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DEL.ICIO.USJoseph Lowery comes out for Martin, with a tongue honed to an edge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At his West Peachtree Street headquarters, in a somewhat noisy basement, Jim Martin on Wednesday assembled the forces he hoped would push him across the finish line of the Democratic race for U.S. Senate.
Richard Ray, president of the AFL-CIO was one. The Rev. Tim McDonald, the former leader of Concerned Black Clergy, was another. And there was a relative newcomer, the Rev. J.A. Milner, pastor of Chapel of Christian Love Baptist Church in Atlanta.
All were dwarfed by 86-year-old Joseph Lowery, a founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But on this day, the good reverend’s credentials from the Civil Rights era didn’t matter nearly as much as his standing as Barack Obama’s No. 1 cheerleader in Georgia.
In the delicate, biracial atmosphere of a Democratic race in Georgia, Martin has had to be extremely careful of how he draws a distinction between himself and the DeKalb County CEO. Even in the run-off, references to Jones’ colorful and controversial personal life have been off-limits.
Instead, Martin has repeatedly referenced the two votes that Jones has confessed to casting for George W. Bush, in 2000 and 2004.
But that may not be enough to defeat a relatively popular black politician in a primary dominated by African-Americans.
The key argument that Martin is likely to press over the weekend is that having Jones at the top of a Georgia ballot would whittle Barack Obama’s already-dicey chances of winning Georgia’s 15 electoral votes down to nothing.
In other words, Martin will try to force Democrats in Georgia to choose between Obama and Jones.
Lowery was the beginning of that argument. Click here to listen to a four-minute sound bite of what he said.
Lowery never mentioned Jones by name, but the language was still brutal:
”As we anticipate the election of a visionary president of these United States in November, we must be keenly aware of the need to send to the Congress men and women who share the vision of the president and the platform from which attempts will be made to enact laws and establish policies.
“We believe Jim Martin, candidate for the U.S. Senate, and consistent Democrat, meets that standard, and shares that vision. We cannot afford to send to the Senate a zig-zag, so-called conservative Bush supporter who by his own admission, not only voted for Bush one time, but after having an opportunity to review his leadership for a quadrennium, voted for him a second time.
“If I sit in my swing in my backyard under the old oak tree in an electrical storm, and lightning strikes me one time, lightning can be blamed. But if the storm comes back, and I return to that same swing under that same tree, I have to assume responsibility for lightning striking me.”
When asked point-blank whether he thought Jones as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate would harm Obama, Lowery added this.
He said:
”Irrespective of that, I think Jim Martin’s presence will enhance the possibilities of victory for the Democratic ticket. And that’s our concern.
“We believe that Jim Martin brings a consistency. He readily pledged to support whoever the party nominates for Senate, while his opponent was hesitant. Reticent. Which is characteristic of his zig-zag, inconsistent, so-called conservative, Bush look-alike, be-alike, wannabe position and posture.
“Hello? Does that answer your question?”
And if that wasn’t enough, Lowery took umbrage at that mailer that Jones sent out, which inserted his image into an Obama moment. “I think those who play tricks and act slick, that’s the politics of the past,” Lowery said.
No matter how sharp the cuts, Jones can’t be seen tangling with an elderly hero like Lowery. The DeKalb CEO issued a short but classy statement:
“I respect Joseph Lowery - I stand on his shoulders and I wish him well,” he said.
Comments
By Novemberbride
July 30, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Wow! That endorsement speaks volumes!
By Grading Wooten
July 30, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Quadrennium? Is he kidding? Whatever credibility he had, the “quadrennium” and the lightning story destroyed it for me.
The man belongs in a nursing home, where he can regale his constituents there over long days and nights.
Oh brother. Quadrennium. What a clod, honestly.
By With Putpose and Dignity
July 30, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Verenon Jones has been the biggest disappointment since The Edsel. He took a wonderful county and turned it into a mess. By the way I am Black and I live on the southside and I AM NOT A REPUBLICAN. I would not elect Vernon manure shoveler at a horse track. When I see him he reminds me of a deer in headlights. He gloats about stuff he has done but his true legacy and financial irresponsibility will not be known until about he leaves the office. I shall leave the allegations of curelty towards women and his temperment during commission meetings out. Not only do I hope he looses but I hope he will never again seek political office.
By GeezGuys
July 30, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
The DeKalb CEO issued a short but classy statement:
Nothing from Threeway Vernon is classy.
By GT College Republican
July 31, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
http://georgiaunfiltered.blogspot.com/2008/07/jim-martin-for-senate-tommy-irvin.html
Martin, nor Jones can be trusted.
By Operation Yellow Elephant
July 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
GT College Republican, WHEN ARE YOU SHIPPING OUT? I know you’re not just a cowardly sideline cheerleader. Our soldiers been doing three, four, and five tours of duty. Time for strapping young patriots like yourself to step up! Dont worry, GT will hold your grades for you until you get back. Let us know, so we can throw you a proper going-away party!
By Democratic Debutante
July 31, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Joseph Lowery did the right thing. But then he ususlly does.
Jim Martin has a chance against Saxby and VJ does not. By the way, VJ is a Repugnican — Democrats did not vote for Bush, TWICE!!!!!