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DEL.ICIO.USThoughts on race from a candidate for the U.S. Senate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This morning, Dick Pettys of InsiderAdvantage has the most fulsome account of DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones’ thoughts on the role of race in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, made Sunday afternoon during a candidate forum.
Much of the forum, which included five Democrats and Libertarian Allen Buckley, was focused on the role of money in political campaigns.
Wrote Pettys:
The debate had been pretty routine until the closing moments, when Jones raised the race question and, in so doing, took a jab at a favorite target - some elements of the Atlanta media.
“… I do want to call on some of those in the media because they’ve offended some of my supporters and some of my friends, both black and white, when they write in the newspaper that … Vernon’s depending on the black vote in order to win - as if black people can’t make intelligent decisions.
“Black people have been voting for white candidates for years. There’s a history of voting for white candidates. If you’re voting for me because I’m black, then don’t. If you think I’m the best person for the job, then do so.”
Jones went on to say that the media never says that white candidates are counting on the white vote and that it is the media which “has really created this frenzy on race. We’re all one. We’re one Georgia. Let’s not get divided by those using race.”
Joblessness, homelessness and a lack of healthcare are conditions that are colorblind, he said. “So it’s not about color. It’s about uniting America.”
With past Democratic primaries split between black and white voters, nearly 50-50, the victor of the primary fight is likely to be the candidate who can put together sufficient amounts of both.
Crossover appeal will be important, particularly in a run-off. Possibly, the topic has jumped up a time or two in this space, particularly in the case of Jim Martin, one of Jones’ four rivals in the Democrat primary.
Martin, who is white, has had some trouble getting endorsements from African-American political leaders, though Martin thinks that, in the end, he’ll do well among black voters.
Photo of Vernon Jones (right) and other U.S. Senate candidates at Sunday’s forum by Hyosub Shin/AJC
Comments
By Copyleft
June 9, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Well said, Mr. Jones. A lot of desperate right-wingers are hung up on claiming “All the blacks are voting by race! Obama and all black Democrats must be racists!”
The obsession with race distracts from the real issues.
By AO
June 9, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Good for you Vernon! This issue needed to brought to light. I applaude your comments! As an Angla-American Democrat, you have my full support!
By AO
June 9, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Good for you Vernon! This issue needed to brought to light. I applaude your comments! As an Angla-American Democrat, you have my full support!
By Eric
June 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
You tell them Vernon. I love it when a politician is not afraid to speak about true issues. Great job Vernon!
By E.O. Voter
June 9, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
That’s right! Crooks come in every color, shape, size, religion, and party affiliation. We shouldn’t discriminate when deciding NOT to vote for corrupt county politicians.
By tom ga hunter
June 9, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Even Vernon Jones will be less bad than Saxby but we have a viable Libaratarian to vote for.
By RJ
June 9, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Dick Pettys is no knight in shining armer when its comes to unbiased coverage of matters pertaining to race. Pettys allowed himself to be used in questionable ways by known racist governmental officials when he was with the Associated Press.
A historical analysis of Pettys news coverages over the years will prove to be quite revealing.