The mayoral ‘machine’ goes haywire, Reed fires back — UPDATED
August 27, 2009 at 3:03 pm by Scott Henry in News
Kasim Reed is not happy with memo
The Atlanta mayor’s race has just blown up with a controversy whose fallout could well linger over the rest of the election season. Sometime yesterday, an incendiary bomb in the form of an e-mail went out calling on African American leaders across town to throw their support behind a single black candidate for mayor in order to head off a victory by Councilwoman Mary Norwood, who is painfully white.
The e-mail cites WSB polls showing Council President Lisa Borders gaining support to trail closely behind Norwood while state Sen. Kasim Reed remains trailing in the single digits. On the strength of the numbers, the e-mail author invites the recipients to join him in supporting Borders for mayor.
Reed is taking the missive seriously enough that he quickly retaliated with a statement calling the e-mail’s message “divisive,” “vitriolic” and “racist.”
And who is author? None other than Aaron Turpeau, a longtime political operative who could be considered the most prominent remaining gear in the old “Maynard Machine.” Turpeau worked on Jackson’s first two campaigns for mayor, then for both of Andrew Young’s successful bids, and then for Jackson’s third go-around.
But Turpeau, wasn’t simply Jackson’s appendage. Despite his longtime boss’ endorsement of Bill Campbell, Turpeau worked for both of Campbell’s opponents, Michael Lomax and Marvin Arrington. He later jumped on board Shirley Franklin’s campaign, which gave fuel to critics who dismissed Franklin as the “machine candidate.”
Turpeau hadn’t signed on to work with any mayoral hopefuls this time, a fact which stirred the curiosity of many political observers.
Obviously, however, Turpeau isn’t content to sit on the sidelines. In a follow-up memo (view PDF here), he elaborates on his position, which he calls, in a striking display of candor, the “Black Mayor first” approach:
1. There is a chance for the first time in 25 years that African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta, Georgia, especially if there is a run-off;
2. Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy we have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout in the general election;
3. The reasons support should be given to Lisa Borders is: 1) she is the best black candidate in the race who has a chance to win the election because she can attract downtown white support; and 2) based on polling data drawn from a host of sources between May 2009 and July 2009, the numbers suggest Borders is growing stronger as we move closer to the election, while the most recent polling data suggests that the other black candidates are falling further behind over the same period.
Now, I have to take issue with Turpeau’s premise that a runoff hurts the election chances of a black candidate. First off, with more than a dozen names on the ballot — including the three well-funded front-runners named above — there’s little chance of avoiding a runoff. Second, the only way there wouldn’t be a runoff is if Norwood won outright.
I suspect Turpeau is making reference to the political rule of thumb that black voters don’t come out for runoffs in the same numbers as whites. I’ve seen plenty of data to support that old saw, but, frankly, it seems as if it would be easier to motivate voters to return to the polls to support a black runoff contender than it would be to unite the black community behind a single candidate before the general election, as Turpeau wants to do.
At any rate, Reed does not mince words with his reponse:
Not only do I find these comments racially charged and vitriolic, I completely repudiate them because they are fundamentally wrong and do not belong in today’s society. I call on Ms. Borders to do the right thing and denounce such divisive, racist language immediately.
These tactics divide the very community that has made Atlanta emerge as a leading city in the South and dishonors the legacies of Mayors Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, Ivan Allen, Sam Massell, and William Hartsfield. This campaign should be waged on the merits of each candidate, not the color of their skin.
Keep in mind that as Franklin’s campaign manager, Reed worked closely with Turpeau during the 1999 2001 race. I don’t know the dynamics of their personal relationship, but I’m guessing it’s got to be something of a factor in all this.
So far, no reaction from Borders or Norwood. Frankly, this issue may be too hot for them to handle.
UPDATE: Borders just held a press conference in which she said she is “focused on results, not race or rhetoric.” Here’s a taste:
I reject the analysis offered by Aaron Turpeau. He is absolutely wrong. I oppose anyone, of any race, who would distract us from what is important today.
–––––––––
I welcome the opportunity to move Atlanta beyond this damaging and misleading question of whether Atlanta needs a “black” mayor or a “white” mayor. I am the right mayor for a city that has the experience to start on Day 1. I have the relationships to reach across the city. I have the capacity to understand where we are and identify solutions.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
August 27th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Lisa Borders reached an all-time low. The civil rights leaders nurtured in this city are rolling in their graves.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Can anyone explain to me what CFranks is saying?
August 27th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
The Zombie Apocalypse is nigh.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
@Mr. T Turpeau has be pushing for Borders for quite some time. Hence, she likely knew what he was up to. This is not what Atlanta civil rights leaders fought for.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
So much for all that “content of their character” nonsense, huh?
August 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Is Mary ducking on this? She should use it as an opportunity to explain how she’ll be mayor for all Atlantans – specifically what her policies and management approach would do for the less well off, who are of course disproportionately black.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
“Aaron Turpeau, a longtime political operative who could be considered the most prominent remaining gear in the old “Maynard Machine.”
That’s a joke Scott. Do your research.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
“Is Mary ducking on this?”
Has she even had time to duck?
August 27th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Mary has the best advisors in this race. She’s smart to stay out the fray and let these two duke it out.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
i wonder what kasim, who was endorsed by andrew who was connected to maynard who worked with aaron, is saying.
what a tangled web we weave, guys.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
SDK, There’s nothing smart about running and hiding when she needs to show leadership and to face up to the race question. Per the AJC she has had time to say she won’t be saying anything, DR.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
“Per the AJC she has had time to say she won’t be saying anything, DR.”
Oh, it’s way worse than that. Norwood tries to distract us from the real issues by not mentioning race and by saying her focus was on fighting crime and fixing the City’s finances. Outrageous!
August 27th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Thanks CFranks, I understand now. Don’t think it’s true but it’s a reasonable assumption.
If I’m Mary, I go on vacation.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
hmm…I wonder how much Borders really knew about what Turpeau was doing.
Norwood’s gotta love this!
August 27th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
cityzen, Mary is trying to win, not lead.
You don’t hear much from Norwood these days because her advisers have told her to lay low. The more she talks, the more people can tell she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I heard Norwood on NPR late this afternoon, and she (sort of) addressed the memo issue.
She didn’t say a lot; in fact, I believe she stuck to a response scripted before, ie, that voters see what they get: someone 5 feet tall and feisty, or something like that.
So, she has spoken … sort of.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
S. Dekalb,
Norwood must be seen on the Sept 13th debate. If she does a poor job, her numbers will plummet.
In my humble opinion, this debate will have a HUGE IMPACT on the outcome in Nov.
I have not had the chance to see any of the non-televised debates/ forums… Have you? If so, what do you think will be the perception of the candidates coming out of Sep 13th?
August 27th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
The hot link in the article is to the wrong Aaron Turpeau. Fix this. The situation is bad enough as it is without getting identities wrong!
August 27th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
What advantage is having a Black mayor. The Black areas that were bad when Jackson took office are worse now. The schools are pitiful. Infrastructure is embarrassing. Public safety is laughable. City services are terrible. The budget is in shambles. Taxes are increasing. And the Falcons still don’t have a Super Bowl.
A former mayor is a convicted felon, who was lucky to have escaped conviction for his real crimes. Tax evasion is always the Fed’s fallback–just like with Al Capone.
Black mayors have only benefitted a small group of people, and any astute observer could probably rattle them off without effort.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
@Just Tuning In: Talk about a sordid connection! That’s the kind of thing that makes you go “hmmmm”….
August 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I think such an early TV debate benefits reed Reed because he lacks name recognition.
I can’t imagine how Norwood will do. I just saw her on the 6 o’clock news and she scared me.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Lisa Borders will be asked tough questions in the televised debate on 9/13:
Did you have knowledge that Aaron Turpeau was going to release his racist memo?
1. You have stated “I have not had the luxury of being Black or White.” What are you?
2. What did you mean when you said “I have a sweet face and a velvet hammer”
3. Do you need to use the bathroom?
August 27th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Shame on Turpeau for injecting this venom into this election cycle. He needs to be run out of town immediately. Anyone that holds these antiquated views should be relgated to the fringes of society and not given a platform to spew this non-sense. This man is a disgrace to this city, and he is trying to hold on to whatever sliver of power that he thinks he still has.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I can’t believe some guy from France named Turpeau is trying to tell me how to vote. Well my grandfather didn’t swim the beaches of Normandy to have the French turn around and interfere in OUR elections. So I’m going to do the opposite of what Mssr. Turpeau wants, as soon as I figure out what the opposite is.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
SDK hit the nail on the head about Mary Norwood:
“The more [Norwood] talks, the more people can tell she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
It’s a long time until November. Mary Norwood needs to start explaining what she knows and what she will do. Or is it possible Mary Norwood is already doing so and it just doesn’t make any sense? The top three mayoral candidates are giving me a very upset stomach.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Is there any truth to the rumor that Turpeau penned another memo that urged gay voters in District 6 to rally behind Steve Brodie to prevent the one “gay” City Council seat from falling into the hands of the straight Liz Coyle?
August 27th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Tom, thanks for the heads-up. Fixed.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
This is a shame. I’d like to hear Borders comments on this, this looks bad for her. Does this guy work for her? Is he an advisor for her? He works for her campaign, correct? She no longer has my vote.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I see that Turpeau has learned the lessons of Lester Maddox well. Substitute ‘black’ with ‘white’ and you’d think the ol’ backwards bicycle riding bigot was speaking from beyond the grave.
Seriously though, who is surprised that the issue of race has been injected into this campaign? Transplanted Yankees take note – you’re probably about to see an inverted version of traditional Southern politics play out and it ain’t gonna be pretty.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
What’s interesting to me is how the underlying premise here is that Borders’ supporters will let her down in a Reed-induced runoff. That’s not reverse racism. That’s the old fashioned variety.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Anybody who needs a “Borders for Mayor” sign, let me know. The one that’s been in front of our house for the past month is leaning up against the washing machine now. I didn’t say a word. My wife pulled it out.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Turpeau ought to be ashamed of himself for injecting this type of garbage into the election. He is obviously a small-minded, old guard, idiot that feels that his last little bit of so-called power is being pulled from his hands. His views need to be relegated to the fringes of society, and he ought to be run out of town.
August 28th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Turpeau ain’t ALL wet. Look at this tough-minded point from his manifesto. Wish the candidates would address all these challenges instead of giving us business-as-usual pablum.
“The persistent poverty in the city, the educational crisis in the schools; the human security/public safety concerns; the type of
economic development policies being pursued; and the city’s awful financial management issues;”
August 28th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I didn’t truly believe in reverse racism in Atlanta, But This man should be the poster child of it. Dr. Martin Luther King would be turning in his grave, Didn’t you ever hear what he said? or did you miss that Amazing day.
you should be ashamed of yourself.
Maybe what everyone was saying about Atlanta is true Reverse racism is everywhere here.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
There’s no such thing as ‘reverse racism.’ There’s just racism.
August 28th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Great comments everyone… Very enjoyable read!
August 28th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Atlpaddy, I agree completely. Weird, huh?
Also, this is really racism, rather than it’s often mistaken cousin, bigotry.
August 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Keep in mind that as Franklin’s campaign manager, Reed worked closely with Turpeau during the … 2001 race. I don’t know the dynamics of their personal relationship, but I’m guessing it’s got to be something of a factor in all this.
Or it could just be a twisted form of elitism at work. Here’s a column idea: put together photos of Aaron Turpeau, Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, Shirley Franklin, Lisa Borders and Kasim Reed and then pose the question: Which of these individuals looks the least like the others? Put another way, which of them looks the least like Mary Norwood?
August 30th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Why is there so much secrecy about the Black Leadership Forum? Who are its members and what is the organization all about? With that and other relevant information, wouldn’t there be more informed discourse about the opinions expressed by that group?
September 1st, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Atlpaddy ,
I have to say you have taught me something the other day , Thank you :)Like the old adage goes you learn something new everyday. I had to think about it a while, Your Absoloutly right racism is racism.
I was told by different people my life that racism was a black, white issue and it was so prevalent, and reverse racism was a white black thing. But,Again I am very sad to see this, I keep thinking this world is going to get better,Then people like this come out, Possibly in some need of attention, Just want it to stay the way it is or go backwards. I pray things change for the better in the future. I also pray the children of the future will do better.
September 1st, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Racist Boone & Jennings has set equal rights back 20 years! I had not decided who I was gonna vote for….Thanks Boone & Jennings—you’ve help make my decision. I care less what Norwood’s qualifications are–she has my VOTE!
September 1st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
How can CAU employ two such narrow minded racist Professors as Boone & Jennings??
Can you imagine what would result if a white educator published such a diatribe.
September 1st, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Well, with Pro William Boone and Keith Jenning educating our future leaders at CAU, it’s apparent that RACISM is alive and well on CAU campus!
September 1st, 2009 at 7:09 pm
George and Co, you’re obviously loving this CAU stuff. Sounds like a weight off your guilty race consciences to me. (Yeah, scream away!)
The profs may not be very smart but they have every right to express their views. Ours is a democracy, believe it or not, and furthermore academic freedom does not allow them to be fired just because they offend a few whites in something they write. Arguably they are doing the public a favor by pointing out the elephant in the room which you pretend not to see.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I really need to move.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I’m curious if ‘Borders on the ridiculous’ would feel the same way about a racist cop who expressed his/her views?
September 1st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Paddy, cops can and do express their preferences among candidates for local office, and there’s sometimes a racial group motivation. Likewise in litigation on promotional tests, etc. They don’t have the equivalent of academic freedom, however, for good reason – their powers and their roles are quite different from those of profs. If cops speak in prejudiced fashion to members of the public while carrying out their duties, that is cause for concern. If a prof created a hostile classroom atmosphere through racial bias, that too would not be great, though much less worrisome than if a cop does it – the prof does not carry a gun and have the power to lock you away. At CAU, this is moot.
September 1st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
What am I saying? You’re the one who should move.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 am
how much longer will the CAU employ 2 racist professors?
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 am
how much longer? how long have they been there already?
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Get over it, you halfwits. There is no possible cause for removing those profs. Go to Iran if you want a place where profs have to toe your fundamentalist line.
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I’m with BOTR here…there is zero cause for removing these professors. The view that Atlanta must have a black mayor may not be often voiced but it is certainly more widely held than most of these commenters wish to believe. I dare say there’s a fair no. of white Norwood voters who think something along the lines of “They’ve had their chance, let’s have ours.”
This sort of tribal mentality has far less to do with skin color than with access and money. There is a group of people who believe they will no longer have the same access and privileges if a white mayor is elected. And they may be right. These same conversations occurred among certain white folks 36 years ago when Maynard Jackson won. Were they right?
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
The memo written by the CAU professors reeks with bigotry. They can try and explain it away, but they can’t. I’m sure there are black people who agree with this memo and white people who think a white mayor would be better just because of race.
I think it’s silly and short-sighted to think a white mayor won’t be receptive to a “black agenda”. I’m voting against Norwood because I don’t believe she is progressive, not because she is white. If Bill Clinton were running for mayor of Atlanta, I would vote for him over Borders and Reed. I know that’s an extreme comparison, but I think you get my point.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Replace the words “black” and “African American” with “white” in the memo and tell me if it wouldn’t be the leading story on every national newscast. Unfortunately, bigotry and prejudice from some quarters is given a pass.
September 6th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Cudos to Reed!
In this time when the whole country is sick and tired of politicians playing race cards and blindly following party lines instead of representing ALL of the people, it is good to see a candidate stand against hate-mongering! I’m going to give him serious consideration for my vote for the simple reason that I (and the other whites I know) would rather have a person in office with the guts to do and say the right thing than someone who got there simply by currying the favor of a single group!