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DEL.ICIO.USVernon Jones at Manuel’s Tavern: Establishing his conservative creds
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vernon Jones, perhaps a candidate for the U.S. Senate next year, filled the backroom of Manuel’s Tavern on Tuesday evening. It’s hard to say why.
The event was billed as a campaign kick-off. But Jones is still in his “exploratory” mode.
“I am not officially announced. But I tell you what. There’s a man coming, and his name is Vernon Jones,” the non-candidate said.
Much of the night’s dialogue was dedicated to the conservative philosophy of the CEO of DeKalb County. Yet the bar, a Democratic stronghold, wasn’t exactly the ideal venue for an African-American trying to establish his street creds with the white bourgeois belly of Georgia’s political middle.
Jones was introduced by Shelley Wynter, the conservative WAOK radio talk show host who offered DeKalb County’s AAA bond rating as proof of Jones’ familiarity with the right side of the aisle. Wynter stood on a chair to rise above the crowd.
“I don’t care what any pundits say. I don’t care what the little guy says. The money follows DeKalb County,” Wynter said.
Jones followed, with an extemporaneous speech that touched on family, the military, energy and the people outside — African-American demonstrators who called themselves Women Against Vernon’s Violence.
Jones had apparently entered by the tavern’s back door, avoiding the picket line. Even so, he acknowledged the protesters. “That’s what makes this country great,” Jones said. “Now, they’re wrong….”
Jones painted himself as a friend of the Georgia farmer, drawing upon his family’s farm in North Carolina. His father was a World War II vet, mistreated upon his return home. Jones’ brothers also served.
The non-candidate’s message on Iraq was mixed. “They were not given a clear-cut strategy,” Jones said of the troops. “The mission was not accomplished.”
Even so, Jones said, he does not support reducing funding for the war effort.
“Now, that’s being conservative,” the DeKalb CEO said of himself.
Comments
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By Jim Wooten
April 4, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
As a fellow faux conservative. I give Vernon Jones my endorsement.
By dekalbite
April 4, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Vernon is no more running for Senate than I am. All of this is a smokescreen to get organized with plans and funding to run against Hank Johnson in the 4th. Hank is vulnerable, although if he keeps his head down, he has an incumbent’s chance of hanging on to the seat. Even Vernon’s ego can’t let him believe he could win a statewide election.
By former dekalbite
April 4, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
dekalbite: While I agree with you that Vernon’s ultimate goal is the 4th, I disagree that Hank needs to keep his head down. If Hank doesn’t develop a war chest (preferably with the some of the same folks giving to Vernon), he would get crushed in a primary.
By It's Over Vern
April 4, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Vern will get crushed by Sonny, and hope for some cushy D.C. appointment. His ego will then make himslef run against Hank. Vern’s people freely talk about how Mr. CEO would crush Hank, anytime, any place. But if Hank stays out of trouble, doesn’t embarass himself, and raises some money, he might just be able to hold off VJ. A Georgia without Vernon Jones holding an elected office is a much nicer Georgia…
By SpaceyG
April 5, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Good thing he’s at Manuel’s to do all this magical campaigning. Most people there are too drunk and too old to do much of anything anymore, even laugh at the raging absurdity that is Vernon Jones apparently.
By T
April 15, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
I am looking forward to 2008.