so much more willing to put his ego aside for the greater good of Atlanta?
And why is no one reporting on the fact the Dali Lama has repeatedly reached out to Kasim Reed for spiritual advice since his return back to Tibet?
Why do you think the Dali Lama has a Reed sign in his front yard in Tibet?
More Reed signs!
November 25th, 2009
7:38 pm
Hey BPJ can you confirm reports that Reed campaign signs have been spotted in Wasilla, Alaska, Oslo, Norway, New Haven Connecticut, and Pretoria, South Africa all in the last 24 hours?
More Reed signs!
November 25th, 2009
7:41 pm
The International Astrological Association has just announced the creation of a 13th sign.
Kasim!
More to follow.
wow
November 25th, 2009
8:12 pm
What on earth are you people talking about? Mary supporters have gone off the deep end…
Brother D
November 25th, 2009
9:21 pm
Reed is a sold-out, win at all costs, power-hungry Tom, who has abandoned his people and now wants them to support him based on race. Little Mary has been working in Atlanta communities, black and white, to make things better for 8 years, while Reed worked for corporate law firms fighting against workers and minorities civil rights. If Reed were to become mayor of Atlanta, it would be a travesty. He should go back to the corporate board-room and be the sold-out negro he is to get to this point.
Don't deny what's happening with Kasim, wow
November 25th, 2009
9:27 pm
Wow stop pretending. You know it’s common knowledge in the Reed camp that the Dali Lama was talking up Kasim big time when he was in Atlanta. You also know that high level Chinese diplomats have hinted if Kasim wins, Kasim could be instrumental in talks between Tibet and China.
Wow admit it, you also know the Reed camp is keeping this under wraps unless it’s absolutely thought necessary to reveal it before the election, because they are trying to manage expectations for the Reed administration now that he’s become an international phenomenon.
Don’t you just love it when insiders like wow come on here and pretend to play dumb?
Trust you gut instinct on Reed
November 25th, 2009
9:35 pm
Haven’t you ever had a gut feeling about someone, you just know something isn’t what it appears to be?
I urge everyone to look at this week’s Creative Loafing, at the StreetTalk column on page 11.
Read what Danny says, because it the single best statement I’ve head yet about Kasim Reed. His quote “I don’t know much about Reed, but there’s something that don’t flow right with him.” says it all. It’s not about the Cracker Barrel, the taxes, the signs, the machine endorsements, the pie in the sky proposals with no real way to pay for him.
It’s about your gut instinct and the intuitive knowledge that there’s something that don’t flow right with Reed.
That says it all.
Gettin' Jiggy wid it
November 25th, 2009
10:59 pm
to the tune of your favorite John Tesh song…
If you want four more years
Of things staying the same
Think of Shirley as W
and Reed’s her McCain
Galloway for Reed
November 25th, 2009
11:44 pm
Enter your comments here
Sir Paul McCartney endorses Kasim Reed
November 25th, 2009
11:50 pm
In yet another celebrity endorsement, Sir Paul McCartney has endorsed Kasim Reed and confirmed long standing rumors that he wrote the hit song Ebony and Ivory about Reed and Muller based on stories from a long time McCartney friend and Atlanta resident BPJ.
In a related story, citizens of Liverpool have reported seeing Kasim Reed signs at Strawberry Field.
More Reed endorsements
November 26th, 2009
1:33 am
On behalf of all the lonely people, Eleanor Rigby has endorsed Kasim Reed.
In related news, the strength of Kasim Reed’s worldwide appeal has been underscored by the sighting of Kasim Reed yard signs on Penny Lane and Abbey Road.
Simon and Garfunkel endorse Reed
November 26th, 2009
2:03 am
The tsunami of celebrity endorsements continues for Kasim Reed, as Simon and Garfunkel have scheduled a Thanksgiving Day press conference to endorse Kasim Reed.
They also plan to reveal, for the first time, their hit The Sounds Of Silence was written after attending a Norwood rally and the song was about the lack of enthusiasm at the event.
When critics raised questions about Paul Simon’s claim that the song was written after a Norwood event, pointing out it was written in 1964, a spokesman for Reed quickly interrupted noting that it was more proof that Norwood has neglected her duties as a council member and has in fact been running for mayor for the past 45 years.
Midtown For Mary Norwood
November 26th, 2009
8:28 am
Still not changed by all of the Reed paid posters here. My vote is going for Mary Norwood!
The Snark
November 26th, 2009
10:01 am
Looks like the mushrooms are finally beginning to take effect …
Jason is lowlife scum
November 26th, 2009
10:18 am
Haha none of Reed’s supporters are here because there at the homeless shelter eating free food provided by hard working tax payers. Mary will win because December 1 is food stamp and welfare payment day. Reed’s supporters will be too busy cashing there government checks to vote. The only blacks who will vote are the rich ones and there all for Norwood. All the whites will vote for Norwood. Who is going to vote for Reed? Only the city employees. While there are a couple hundred thousand of them it is not enough to overcome the Norwood army so why even bother to show up on election and waste your time Reed worshipers. When Norwood becomes mayor she will privatize the government and all the lazys will be out of a job. Y’all can move to Clayton to continue destroying that county while we clean up the mess you made here.
Enjoy your free turkey today because next month the gravy train is going off the track just like those Marta trains you love do.
P.S. Before another person calls me a racist or a member of the klan, I have black friends. I have nothing against blacks. I do have something against the Reed supporting welfare cheats. Get a real job you hip hop worshipping thugs. Reed will lose no matter what and you will soon have to get a job or be removed from the city. If you don’t like it, we can change the homeless shelter downtown back into a jail!
Reality
November 26th, 2009
10:49 am
I’m black, and I voted for Mary Norwood in advanced voting this week. There, I said it and stand by it. It’s time for change. When Reed came out with those bookmarks with scripture from the Bible that cafeteria Christians pick and choose this or that scripture to support their bigotry and biases did it for me.
Reality
November 26th, 2009
10:53 am
What I previously posted lacks clarity, but I think you get the message.
Montrell
November 26th, 2009
11:04 am
I’m getting tired of all this negative stuff put out by the norwood camp about Kasim! The African-American community must rise up, go to the polls and elect Kasim!!!! We don’t need some rich white woman telling us what to do!
atlanta resident
November 26th, 2009
11:08 am
I noticed for a long time the rainbow push coalition only pushes for one color of the rainbow.
GallowaysMom
November 26th, 2009
11:43 am
Norwood will win by 2 or 3 percenage points. If she beats him by 4 or more points it will be considered a land slide.
Sorry Kasim, but there just aren’t enough homless people in Atlanta to bus to the polls.
@Galloway
November 26th, 2009
11:55 am
@atlanta resident… I’m Black but dayum that’s funny!
drsoul
November 26th, 2009
12:03 pm
Kasim ‘Baby Bill Campbell’ Reed……this is what your get..!!!!!
It's simple really
November 26th, 2009
1:22 pm
Couldn’t you see a used car lot owner easily hiring a Kasim Reed if he were available?
But if you were looking to buy a used car, would you buy one from Kasim Reed?
Word on the street
November 26th, 2009
1:39 pm
That guy on Streettalk probably has the best analysis out there. Like he said, something just don’t flow right with Kasim.
There are some things that no matter how many divisive campaign tactics you come up with, no matter how many endorsements you come up with, you just can’t run away from.
And try as they might, the Reed camp can’t run away from the perception that you just can’t trust Kasim Reed.
Word on the street
November 26th, 2009
1:53 pm
Ceasar Mitchell, Clair Muller, Mary Norwood, Kasim Reed. Why would anybody support the most power hungy, least trustworthy, candidate committed to keeping power concentrated in the hands of cronies?
Karen Callaghan
November 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
GallowaysMom believes Reed’s black supporters are homeless. I see the white Buckhead bigots are out strong today.
@Karen Callaghan
November 26th, 2009
3:12 pm
Karen, as long as we are going to talk about offensive posts, would you care to a talk about Montrell’s post that says we don’t need some rich white woman to tell us what to do?
Raygunius Delmacio
November 26th, 2009
3:38 pm
Atlanta is a BLACK CITY, we need a BLACK MAYOR. Reed may be in the pocket of the Machine but he is one of us.
GallowaysMom
November 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
@Karen: there you go again – always making things racial. It is a FACT that Kasim Reed vans are taking scores of homeless people to the polls (after they feed them and give them $10 per hour)…it’s not hidden – there are Kasim signs on the damn vans.
@GallowaysMom
November 26th, 2009
4:11 pm
Homeless people, as long as they are US citizens and residents of the voting district in which they vote are GUARANTEED the right to vote by the Constitution of the United States of America. If Reed is rounding up the homeless to vote, then he is great American for heling them vote. The question is, why isn’t Norwood doing the same? Everyone eligible to vote should be able to do so regardless of economic status.
If you are alleging that some of those homeless are using phony credentials, then that is something else altogether and would be illegal. But as long as they are registered to vote and register with authentic credentials they are GUARANTEED the right to vote. This is one of the most fundamental rights of Americans and if you want to deny it, perhaps you should move to Venezuela or Saudi Arabia where such rights are not enjoyed by all citizens.
Before anyone asks how a homeless person can be a resident, as long as they stay at a homeless shelter or have a fixed location they stay the majority of the time, they are considered residents.
Of course most of this is a moot point because for the many decades over which people like GallowaysMom have accused others of rounding up the homeless to vote, no one has ever shown the slightest bit of proof.
If they are being rounded up and are BEING PAID, that is illegal but no one seems to ever have the slightest bit of proof of this. Why is that? How can you know the exact amount ($10/hr) but have absolutely zero proof? Isn’t it your duty as a citizen to show your proof to the property authorities? Republican Secretary of State Karen Handel doesn’t take this sort of things lightly and will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law if you can show her proof. So come on, show her the proof that they’re being paid. If you do not, you are an accessory to the crime.
Of course you can’t because:
1) No one is being paid
2) No one is rounded up and even if they were, those with the legal right to vote may vote
3) The reason why you have no proof is because it simply isn’t happening
I hope to our Lord and Savior that you’re not breaking the commandment against false witness and endangering your soul to burn in a lake of fire for all of eternity for the sake of helping someone win a worldly political prize. It would be a shame for you to condemn your eternal soul to hell for something so unimportant in the grand scheme of things. On Sunday you should go to church and pray very hard on this and see where the Lord leads your soul.
Perhaps you would like to take this chance to redeem your soul and confess that you just made it all up. The Lord will forgive you but first you have to admit what you have done is wrong.
@ @GallowaysMom
November 26th, 2009
4:17 pm
Your God would cast someone into eternal damnation for engaging in some distasteful rhetoric, with no documentation to back it up?
Sounds like your God has some serious anger issues.
No telling what your God would do with Mitzi Bickers.
drsoul
November 26th, 2009
4:30 pm
All the posts beginning and since 2:42pm just go to prove that there is an immoral REED support contingent in Atlanta, who cares less for the city and advancement and self-respect than pure racism.. this is what has gotten us into this mess in the first place… this sickness needs to be eradicated and bring self-respect back to all races that live in the city… these type bloggers have put Atlanta in the gutter and want another couple of decades of the same… obviously, they have no real pride in themselves or Atlanta or why would they want to keep Atlanta ‘at risk’ with REED????
Where is the Norwood camp?
November 26th, 2009
5:16 pm
If the Norwood camps KNOWS THIS IS HAPPENING, why aren’t THEY down there videotaping it? Doesn’t anyone in the Norwood camp have the sense to send TWO videotapers down there, in case the Reed camp once again tries to PHYSICALLY INTIMIDATE opponents? If a SECOND person videotaped people coming out of a van with Kasim Reed signs roughing up the one videotaping, and it was splashed across the six o’clock news, you don’t think that might FINALLY give you the visual evidence you need about how the Reed camp does business?
TIME after TIME the people in the Norwood camp who are PAID to think things through, AREN’T THINKING THINGS THROUGH!
Good God, PAID Norwood staffers, it took you FOUR DAYS to point out what was quickly pointed out on the blogs. The OPENLY GAY ANNE FAUVER, the SPONSOR of the bill Reed made such as fuss over missed the vote too! How STUPID would the Reed camp have looked trying to paint the OPENLY GAY ANNE FAUVER, along with Mary Norwood as an opponent of LGBT rights, IF it had been pointed at the time the charges were made, not FOUR DAYS later!
For the love of God PAID Norwood staffers, START THINKING THINGS THROUGH!
dr. diddy
November 26th, 2009
7:46 pm
i’m votin’ for Mary, but i agree with the above, when Mary takes office, she needs to ditch most of her current staff. slow on the uptake, quite a few times…
Hope Mary is listening
November 26th, 2009
8:31 pm
Mary would do well to listen to the post that is expressing frustration with the campaign. There’s clearly a contingent out there that feels Mary is right on the issues, but is frustrated with what is seen as incompetence on behalf of the campaign.
More than likely, nothing is going to make that contingent switch to Kasim, because that contingent can see clearly through the facade that is Kasim Reed. But if Mary isn’t careful, that contingent might very well just get fed up and stay home, thinking damn if you do, damn if you don’t.
@@@GallowaysMom
November 26th, 2009
8:34 pm
First of all, I want to apologize if it sounded like I was sitting in judgment. It is not the place of any of us in the moral world to judge on behalf of our savor, the Lord.
I am concerned about the souls that I see posting here. I see lots of people engaging in deception, yes, on both sides! I don’t know how the Lord judges individuals but I do know that many on here are bearing false witness in defiance of the Ten Commandments. It is not my place to judge those that have done so and I apologize to any who feel that I was judging them. It is hard to see those who are obviously spreading half truths and total deceptions and not speak up. Even though it is my place to speak up and help those who are bearing false witness to the righteous path, it is not my place to judge. To any who I have judged, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I have already forgiven you for the false witness you have spread and if you ask the Lord for forgiveness, I know he will grant it to you. But please, let us all, regardless of who we support for the mayor’s office pledge to be truthful and keep the Lord in our hearts. We gain nothing by trying to gain worldly rewards from who gets elected. That is Satan’s territory.
Please, for the sake of your souls and for all of humanity, people on both sides of the election, keep with the commandments of our Lord and don’t let worldly reward lead us down the path of the dark one. Satan wants to divide us. Don’t let him win even a single battle. Don’t bear false witness.
Love your fellow servant in Christ,
Jason
P.S., Who ever you vote for, I will still love you, my bothers and sisters. Pray upon your choices and open your mind and I’m sure if you are truly open to our Lord, he will lead you to the correct path. A path that, yes, might be different from the one I’m on. Pray, love, and be open. The rest will work itself out.
P.S.S. From what I’ve seen, neither Kasim Reed nor Mary Norwood are evil people. They both want what is best for Atlanta and like the rest of us, they are both flaw people and sinners. No matter who gets elected, as long as they are humble and respond to those they represent, all will be ok. Life isn’t perfect but we can keep it from being terrible. Love will conquerer all!
@@@GallowaysMom
November 26th, 2009
8:36 pm
Ooops… savor = savior
Jesus is great but I don’t want one to think that I think he is yummy
Deborah
November 26th, 2009
10:27 pm
Aren’t “Hope Mary is listening/where is the campaign” getting a little wee-wee’d up for Norwood supporters?
And “GallowaysMom,” I knew you Reed folks must be getting desperate.
SEJ
November 26th, 2009
10:51 pm
We all know white Atlanta wants a white mayor. That’s fine, but don’t just settle for anything. You could have done a lot better than what has been put forth.
SEJ
November 26th, 2009
11:08 pm
And here we go with the intimadating Black Man thing again. White people have made the Black Man the boogeyman from our first meeting (as they have done every other race). Really, if you have not taken advantage of your priviledged position in America you should look at yourself and stop trying to demonize others for your inability to see an advantage.
Stop all the foolishness and speak to Norwoods accomplishments. And why have the people she worked with the past eight years on the ACC not come to her defense? Oh I know, because she’s white.
White people crying racism. Fascinating.
You people
November 26th, 2009
11:17 pm
How many of you people have had a person of the opposite race in your home for dinner in the last month?
Talk the talk.
@ Deborah
November 26th, 2009
11:20 pm
Deborah, I considered not posting anything how the Norwood camp missed pointing out how the OPENLY GAY ANNE FAUVER didn’t vote for it either, because I could see some running with it and claiming Norwood can’t get things done.
But when you see someone like a Kasim Reed using such intellectually dishonest tactics and the Norwood camp not busting him on it; when you see that he’s been allowed to brush off unethical actions such a theft and physically intimidating Norwood supporters, it’s very frustrating to see the Norwood camp hasn’t done a better job showing us the unseemly underbelly that supports the Reed candidacy.
Unlike Muller and Mitchell which strike me as two decent people who will have to define themselves on policy differences, this is a campaign of two different levels of character. Of one who is inherently decent, and committed to building consensus, and one who is ego driven, power hungry, and much more interested in being beholden to power brokers than average citizens and much more willing to break the spirit and even the letter of ethics and law to achieve his aims.
It’s like the guy in that Creative Loafing Streettalk said there something about Kasim that just don’t flow right, and I think Norwood owes it to her supporters to let the public see that.
SEJ falls flat on his face
November 26th, 2009
11:24 pm
Odd SEJ that no one has used the rhetoric you describe when it comes to the race between Ceasar Mitchell and Clair Muller. That tells me the people who have issues with Reed have them based on character and not on color. It’s like the guy in the Streetalk article in Creative Loafing said, something about Kasim just don’t flow right.
David
November 26th, 2009
11:56 pm
I have already voted for Mary Norwood, Cesar Mitchell, Amir Farokhi, and Simone Bell. Stop talking about it and be about it Dec. 1.
Breaking it down
November 27th, 2009
1:08 am
Amir Farokhi, Ceasar Mitchell, Kasim Reed and Aaron Watson. If it was really about race, or about fears about race, why haven’t all of these candidates been painted with the same broad brush when it comes to charges of unethical actions, breaking laws, and physically intimidating opponents’ supporters?
The fact that only one of these candidates is known for this let’s you know it’s not about race, it’s about character and trust.
Rick
November 27th, 2009
10:03 am
I decided to vote for Reed he will bring change in the city hall.
I wish it was another person running against him, but I can not see myself to vote for Norwood.
Ahhh Matthew
November 27th, 2009
10:20 am
Getting desperate, aren’t you? Haahaaaa
SEJ not flat at all
November 27th, 2009
11:26 am
Tell me again what Norwood has accomplished. If after eight years on the job you can’t get the support of your colleagues that say’s a lot about your character.
My so-called rhetoric is not meant to be veilded in terms like “statu quo” and “fresh face”. I’m not trying to be polite in my assesment of what I’m reading and hearing coming from the white community. If you wanted a white Mayor for a city like Atlanta you could have done much better. The idea that any white face will do as long as it removes a Black one is not about character or intelligence, it’s a throw back to the old Georgia “good ole boy” network that kept qualified Blacks and women from being able to serve their communities. Again the operative word is qualified. Norwood isn’t.
Piper
November 27th, 2009
11:49 am
It’s like the guy in the Streetalk article in Creative Loafing said, “Something about Kasim Reed just don’t flow right.”
Don’t talk about it, be about it.
VOTE FOR MARY NORWOOD ON TUESDAY!
MC W
November 27th, 2009
12:10 pm
^Why am I reading more of these accusations of racism in the past few days? Could it be because Reed’s staunchest advocates are running out of ammunition?
I’ll answer you this: I don’t trust Mr. Reed. I think that his attempts to garner the favor of powerful people are arrogant in their disregard for the realities our city is facing. Furthermore, he’s already told a BIG lie in stating his virtually impossible plan for police recruitment and training, and he hasn’t addressed the memo sent out by Bunnie Jackson-Ransom; that is racism, open and unabashed. Wanting a woman elected mayor who happens to be white is no more or less racist than any given vote for Kasim Reed, so come off it, please. I’m well sick of being called a racist because I don’t support the “right” candidate.
Am I suddenly not allowed to enjoy the age beyond institutionalized segregation and Klan marches on the streets, by casting my vote for WHOMEVER I see fit without regards to their physical appearance? Because *certain* black people, who don’t want to let the animosity die, find it distateful? If we’re debating merits, then I’ll debate merits with you, but do not insinuate that this woman’s election will bring us back to the stone age of 1959.
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
12:27 pm
If you don’t want institutionalized segregation and Klan marches on the streets, vote for Reed. Atlanta is a black city and needs a black mayor.
Not so fast
November 27th, 2009
12:31 pm
“One of the most controversial clients that Reed represented was the national restaurant chain Cracker Barrel, which historically would neither serve Black customers nor employ homosexuals… This essentially means Reed went up against the NAACP to protect Cracker Barrel.” ~ APN – ATLANTA
By the way, I’m a member of the so-called “Black Elite” and I am a supporter of Mary Norwood.
Vote for Mary Norwood on Tuesday, December 1st.
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
1:19 pm
Not so fast
12:31 pm
Obviously you don’t have a faimly to support, it was either buck the NAACP or be fired. What would you do?
Cliff Notes
November 27th, 2009
1:37 pm
Unfortunately, online back and forth comments are not the best place to discuss the realities of race and politics in Atlanta. In the midst of all the allegations being thrown around there are some very REAL issues of race that must be dealth with. At the top of the list may be the question of whether there is a different socio-economic reality in Atlanta (income, unemployment, housing, city services, etc) based on race. Using the language from the Kerner Report, is Atlanta “two societies, one Black, one White, separate and unequal.” Clair Muller was on the radio last week and when asked about such differences, her response was basically that she didn’t think there was a difference because folks in here Buckhead district complain about city services just as much as those in the south and west of the city. Huh ???? In Clair’s defense, she’s not the only person in Atlanta, White, Black or other, who is unable and/or unwilling to deal with that question.
As for this issue of racial voting patterns, some folks have pointed out the difference in the Reed/Norwood campaign vs. the Muller/Mitchell campaign, but in doing so they’ve focused more on tone than the actual vote. If you look at the actual votes from Nov. 3, particulary in predominantly Black and predominantly White precincts, you see an interesting pattern. Norwood consistently got a higher percentage of Black votes than Muller in Black precincts, but Mitchell did NOT get a significantly higher percentage of votes than Reed/Borders. Translation: contrary to popular belief, Black voters actually paid attention to the candidates, while White voters… well, you figure it out.
I’ll be doing an article on this in more detail at my examiner.com page (www.examiner.com/x-12595-Atlanta-Race-and-Politics-Examiner)
By the way, as my other articles will make clear, i am NOT a Mary Norwood supporter. But i would hope that folks would be able to look past that and deal with the substance of the issue.
Cliff Albright
Delmacio gets dismissed so easily it's embarrassing
November 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
Either buck the NAACP or get fired? What would you do?
How about, out of all the law firms Reed could have chosen to work for, don’t work for one whose express purpose is to limit the legal liability of corporations who violate the legal rights of employees?
Or make that choice, enjoy the big bucks that come with it, but then don’t insult our intelligence by proclaiming your concern is for the average working citizen of Atlanta.
@APN Editor Posing as a regular commentor
November 27th, 2009
1:59 pm
You story about Reed’s involvement with Cracker Barrel case has already been debinked.
Reed was a junior attorney at the time
And was brought in to assist with reaching an amicable agreement for all parties. He was pretty much a mediator and his work led to many of the corporate policy changes we now see at Cracker Barrel. One of which is the camera system that helped to catch to racist white man that beat the black female soldier in front of her daughter down in Clayton County.
Stop spreading fasle information. This is why your little APN site is going down the tubes. I wonder how much Cardinale’s rent is, APN’s advertising revenue have got to be horrible.
Jarquaizem Devonta
November 27th, 2009
2:12 pm
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0548.html
@APN Editor
November 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
Now you’re resorting to exaggerated ethnic names to drive people to your website. This is an absolute shame. All 50 people that read and post to these AJC blogs have read your story and its not getting the traction, mainly because it is a slanted account of Reed’s law career.
You’re only riling up already decided voters from both sides and reaffirming their decision.
The Able Mable, Glenn Thomas and APN endorsements all raise question about Norwood too. While she was out using over $100k in taxpayer dollars to coax supporters, who’s to say she didn’t do the same for these endorsements. We know she did for Abla Mable and Glenn Thomas, but the question is, how much did she pay Matthew Cardinale? It is known that she paid one of the little cheap news sites in Atlanta, Newsmakers I believe. I’m sick of all the political huslters coming out of the woods for these elections but you know what? It really doesn’t matter, most voters are decided and those that are undecided most likely are leaning toward Reed.
P.S. I might be PoliticOracle, I don’t want the crazy Norwooders to jack my handle again.
We know these things?
November 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
We know Norwood paid off Glenn Thomas? I guess that’s like we know Ralph Long paid off that guy to frame Kasim Reed campaign for stealing signs.
And of course we know this because Mitzi Bickers told us so, and we just know as a woman of the cloth, Mitzi Bickers is incapable of lying.
Of course Kasim Reed never told a lie either. Heck he even admitted to chopping down the cherry tree, so he could use the wood to make his first campaign signs. Now that’s some integrity we can believe in!
Tis The Silly Seasoner
November 27th, 2009
3:37 pm
This Long/Bickers. Story is absolutely stupid. Long’s a clown for putting out signs and staking out until someone takes them which, by the way, is in know way illegal and a general practice on both sides. Bickers looked like a deer in the headlights when approached by the news and if the Reed camp wasn’t complicit in this, they sure seemed guilty on the news. This is non-issue and actually speaks to Norwood’s obvious desperation. If she wasn’t desperate, she wouldn’t have mentioned the “supposed” intimidation claims and Long wouldn’t be out playing sign police. It is my opinion that all this is reflective of Norwood’s, thin record and amatuer night staff. If I was in Norwood’s position, I would find middle ground between front-runner and being 10 points down. Running like a front-runner puts away all the silly tactics and the 10 points down keeps you hustling like hell. This is what happens when you bring in a loser like Levit, its pretty hard to oppose an establishment with someone that doesn’t know the city – I don’t care how “grassroots” you are.
Norwood is losing and the insider advantage polls aren’t telling of the real picture.
If I were managing Norwood, I would keep attack Reed on his establishment ties but its a little too late for that now. They had their chance and now Reed will win. Agree or not, he’s run a helluva a campaign. From 4%-49%, that’s how winner run!
Speaking of Intimidation
November 27th, 2009
10:34 pm
At a Press Conference Mary Norwood held Wednesday, November 25 on Centra Villa Ave off Cascade Rd. I witnessed her people blocking and stopping traffic. When the Field Director for the Reed Campaign came through the Street, Norwood supporters blocked his truck and yelled that he had Norwood signs in the back. He dutifully got out of the truck while they searched through the signs in his truck. Even Mary Norwood stopped her press conference and physically rumpled through his truck picking up signs and when she discovered that the blue was the bottom of Kasim Reed signs, she announced to her supporters that “he is clean” and that he should be permitted to continue his journey! As the Reed Field Director went back to get in his truck, he reached out to shake Ms. Norwood’s hand and reminded her that they do not do such things such as her supporters suggested. Ms. Norwood did not apologize for the actions of her supporters; nor her actions!
Fox 5 was there and witnessed and filmed the whole scenerio! I do not watch tv that often, but did not see nor hear of it being on the News!
From my perspective, it is against the law to hold someone against their will. It is also unlawful to search someone’s property without a search warrant. It is one thing for Mary Norwood to plead innocent of what her supporters may do when she is not present; but to actually, physically rumple through Reed’s Field Director’s truck herself? It is unconscionable to me that she would stoop to this level! It was harassment, pure and intentional! Hats off to the Reed guy who held his cool and did not make a scene which apparently they were looking for while the camera was rolling!
Fox 5 should show Mary Norwood rumbling through the Kasim Reed Field Director’s truck, how her supporters were blocking his passage on a public street, and her announcement that they found nothing but Reed’s signs in the truck!
Keep up the good work Reed supporters and keep a level head!
Tyrone
November 28th, 2009
4:15 am
Atlanta is a black city and needs an African-American in office to stop the white people from keeping the minority population down! Vote Kasim!!!
Ken
November 28th, 2009
10:40 am
WOW……Tyrone a little fact check for ya….
1. Atlanta historically has been, as you called it, a “black city” since the 70s.
2. African-American people are have NOT the minority in Atlanta for some time.
It’s people like you spewing racial venom in Atlanta which has brought the city to where it is today. Vote race instead of ideals as you say. If thats the case Jesse Jackson would of been president.
Please enlighten yourself and stop ruining my city.
Robert Lilly
November 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
Reed will win because he will get 100% of the black vote. So be it. All that is asked is that you honestly rate his job performance at the end of the next year and tell us how great he is for Atlanta then. The truth is that Atlanta has been going down hill ever since the white power base move to the burbs. Atlanta is in total decay. Crime is rampant and the city is falling apart and broke.
@rober lilly
November 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
reed will not get 100% of the vote if he does atl will burn. buckhead will sucede from the atl and atl will bcome one great big ghetto on the hill! with the company he keeps u can bet on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Teela
November 28th, 2009
11:12 pm
I am sick to death with the “Atlanta is a Black city and needs a Black Mayor to protect the interests of the Black residents”.
You’ve had Black mayors for 36 years or so, and how’s it worked for you? I see increased poverty, crime, abandoned housing, a new generation of Black criminals under the age of 20, and as our APD stated to us in Capitol View….these underage criminals are the vast majority of crime producers in Atlanta and Decatur.
So….how’s it working for you to have the Black Elite in office? Has the quality of your lives really improved, or like the majority of residents of Atlanta…..
Are you being leached in both money and quality of life?
You want Atlanta to continue it’s decline to a big ghetto, continue to worry only about the Black interests. Apparently the vast majority of Black people AREN’T of concern to the Shirleys/Jacksons/Campbells…..
And Reed? A hand picked rep for continuing the gravy for the Black Elite.
I’m voting Norwood because she is a break away from what we have experienced for too many years.
And I like the values of this little, white woman. She includes all of us…not just a certain skin color.
@teela
November 28th, 2009
11:35 pm
u r right he does appear 2b hand picked. it itwill be ova dec 1 but it does concern me the 1st is welfere day and if reed is dependent on the black vote a lot of folks will have jus enuff money for busfare to get their check cash it and then shop for groceries then get home for thier kids and then they 2 tired and there go mr reeds vote
Teela
November 29th, 2009
8:48 am
Oh! I think Reed will get it because there are enough “vote by color’ people in this city to make sure that happens. And the Black Elite have come out in their racist colors to make sure their boy gets it.
Continue the Gravy Train for a elect few!
Mary has run a clean campaign. Reed hasn’t, but Reed is the candidate of the usual thugs…in high places.
However, the fallout from this campaign has shown the very deep racial-ness in Atlanta. Nothing really has changed….and it’s like more tribal warfare. Perhaps it ever will be so.
But I hope that people, black and white….do remember the lessons from this campaign.
We will need to remember…because in 4 years, Reed is going to make us…..even more weary than we are now.
And remember Shirley’s “I Will Make You Proud”?…..How’s that working for you, Atlanta?
Grant
November 29th, 2009
2:53 pm
When I last checked, you can not steal a yard sign that was illegally placed on city property or right of way anyway. Also remember Mary Norwoods pledge to not put up any illegal yard signs. She has always claimed all of her yard signs are in yards. She is a lier! The Norwood campaign has played the race card just in a diffrent way and we all know it. Both camps are playing race. Why can Norwood get over 20% of the black vote and Reed gets less than 10% of the white votes and every one still call black voters racist. Just don’t add up! Margaret Kaiser is nothing but a gentrifier who relishes the opportunity to support any white candidate running in majority black district. Look at how she got elected. Whites are supporting whites and blacks are some what supporting blacks. The black community could use some solidarity. Just sad that only certain black politicians get to benefit from that machine. Atlanta is a very sad place with a very uninformed electorate. Remember no incumbents was defeated this year! Real Change will never happen until the voters of this city wake up.
Jill
November 29th, 2009
3:02 pm
Also whites who think this city is being run by blacks just because a black face has been mayor for 36 years look at who give the fat checks to politicians in this city they are 70% white. It is white businessmen and women who run this city. If Norwood loses it is because white business people decided that Norwood is to much of a risk. Wake up whites who want to blame everything on blacks in this city. Whites have been just as much of the problem. Look around. Look at our city council black and white. Good people donot get elected in the city only selfish insecure low lifes. Trash!
Mary Norwood mess up
November 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
I voted early of Kashim Reed. You should vote early for Kashim Reed. Vote early for Kashim Reed.
Mary Norwood mess up
November 30th, 2009
2:47 pm
Kashim Reed should be next mayer. Vote early for Kashim Reed.
TRUTH0HURTS
December 1st, 2009
11:17 pm
LOL! It is funny to me how white people will conveniently play the race card when African-
Americans vote for an African-American candidate over a white candidate. I never hear any
mention from white people of race being a factor when white people vote for a white
candidate over an African-American candidate, even though this happens FAR more often in
this society than the reverse. You are basically implying that African-American people are
not smart enough to vote for what is in their best interest and only see the color of the
skin, using that as the main criteria with which they make their final decision. African-
Americans will do what they usually do in any election and vote for the person who they
believe it is in their best interest to vote for. In the history of this country, African-
Americans have NEVER had a problem voting for a white person for public office. The proof
of this is that there have been 43 presidential elections where African-Americans voted for
white candidates. In all of those elections white presidents were put into office with the
help of African-American voters. How many African-American governors have been elected in
the state of Georgia by the white majority? I know the answer . . . do you? If not, look
it up. I have relatives in states like Mississippi, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
How many African-American governors have been elected in those states by the white majority?
I know the answer . . .do you? If not, look it up. But let an African-American majority
elect an African-American over a white and all of a sudden race is a factor. White people
PLEASE!!! LOL!!! Get a grip on reality and stop playing the RACE CARD! This country has
400 years of example I can give where whites have routinely and systematically NOT voted for
an African-American just because they were African-American. Again, stop playing the RACE
CARD!