Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Herenton Rolls with Punch, Says Obama Endorsement "Act of Desperation" by Cohen
Posted by Jackson Baker on Wed, Jul 14, 2010 at 1:52 AM
- JB
- Herenton at Tuesday's press conference
On Tuesday, a good month later, the only subject the media wanted to hear about, and the only one Herenton dealt with, was the out-of-the-blue announcement from the camp of incumbent 9th District congressman Steve Cohen of his endorsement for reelection by President Obama.
Given the general perception (disputed by Herenton and his supporters) that Cohen already had a commanding lead in the congressional race, that Herenton’s main campaign pitch has been an appeal to black voters to elect one of their own to Congress, and that Obama is very likely the most important African-American icon in American history, advance speculation in the media had been genuine wonder as to how Herenton could possibly spin Tuesday’s stunning development to his own benefit.
All things considered, Herenton did a reasonably good job of walking that tightrope, though he teetered dangerously from time to time on the brink of intemperate or impolitic remarks.
His basic approach was, first, to note that he disbelieved in the appropriateness or value of candidate endorsements; next, that he respected, even loved, President Obama, but doubted the value of his endorsement of Cohen — especially since the decision on a 9th District congressman would be made locally, by the district’s voters, not by “Washington, D.C.. or Chicago” and, finally, that the very fact that Cohen had sought an endorsement from the president signaled a “desperation” on the congressman’s part, an awareness, Herenton insisted, that “80 percent, minimum” of the black vote was committed to himself, along with a minimum of 5 percent of the white vote.
That no extant poll suggests anything like those figures did not faze the former mayor, who made a point of saying that he distrusted any information that came from the media — even Tuesday’s report of the Obama endorsement.
Herenton maintained that, on hearing news of the endorsement, he had turned to his close friend and campaign manager, Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism (who stood nearby throughout the 30-minute press conference) and said,” Sidney, this is a great day…They now know what you and I know,” then repeating the vote estimates suggesting he was far ahead of Cohen.
The former mayor strove mightily to avoid negative comments about Obama but was not entirely successful.
“Most recent polls reveal, 6 out of every 10 Americans feel that our country is moving in the wrong direction,” Herenton said, “As much as I admire the Obama administration, they’ve not moved this nation forward.”
Herenton noted the president’s “declining” popularity and at one point attempted to minimize the significance of the Cohen endorsement by saying, “Mr. Obama has got to look hard and long to really know where Memphis, Tennessee, is.”
The Cohen camp had “rolled the dice” in seeking Obama’s endorsement, Herenton said. “In many cases, where the President has recommended people, they lost. This strategy could cause many Republican voters and people who anti-Obama to join the Herenton coalition.”
As if to further such a prospect, Herenton characterized himself as “more of an independent thinker, not as much to the left as Steve Cohen.” He said, “Cohen has been loyal to the Democratic agenda, I think, almost 100 percent,” while he himself was “more moderate, in the middle.”
He imagined a scenario whereby Cohen had beseeched the president for an endorsement by saying, “‘I’ve been there for you. I’m in trouble in Memphis…I need your help.”
Herenton, who began the press conference by noting it had begun promptly at 3 o’clock, “not CP time but accurate time,” ended with this observation: “Cohen’s a phony. He will use any antic, any tactic to get reelected. He knows we’re the only people on the face of the earth that will allow anybody to lead us.”
Herenton Disdains Concept of Endorsements
Herenton Reacts to Obama’s Endorsement of Cohen
Comments (17)
Showing 1-17 of 17
Oh, this is so delicious. If Herenton doesn't believe in polls, then he shouldn't be quoting the president's approval rating. If he doesn't think endorsements matter, then why on Earth did he ever endorse Lamar Alexander? And that last line is just too much.
"He knows we’re the only people on the face of the earth that will allow anybody to lead us."
Anybody except a white guy, that is. Doesn't that statement completely undermine Herenton's entire justification for running?
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Golly, I just opened my dictionary to the word "Hubris," and where there was no photo before there's now one of Willie Wilbert Herenton.
Go figure.
I can't wait to see Herenton get thrashed in the election. What to people think he will do?
A) Freak out and not have concession speech
B) Be gracious in defeat
C) Have a petty, mean spirited speech talking about "snakes" and folks out to get him
Congressman Steve Cohen has always believed that the best politics is doing the job you were elected to do well. Since elected in 2006, Steve has:
• Worked with President Obama on tax cuts to create and save jobs in the 9th Congressional District
• Authored an amendment to prohibit employers from discriminating against job applicants with poor credit records
• Fought for a much needed Health Care Reform bill that gives health care to millions and reduces the 9th District’s burdens by allowing The Med to recover funds spent treating out of state patients
• Introduced legislation to help relieve the burden of student loan debt in bankruptcy cases
• Fought to hold BP executives accountable for the spill in the Gulf of Mexico
• Protected the First Amendment by introducing The Citizen Participation Act to ban meritless SLAPP lawsuits meant to stifle the voices of the American public
• Introduced The Honor The WISH Act allowing our military personnel control over their funeral arrangements
• Passed a resolution calling upon the United States House of Representatives to apologize for its role in allowing slavery and the Jim Crow era that followed.
Memphis is well on its way to becoming the prosperous city that we all deserve, and it is very important that we keep it on that path. Vote to re-elect Congressman Steve Cohen for District 9!
auto: I doubt Herenton would recognize the irony/hypocrisy in his citing, while debunking the validity of, polls or in his giving, yet ridiculing, endorsements. Come to think of it, didn't he endorse Cohen in '06? I guess he's forgotten about that too. Has anyone asked him about that yet during this race, JB? If so, I have yet to see his response reported.
JB: Some might say MLK, rather than Obama, is the "most important AA icon in history?" Different strokes. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by what I thought I heard come out of Herenton's mouth, namely the words "plantation mentality," slung in Cohen's direction.
Someone remind me what the blacks were called who, during slavery, helped the plantation owner subjugate his slaves (and no, I don't mean "house" you-know-whats--though they did that too). For the Jews in concentration camps, these betrayers were called "kapos," and they were sometimes even crueler to camp inmates than the Nazi guards were.
Whatever the term on the plantation was, Herenton certainly qualifies for it. If anyone has a plantation mentality, he does. He was no friend to the blacks of this city (other than the select few who were his cronies), presiding over a steady deterioration in their quality of life during his term (as the recent NYT article http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/business… documented), but he apparently thinks he has already erased that memory, and can get them to ignore what they know (his record) in favor or what they see (his skin color).
Yes, he did in fact endorse Cohen, side by side with A.C. Wharton, whom he has now called "a disaster." I guess he really was being honest when he said he doesn't care about endorsements, and was flip about the endorsements themselves.
I wonder if he even cares about winning this race at all. He doesn't act like it. He's barely even trying. It would not surprise me in the least if he came out to the cameras on August 5 and just laughed the whole thing off. Then again, I would be equally unsurprised if he just vanished completely and went off to sulk by himself.
auto: the scenario that concerns me (other, of course, than a Herenton victory which I believe would be disastrous for Memphis, on many levels) is a close election. I'm not talking about Herenton/Hackett close, necessarily, but close nevertheless.
There are all sorts of scenarios I could envision, the best one of which, of course, would be a concession by the apparent loser (whoever that might end up being). But it's the other potential scenarios that concern me, especially if the slim margin of victory is in Cohen's favor. Herenton's never lost an election, so this might not sit well with his supporters, some of whom have shown, shall we say (and not unlike the candidate himself), less than an unvarnished interest in racial harmony.
Remember, Hackett could have contested the result (170-some votes), but, as the story's told, was strongly counseled (though I don't know by whom) not to. There was a reason for that.
Am I being paranoid?
If you're being paranoid, who can blame you? Sheeesh! Aren't you the guy the waiter just spilled wine on?
JB, why do you remove my posts. They aren't laced with profanity. Do you still believe in "Freedom of Speech"?
I'm not the post-remover, marie. I'm unaware that you left a previous post. (Actually, "comment" is what you mean. the "post" is what you're comenting on. Try again, is all i can suggest.)
It was 146 votes if I'm not mistaken Marty, and Hackett told his supporters to stand down, not the other way around. Hackett was more concerned about keeping the peace than winning an election. There were very easily more than enough disputable ballots to swing the victory over, but Hackett nixed the entire idea.
This primary is the most interesting election I have seen since coming to Liberal Asylum.
The outcome is going to say a lot about Memphians. In the event that Herrenton wins it will say a lot about blacks in Memphis. There is no other way to hide and explain it off. Frankly, I will be surprised, favorably if Cohen wins.
I just wouldn't bet on it. This electorate has yet to prove itself as anything more than a cliche. Here's hoping I am wrong!
TV: I'm a success! Your transformation is complete! Other than the "Liberal Asylum" remark (a blip on the radar screen, comparatively speaking), you achieved nearly a perfect score on that comment. Now, don't backslide on me (oops, I hope that's not a "pole-smoking" technique or position).
JB: I know you're kidding about the paranoia, but I also know you understood that my "wine spill" comment was intended to show how much easier it is to accuse than it is to deny. So, are you willing to take a stab at the "close outcome" scenario, or is that defendu for an eminence grise like you (sorry, I'm trying to use as much French as I can before Bastille Day runs out).
P.S. See, we're up to 14 comments already. Give it time to percolate. It'll get there. If I throw one of my stink bombs, my detractors are so predictable I'll bet we get up to 50 in no time. I hate being that Pavlovian, though.
I have watched and listened to Memphis politics since I moved to the area 15 years ago. I was always stunned by Herenton's arrogance. Now, I think Willy has demonstrated that it may not be just gross arrogance, he really should be examined by a mental health professional. I'm sure there are no qualified physicians to do this in his eyes except a black one. Willy, does EVERYTHING have to be about race or have to have the race card played for you to get your way? I believe the good people of Memphis have finally seen you for what you are, a bigoted racist egomaniac that really could not care less for or about anyone but himself and his cronies and hangers ons! If everything is about color, Willie maybe you should consider moving to that large continet to the east where you wouldn't have to be bothered with any other reaces of people on a regular basis. Willie I truly believe you are a sick man and need some type of mental help or medical intervention. Are you on drugs? You have steadfastly refused to take a drug test as other candidates have.....what are you hiding? Did your former chief of security get you hooked on some of her gang banger boyfriends product that was found in her house? My personal opinion is that you are a despical person that finally is being seen for what you are by the people that kept you in power for so many years. Please go away and let the wounds of the past heal! Living in the past and opening old wounds for your own benefit is a sign of what you truly are--------a BIGOTED RACIST!!! A.C. Wharton is a million times the man you could ever hope or aspire to be!
Does anyone actually think Herenton has got a snowball's chance of winning? This is a cakewalk for Cohen. Take it to the bank. Willie's got nothing but his blackness and in a city where many whites voted for Obama, Herenton's attempt to get to DC based on black resentment is just plain laughable.
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