Dominque Wilkins switches to Kasim Reed
My AJC colleague Ernie Suggs sends word that the Human Highlight Film has apparently added flip-flopping to his repertoire of gyrations.
On Thanksgiving evening, during half-time of the Atlanta Hawks – Orlando Magic game, basketball great Dominique Wilkins announced that he was endorsing Kasim Reed for mayor of Atlanta.
That’s fine.
But Wilkins’ endorsement comes less than a month after he recorded a robo-call for Mary Norwood, supporting her for the general election.
“In basketball, you just can’t show up for the game. You have to work very hard every day in practice,” Wilkins said on behalf of Norwood in the 24 second call. “Mary Norwood is someone who has always worked hard for Atlanta and not just on game day. Now it is time for us to help her.”
On Friday, from his hotel room in Philadelphia, where the Hawks are playing the 76ers, Wilkins said that since he recorded the call for Norwood, his political thoughts have changed.
“Mary Norwood is a very nice lady, but Kasim has been a friend of mine for a long time,” said the Hall of Famer, who played more than a decade with the Hawks and who is recognized as the franchise’s greatest player. “He is good people and I think he will make a great leader. He will do a great job of fixing some of the problems we have in Atlanta.”
Wilkins said he was initially unsure of who he was going to support for mayor. He said a friend of his took him to meet Norwood in October and he was impressed. But he said that since that endorsement, and watching the race play out, he decided that Reed was the better choice for him.
“He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”
Efforts to reach the Norwood campaign have thus far been unsuccessful. But we’ll add any comments as we get them. Wilkins said he did talk to Norwood before announcing his switch to Reed.
“She understood,” Wilkins said.
It is still unclear who Julius “Dr. J” Erving, who endorsed Lisa Borders in the general election, is supporting in the runoff.
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311 comments Add your comment
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
4:31 pm
IdaHere
“the next Mayor will be the 59th for the City of Atlanta. Four (4) have been black. Do you want me to believe that among the 54 white Mayors there was NO corruption, the city advanced, and blacks were given their fair-share of progress?”
YOU ARE SO WRITE, ATLANTA IS A BLACK CITY & NEEDS A BLACK MAYOR..
Huh
November 27th, 2009
4:36 pm
Not sure why Dominique’s opinion is important on this matter. He lives in Gwinnett, anyway.
Seems to me, really qualified candidates are generaly missing from politics.
As expected the Reed supporters respond
November 27th, 2009
4:38 pm
The damage control has begun for the Reed supporters. It appears the strategy is act as though Wilkins never tied Campbell to Reed, though clearly he did. Not Wilkins fault, he’s not a professional politician. The Reed camp should have done a much better job prepping him.
Now it seems like they are going to go on the attack and portray Reed a man of the people, since they know they are being slaughtered on this due to Norwood’s accessibility to the voters during her time in office.
It appears that there has become a real critical mass of grassroots support for Mary, even in perceived Reed strongholds, something that can only be gained by the credibility of meeting so many grassroots people over the years. It’s why the Reed public relations machine is trying so hard to attack it, because at this late date there is really no way to reinvent Reed as a man of the people without resorting to marketing tactics.
Andie
November 27th, 2009
4:39 pm
Norwood will be the best bet in this race for mayor this time and in this era in all our lives; and it truely has not a thing to do with what color a person’s skin is but this time learning to sample and taste different flavors of kool-aid’ Don’t be afraid of change; aren’t we all tired of the crime that is going on all over this city!!!????
Let’s take this city back from the azzes that think that they are winning in committing all this crime!!!
Let’s get mad as hell and say we’re not gonna take it anymore!!!
Let’s demand that the new mayor and new police chief they choose…patrol the streets of Atlanta in crime ridden neighborhoods so they can see up close and front; making recorded notes if they have to about the visuals seen , and the solutions needed to clean it up and run crime out of Atlanta!!!
We wants the citizens from all over Metropolitan Atlanta to meet up in town hall meetings with the police chief and his or her boss the Mayor of Atlanta to listen to suggestions from the citizens of Atlanta that will quickly eradicate a lot of the crime problems and to come up with permenant solutions of not letting it result in temporary photo ops’ for the media!!!
I’m still mad as hell about being let down by the mayor that is presently sitting and will be leaving office!!!
I was sexually assaulted by a young person where I am residing; while sitting just outside the door on a hot summer night in June of this year 2009; and put on hold when I escaped to make it inside to call for help using 911 and being put on hold by an electronic 911 operator!!! Lets all work with Mary Norwood and clean city hall and the streets up; because our money is what mainly runs this city in taxes! “SPEAK UP” in your vote come December.
The quote says it all
November 27th, 2009
4:49 pm
“He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”
So ingrained they are in the political machine, they don’t even see how damaging the quote truly is. It shows, once and for all, that the Reed camp is catering to people who want more of the same in Atlanta.
Norwood’s supporters want change.
The quote says it all.
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 27th, 2009
4:56 pm
Just what’s wrong with Bill Campbell? So he did a little time in jail after the feds spent years trying to catch him. He was a man of the machine, he did his time and took care of the machine.
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 27th, 2009
5:01 pm
Kasim Reed is a great man, he will be a great Mayor, just like the black mayors before him. Vote Kasim Reed early and often…
hhh
November 27th, 2009
5:04 pm
WHO CARES WHO a basketball player endorses??!?!?!?
IdaHere
November 27th, 2009
5:08 pm
ATLANTA IS A PROGRESSIVE CITY AND NEEDS A PROGRESSIVE MAYOR TO MOVE FORWARD!
Hoodtechie, since when is a name like Raygunius Delmacio a black person?? Get real, who even believes that you are black???
MOVING ON– one can project what one will do in the future, by what they have already done. Senator Reed served in the state legislature for 11 years, and for most of those years under a Republican governor. in the General Assembly where the GOP called the shots. Yet Reed accomplished most of his pro-Atlanta legislation through partnering with rural and suburban Republicans. This points to his leadership ability and the fact that he does not let politics get in the way of delivering on behalf of the people. He worked productively with all people, at all times keeping the interest of the people at heart. It is interesting to note that most of his fellow State legislators, black and white, Democrat and Republican endoresed his candidacy!. Atlanta will certainly have a voice at the State House, when Kasim speaks!
Reed is very humble, and the first to recognize the limits of his power, smart enough to work within the limits of that power by reaching out to those around him who are more knowledgeable in certain areas. I was impressed with how he gave Lisa Borders credit for all of her great ideas for governing the City of Atlanta. I am sure he will call upon her expertise and others as he moves forward!
Hats off to the Reed Campaign Staff, friends, supporters, who have worked hard and stayed above the riff-raff! I admire the diversity, energy and compassion you have to make our city a better place for all Atlantans. Stay focused and keep up the good work, you are just about there!!!
An Observation
November 27th, 2009
5:12 pm
Does Wilkins even live within the city limits of Atlanta and eligible to vote? Kasim Reed is more of the same….Campbell, Franklin, etc.
People wake up and realize that something different is needed in the ATL at this time. The status quo, which is what Reed would be, is not change. The same people (holding onto the funding) within the Georgia legislature will still not want to work with the City of Atlanta with Reed in charge. The airport issues will remain the same (the same few people receiving all the benefits); sewer, roads and transportation will not get better but worse!!!! If you vote for Reed, just wait as see. Don’t get caught up in all the racist posturing.
Is IdaHere Stephanie Ramage in disguise?
November 27th, 2009
5:14 pm
Is IdaHere Sunday Paper columnist Stephanie Ramage, or just lifting her column word for word to parrot a Reed talking point.
Google the phrase, Reed is very humble and the first to recognize the limits of his power, and you can see it for yourself.
Busted!
Leaving so soon IdaHere?
November 27th, 2009
5:21 pm
Seems that IdaHere left rather quickly after being busted for parroting Stephanie Ramage word for word.
Chris Murphy, Atlanta, GA
November 27th, 2009
5:36 pm
Dominique doesn’t live in the city, and last I heard, neither does Dr. J (Dr. J owns a golf course in DeKalb that needs a ton o’work). Not that it matters- to me- “celebrity” endorsements are the same as product endorsements: what did the endorser get?
ND
November 27th, 2009
5:38 pm
Dominique Wilkins lives in Lilburn, so he can’t vote in the election anyway.
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 27th, 2009
5:41 pm
I’m new here, is it against the rules to copy someone like IdaHere /Stephanie Ramage just did? Do they sit in the corner or get a time out?
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
5:43 pm
Is IdaHere really Stephanie Ramage? Who is Stephanie Ramage?
wow
November 27th, 2009
5:43 pm
@Imno – Want to find the guy who stole the signs? Mary Norwood has now hired him!! After he showed up at her campaign wanting her to pay him to say Kasim’s people paid him for the signs. Hmm. Wonder why he thought she would be the kind of person who would pay him to lie? Probably because another of her supporters paid him to make the fake video in the first place. What a joke. Clearly the campaign is that desperate for supporters to actually hire this guy, no matter what the truth was in the first place…
General Sherman
November 27th, 2009
5:50 pm
It is just a black thang.
Bama Fan
November 27th, 2009
5:51 pm
It has been a long day but we are finally ahead. Too bad Atlanta will not get ahead.
Bama Fan
November 27th, 2009
6:00 pm
We have WON… Tech is going to beat UGA like a drumb tomorrow..ROLL TIDE.
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
6:03 pm
It seems there are some mad Norwood posters on this thread. Are y’all suggesting that Wilkins can’t choose who HE wants to support? Are you suggesting he owes Mary Norwood his endorsement? Well, he doesn’t. I actually think his endoresement is unimportant in comparison to those from: Joe Wilkins (R) State Rep. from Sandy Springs, State Rep. Kathy Ashe, State Rep. Karla Drenner, State Sen. David Adelman, City Council Pres. Lisa Borders, Councilman Ivory Young, Councilman C.T. Martin, State Sen. Nan Orrock, The Atlanta Police Union, Atlanta Progressive Firefighters, Rev. Joe Lowery, State Sen. Jim Martin and Gov. Roy Barnes. I could go on, but I think you all get the point. Kasim Reed has risen to the top in this race.
Its unfortunate that that the Norwooders have resorted to prejudice and bigotry to get thier point across, but when you don’t have much else to talk about I guess you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.
@Raygunius Delmacio, is so transparent. All smart bloggers on this thread recognize your racist sarcasm. Your exaggerated ethnic name isn’t fooling any one and it is quite shameful that you Norwooders are resorted to these tactics. That includes you too, the late Maynord Jackson.
I like the point someone made earlier that Wilkins didn’t malign Reed in anyway to Bill Campbell. Atlanta has had 58 mayors and 54 of them have been white and they too had their share of not so honorable leaders, but Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young did a fine job as mayor. Their policies and programs put this city on an upward trajectory not seen before. I think Mayor Franklin did on o.k. Job as mayor, but as Kasim said her enthusiasm toward her role waned as time progressed. She took a very courageous stance against the corruption of the Campbell administration and reformed the city’s ethics rules (Norwood voted against the rules by the way). She also undertook the momentous task of overhauling the sewers. The jury is still out on her overall performance, but I think history will show Mayor Franklin to be a great Mayor.
Bottom line is, I hope Reed and Norwood have near fool-proof plans for election day because it will allow come down to turnout on Dec. 1.
I'm for Mary
November 27th, 2009
6:06 pm
I’m a early 40’s black man, who is voting for Mary…again. It’s time for a change…I don’t personally know Kasim or Mary, but I feel Kasim would be a continuation of the same thing. I feel Mary is going to go in and clean up the crap in city hall. We need someone to address the panhandling problem (as opposed to homelessness), I think Mary could do it. I talk to a lot of people and many are pulling for Mary, there are many people who are not admitting publicly that they’re for her, all of these people are black. It’s funny how us blacks are almost ashamed to support change when it’s a white person running against a black person, but many whites proudly voted for and helped elect Obama.
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
6:10 pm
PoliticOracle “racist sarcasm” HELL you think a black city needs a black mayor.
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
6:19 pm
@Delmacio
Nope, I think EVERY city needs a GOOD Mayor. Norwood has demonstrated nothing that brings me even close to believing she has the skills to lead this city. Sorry, but I can’t vote white for the hell of it. Reeds got the leadership in this city standing with him and I believe this city is headed in the right direction with him at the helm.
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
6:21 pm
PoliticOracle…bull
wow
November 27th, 2009
6:22 pm
How is it that people keep referring to Kasim as more of the same and Mary as change when she is the one that has been in city hall for 8 years?! “More of the same” clearly means black and “change” means white. Racism (especially internalized oppression) when masked is even scarier than when it is overt.
Wow, Kasim Reed's endorsers tell us so.
November 27th, 2009
6:27 pm
How is it, wow asks, that people keep referring to Kasim Reed as more of the same?
Simple. Kasim Reed’s endorsers tell us so!
“He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”
Hey wow, if even the great Dominique Wilkins says Kasim is going to be more of the same, who are we to argue with him?
Glad to have cleared that up for you Wow.
Who's mad?
November 27th, 2009
6:33 pm
Seems to me politicOracle, that the only person who might be mad is IdaHere, who quickly hightailed it OuttaHere upon being busted for parroting Stephanie Ramage.
And yes Wilkins can support who he wants to support. I’m quite sure Norwood didn’t want to lose the endorsement, but I’m just as sure they are happy it’s turned into a public relations disaster.
Dominique Wilkins' early holiday present to Norwood
November 27th, 2009
6:37 pm
We the supporters of Kasim Reed, and the supporters of change for Atlanta, are pleased to announce the support of Dominique Wilkins, who promises us that a vote for Reed is a vote for more of the same.
Wait! That didn’t come out right! Where’s the staffer who was supposed to vet Dominique’s statement? Someone get the public relations staff on the phone stat!
bp
November 27th, 2009
6:40 pm
long line of good mayors?you mean the ones before maynard right?
drsoul
November 27th, 2009
6:43 pm
The sad situation is that REED supporters actually think that he is a LEADER???? he is a ‘hand picked’ candidate by the ‘political corruption regime’ that has held Atlanta and City Hall hostage for so many years… denied you services, wasted your funds, covered up corruption and family and friend patronage to waste dollars away from much needed city services… but, the people who vote for REED believe in this corruption…they have to be a natural part of that life, black or white, or they could not support REED…he is another extension of their character… they do not know any better.. they think that Atlanta has really grown and is a public servant to it’s citizenry over the last 20 years, when it has stolen you blind.. that is all that REED and his followers understand… look amongst you at these supporters…just more of the same Jackson, Campbell, Franklin… you might as well sit down and burn your tax dollars rather than pay them as it will wind up the same..!!!
Leadership is not something these people understand…they have not seen it in years and years, just the ‘robber barrons’ of city hall and REED cannot wait to stuff his pockets.. these supporters are no different… if that is the character that defines you, so be it.. but, be a proud and honest person and vote NORWOOD…for progressive actions…clean the city up and return it to the voters, not run it completely off the cliff…!!!!
drsoul
November 27th, 2009
6:47 pm
Franklin did not do anything about the sewers until the courts mandated it…she is like campbell, she sucks the city dry…and, ETHICS???? not a word in her vocabulary or ethics or character… look at her entire family…!!!! Oracle, you need to give REED his money back..your ramblings have no credibility..!!!
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
6:48 pm
@Delmacio
Yeah, I’m full of bull. That’s why I don’t have an ignorant sarcastic handle like yours.
No one is paying attention to your unfactual, innuendo-based comments.
PoliticOracle clarify please
November 27th, 2009
6:49 pm
PoliticOracle, please clarify who you are referring to when you use the term Norwooders. Do you mean the Norwood family? Do you mean Norwood staffers? Do you mean Norwood endorsers? Do you mean typical Norwood voters?
Or are you referring to isolated examples of anonymous bloggers, without a single shred of evidence to connect them, in any capacity, to anybody even remotely considered a legitimate part of the Norwood for mayor staff?
Please clarify.
Jason
November 27th, 2009
6:53 pm
Any guesses on the percentage of stupid posts here that are from people supporting one candidate are really from supporters of the other candidate trying to make the first candidate look bad? I’d say about 60% overall with 90% of the race related ones being trolls.
The numbers support Jason
November 27th, 2009
7:00 pm
Jason has a point. The Reed campaign has confirmed it, releasing a report that states 112% of the posts that make Reed supporters look bad are really from Norwood supporters masquerading as Reed supporters.
When asked about the veracity of the 112% figure, the Reed campaign stood by the numbers, saying they had been verified by Mitzi Bickers.
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
7:03 pm
@drsoul
Since I’m rambling, tell me one ethics violation that Franklin has committed. And as I’ve told other Norwood spin-doctors, I’m not a part of any campaign and even if I was CAN YOU REFUTE MY COMMENTS!
When you’re done with your futile attempts to connect me to the Reed camp, tell me what money Mayor Franklin has taken. She took a $40k pay cut coming in the door and furloughed herself, which couldve been prevented of the posturing city council had enacted the modest tax increase in 2008.
I’m no fan of Reed’s , but any wise eye can see that Norwood’s a joke. I think Franklin was the wrong personality type for a mayor, but she’s a darn good leader. You’re either ignorant or disingenious to lay the whole of this economic meltdown on her back. If that’s the case elected officials all over this country, including Sonny Perdue and the leaders in Gwinnet County, need to be out of office.
You people have proven yourselves to be nothing more than pessimistic rabble-rousers just like Ms. Daisy, I mean Mary Norwood.
wow
November 27th, 2009
7:11 pm
PoliticOracle, you made my day. I am losing faith in humanity and in my city over this mayor’s race. So sad that so much racism is being spewed under terms like “more of the same.” I can’t imagine how a long line of good mayors is assumed to mean only the black ones for some or only before the black ones for others. We will be the laughing stock of the nation if we elect Ms Daisy/Norwood/Sarah Palin as mayor. Leaving Georgia would be like traveling in Europe was during the George W years!
Raygunius Delmacio
November 27th, 2009
7:12 pm
PoliticOracle….”I’m no fan of Reed’s”..talk out of both sides of your mouth don’t you? I agree Reed will be 4 more years of Franklin.
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
7:12 pm
My usage of the term “Norwooders” is to those that support Mary Norwood on this thread. Are you ashamed of this association?
I mean in no derrogatory way. I’m not here to offend anyone. Just to share factual analysis of this election and to combat the ignorance and lies being spewed on here. Its not right to sit by and no the truth and not share. If Norwood is going to win, let it be on her own merits and no myths, rumor and innuendo. Let’s not divide the city, but let the candidates run on merit though that puts Norwood at a disadvantage because of her thin record.
Driving Ms. Daisy
November 27th, 2009
7:13 pm
Mary Norwood as Ms. Daisy PolitcOracle? Surely after your 6:03 post, you wouldn’t be trafficking in stereotypes.
PoliticOracle clarify please
November 27th, 2009
7:18 pm
Well PoliticOracle we hope you aren’t insinuating that all Norwood supporters are resorting to the reprehensible tactics you so rightly pointed out earlier. Or even insinuating they are typical of Norwood supporters.
And no, I don’t think any knowledgeable person is offended by the term Norwooder. They intuitively understand that hesitant to use the term Birther, fearing that it’s been copyrighted LOL
PoliticOracle clarify please
November 27th, 2009
7:20 pm
That should have read they intuitively understand the hesitancy to use the term birther. Kind of takes the LOL out of it when you blow the line though!
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
7:23 pm
When I say I’m no fan of Reed, I’m referring to his likability. I don’t vote based on who’s the nicest or who has kissed the most babies. Reed seems to be a tad on the arrogant side, but that doesn’t mean he’s not the best candidate. Listen, I don’t post on this thread to to stir up arguments. I only share the truth to the best of my knowledge and when I’m wroNg I retract.
PoliticOracle
November 27th, 2009
7:29 pm
You’re right, I shouldn’t have referred to Ms. Norwood as Miss Daisy. Its an unfair stereotype and I let the SNL fan come out of me.
Please accept my humble apoplogies.
Screw Up Birther, Deather,
November 27th, 2009
7:32 pm
it appears that Dominique thinks he is in China and watching a Ping Pong match between the Chinese and North Korea for the world championship..
Driving Miss Daisy
November 27th, 2009
7:32 pm
Still PoliticOracle, lets not distract from the overall greater point that the posts on here are truly lamentable, and in fact are downright ugly.
Driving Miss Daisy
November 27th, 2009
7:33 pm
Make that some posts on here.
Andie
November 27th, 2009
7:36 pm
Some of you keep posting about all this experience Mr. Reed has over Mrs. Norwood in politics…”Get over yourselves” This man has made a good living for himself and has possibly never mingled with the “regular” citizens of Atlanta. And sometimes the saying goes “He who knows everything; knows not a damn thing where it really truly matters” So go figure! and stop putting this man on a pedestal and lording this guy over yourselves…make you look like one of his goons; “Know what I mean” Tell your guy to clean the city of this rash of crime!!! Can’t walk outside your door or be heading home without being shot or raped or robbed or carjacked!!! This guy wants the title of mayor; but will start dodging you after he’s in!!! “Then What “REEDERS” hang your heads low when this happens, because its coming and I will be watching and reminding you guys who put him in and he becomes the untouchable to you! Think very serious with your heart and not just your minds when you point your finger to select the person that will represent you and your family members who lives all over Atlanta. Time is getting critical, issues are seriously critical when it comes to the economy and your safety and the expected tax hikes coming soon; in which i don’t mind if results are happening because of the hike. But don’t ask me for more money and pee on me and say you did’nt do it or you had nothing to do with it and it was you who pleaded your case to the citizens for more money and then act as if you don’t remember what your job is and start lording yourself over the very people who put you there!!! “Don’t forget this Mr. Reed and Mrs. Norwood; because the people trusted that you would best represent all of us in Atlanta.
“My vision is change for a better leadership and a change to unite everyone in Atlanta as brothers and sisters no matter the skin color; for common goals of working together to make things happen for the better in our everyday lives. “Vote For a Change” An 18-year old ran for mayor in another state a few years back; he had no experience; but he had a vision for his town and he won the race!
One can have all the elaborate experience in the world on paper and sometimes his friends may brag on him to make him look good on camera; but that same person can also be one with his head in the sand and knows nothing about reality; about real gut clinching life on an everyday norm’ Think clearly before touching that screen when you vote in December.
Nique's not screwed up, he's a businessman
November 27th, 2009
7:36 pm
I took his endorsement to be much less about Kasim Reed, than Nique angling for a Waffle House endorsement. I think he saw the Shaq and Ben Stein Comcast ad campaign and thought he could mimic its success with a Waffle House campaign starring him and Zig Zag Zell.