Mfume: At History's Door
Here's today's column:
The good news, as Kweisi Mfume sees it, is that if the new Washington Post poll results hold firm and he wins the Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat this fall, he and Republican Michael Steele would face off in a historic Maryland election between two black men.
And that, Mfume says, would be an immensely empowering and proud moment: "It will say to this nation and the world that where slavery legally existed less than 150 years ago, we have come to a point where both parties nominate very serious black men for a very high position. It would turn this into a national race. We would be saying to the whole world, 'Look at how far we've come.' And it would be saying to ourselves, 'This is a precursor of our politics of the future.' "
The bad news is that just before Mfume sat down and talked with me about what his nomination would mean, he had delivered a stump speech to the Young Men's Democratic Club of Prince George's County and had gone to great lengths to allay any fears that the audience of 16 -- all but one of whom were white -- might have about his race, his surname and his youthful stint in a Baltimore street gang.
Other candidates don't feel the need to assure voters that they were taught as children to play by the rules and work hard. Other candidates don't happen to mention that they spent lots of time as kids playing ball "mostly with white kids." Other candidates don't feel obliged to explain their last name.
"When you strip away race and all the other things that divide us," Mfume concluded that night in Bowie, "everybody is the same. I know that black bigotry is just as cruel and evil as white or green bigotry."
It's an awkward but effective ritual in which Mfume powerfully blends self-criticism with pride and passion. Every time I've seen predominantly white crowds take the measure of Mfume, a former congressman who more recently served as president of the NAACP, the emotions in the room are palpable.
Mfume persuades audiences that he is not in this simply to represent his race. His message is universal, and people of all hues nod and murmur affirmations as the candidate emphasizes issues his opponents barely mention: poverty ("It has no color, no last name"), lost pensions ("People worked hard for security that is torn away from them"), the corrupting effect of campaign contributions from big companies ("We don't take special interest money. The pharmaceuticals can't buy me; the oil companies can't buy me.")
But when Mfume finishes his talk, the questions quickly get down to practicalities, and first among them is the issue his main opponent, Ben Cardin, a congressman from Baltimore, harps on: Can Mfume win when Cardin has raised seven times as much money? Can Mfume get his message across when Cardin has already reserved $700,000 worth of TV time in Washington and Baltimore, while Mfume doesn't yet know if he'll be able to afford TV ads at all?
Mfume can do little more than acknowledge the difficulty he's had in raising money and insist that if he can get the word out about his differences with Cardin -- Mfume opposes the Patriot Act's intrusions on civil liberties, Cardin voted for it; Mfume says he was more adamant earlier about seeking the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq -- he can prevail.
Mfume's candidacy, however, is as much about stylistic differences as it is about policy distinctions between him and Cardin. His campaign likes to portray Cardin as a Bob Dole-like figure, a Washington insider who seeks a promotion for all his years of good service. Mfume is the plainspoken one, the one with fire in his belly.
But despite his efforts to make white audiences comfortable with him, Mfume has not been shy about mentioning race as one justification for his candidacy: Maryland Democrats have never nominated a black candidate for governor or senator, and with blacks making up 40 percent of the vote in Democratic primaries, Mfume warns that choosing Cardin could lead to a repeat of the 2002 gubernatorial election. Miffed that Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend had not selected a black running mate, many blacks stayed home that year, helping Bob Ehrlich win.
Race, of course, is the trickiest of weapons in a political campaign. When Mfume uses his prodigious rhetorical skills to neutralize the issue, he is masterful. When he wields race as a threat, he risks losing the advantage he has so carefully gained.
By Marc Fisher |
July 2, 2006; 12:19 AM ET
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Posted by: Aaron | July 2, 2006 6:11 AM
Maryland deserves Kweisi.
Posted by: KK | July 2, 2006 7:36 AM
Kweisi Mfume's race is obviously part of his political identity: he is the former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and former President of the NAACP. However, his charisma, leadership skills and political appeal transcend race. I think today's Washington Post coverage, including Marc's column, did a pretty good job of capturing his extraordinary personal appeal but I am a little bit concerned about the suggestion that his campaign is "divisive". He has the credentials to be a very credible candidate for U.S. Senate and we should not obsess over race. I can't wait for the time when coverage of him is more focused on issues and leadership ability and less focused on race. I think that day will come soon as he continues to rise in the polls. I am proud to endorse Kweisi Mfume and hope he will be our next U.S. Senator.
Posted by: Montgomery County Council President George Leventhal | July 2, 2006 12:38 PM
This political contest is not about race - it is about whether maryland voters have the right to choose their represenative for the united states senate or whether the Democratic Party has the right to appoint the Ben Cardin.
The recent poll shows that Marylanders by far have not bought into the "party line" and that they are ready willing and able to judge which candidate - mfume or cardin - will best serve their interests and the states interests over the next 6 years.
I look forward to a great race and another example that our democracy is not to be controlled and is not for sale!
Posted by: Michael | July 2, 2006 7:04 PM
For better or worse, everything in this country is about race - especially if you are a person of color. Native people were murdered in order to build what was then seen as a white country. Africans were brought in Chains and held in slavery. Asians were brought as near-slave labor to work the railroads, and later thrown into internment camps because they couldn't be trusted. Latinos struggle every day because the melting pot doesn't seem to be inclusive.
Kweisi understands that, but wants to represent ALL people - white people as well as people of color. The press (that is white reporters) seems to have a problem when Kweisi addresses the race issue. Would they feel better if he ignored it? Race will play a part in this campaign as it has in all campaigns in the country where there were any people of color involved. The press needs to get over that and focus on the issues.
I support Kweisi because I'm opposed to this stupid war, because I'm opposed to the Administrations intrusion into civil liberties, because I'm opposed to their prioritizing profit over the environment (yes, global warming is real); because I think the needs of working and poor people should come before the needs of the rich and powerful; and because I'm opposed to bigotry. I'd like to see the press talk about the candidates stand on ALL the issues I care about - and then the people can decide how much a candidate's race should factor into their decision.
Posted by: Luis Zapata | July 3, 2006 6:41 AM
I've been active in Maryland politics since the mid-1980s, and I never heard much about Mr. Cardin before he announced for Senate. I'd heard of Mr. Mfume before I moved to Maryland. I've seen him on TV among national leaders for years. Mfume doesn't have to tell most voters or any activists from the Maryland Democratic base who he is or what he's done for Maryland and America. Cardin does.
I've seen both speak and there's no comparison. Cardin is a decent politician. Mfume is a talented orator with a compelling story. I've checked their records and again there's no comparison, Mfume's is diverse, deep, and strong while Cardin good but not spectacular.
Alone among the contenders, Mfume would enter the Senate with national leadership stature. He has credentials and allies and call help Maryland and the nation move in a better direction. That's what we need in the US Senate.
Posted by: Mike Hersh | July 3, 2006 12:11 PM
For me, the issue with Kwesi Mfume is not his name or his youth, it's his actions as head of the NAACP which led to charges of sexual harassment, promotion of those who had sexual relationships with him, and the use of NAACP funds to pay off persons who filed charges against him. The last thing Maryland needs is someone whose background leads to scandal.
I find it odd that no one has mentioned Mfume's departure from the NAACP and the reasons behind it in this race. Clearly, if Cardin brings it up, he'll be labeled a racists, but you can bet that Steele will should the two face off.
Ben Cardin may not be that well known outside of Baltimore, but he has voted against the war in Iraq and has a long and admirable progressive record, without any hint of sexual harassment or financial improprieties in his background.
Posted by: MD Voter | July 3, 2006 1:02 PM
It's really unfortunate that someone would missuse this forum to spread ugly, untrue rumors. We need to aspire to better in our politics and ourselves.
Posted by: spreading ugly, untrue rumors | July 3, 2006 1:28 PM
LEVENTHAL'S SEAT IN JEOPARDY:HENCE THE MFUME ENDORSEMENT
Why is George Leventhal, as President of the Montgomery County Council, endorsing Kweisi Mfume? Is his At-large County Council seat in jeopardy?
George Leventhal's endorsement of Mfume has many heads in Montgomery County turning and the chatter has spread like wild fire! If racial identity is such an important consideration for him can Leventhal endorse Ike Leggett for County Executive?
African Americans in Montgomery County know that George is playing politics to show that he is pro black although everyone understands why he "prefers" Hispanics. By endorsing Mfume, he is merely trying to garner black votes to save his own Council seat. Voters know that George Leventhal has no qualms about pitting Hispanics against African Americans for his political gains.
As the Chair of Health and Human Services committee, Leventhal presided over many shady deals in which county funds were given to non-profits and then siphoned back as political contributions. George's hands are pretty dirty. Just investigate the $15 million "no bid contract" deal facilitated by George's committee so that the booty could be awarded via County Executive Duncan to political cronies. The Duncan -Leventhal contributor lists are a mirror image of corruption and influence paddling in Montgomery County politics
Dems remember that George Leventhal was elected to the County Council on an "end gridlock" slate - designed and financed by mentor Duncan. Ironically, Leventhal's real achievement is that instead of ending gridlock, he helped Developers and supported policies to make gridlock a permanent feature of life in Montgomery County.
Since voters are up in arms and ready to throw the "end gridlock slate" out, George Leventhal is among the lowest hanging fruit to be plucked off during the September democratic primary. He knows his time is up...George choked up when the press asked him to comment on Duncan's decision to exit the Gubernatorial race!!
Posted by: Merlin | July 3, 2006 3:54 PM
I endorse Kweisi Mfume because I know him and like him and think he will be an outstanding U.S. Senator for Maryland.
There are so many off-the-wall allegations in Merlin's message. Let's just start by asking why does Merlin believe that African Americans have to be pitted against Hispanics? Isn't it possible for all of Montgomery County's diverse communities to succeed simultaneously?
I am happy to sign my real name to this message. Will "Merlin" do the same?
Posted by: George Leventhal | July 3, 2006 9:38 PM
"Merlin" raises a number of inherently racist themes which have no place in any mature, reasonable discussion. Since when can't a person support whoever they think will do the best job regardless of anyone's "race?" Note: "race" is a false construcvt with no basis in biology....
I vote for the best person. Period. I end up voting for all sorts of people - men and women, people of different faiths, ages, etc. I vote for people who grew up differently from me and who do not look just like me. That's what happens when you look past surface differences which mean nothing and look at what really matters.
I happen to know that many people of all different backgrounds support Mr. Mfume. I guess "Merlin" doesn't like that, which is his or her right, but it's not right to bring unwarrented accusations and racist, divisive comments into the discussion. That's just plain wrong.
As for why Mr. Leventhal or anyone else supports Mr. Mfume, "Merlin's" comments make no sense. We know most insider Democrats already endorsed Cardin - which is their right - but how does bucking the trend help Mr. Leventhal? It sure doesn't. Does he "favor" one group or another? We have no way to know based on the crude slams "Merlin" posted. It's just sad when a person decides to drag a discussion into the gutter like "Merlin" does here.
Posted by: Racism is WRONG | July 4, 2006 3:04 AM
It's great that someone is really concerned about "hidden racism" which Merlin's blog touched upon. It seems that the blog caused a sleepless night for some one--who else could have written a long blog and posted it at 3.04am?
Any language expert can tell you, there is a 99% possibility that the blogs posted on 9.38pm on July 3 and 3.045am on July 4 are penned by the same author.
Posted by: Victor | July 4, 2006 8:41 AM
"blogs posted on 9.38pm on July 3 and 3.045am on July 4 are penned by the same author."
Now, there's an ASSumption that makes no sense!
Posted by: You're no scientist | July 4, 2006 1:12 PM
OK. Let's keep our eyes on the ball: no matter the distraction, Mfume beats Cardin (on merit alone) and then whips Steele.
Anybody see the Zogby Poll? Mfume is widening his gap on Steele while Steele is closing the gap on Cardin.
Posted by: Aaron | July 4, 2006 9:52 PM
LEVENTHAL AT THE TAKOMA PARADE
Today's events at the 4th of July Takoma Park parade would be enough to trigger anxiety, fear and depression for any politician. Picture this: a large contingent of Takoma citizens join the 4th of July parade with banners and placards in protest of the ICC while handing out literature about the $ 3 billion ICC-- a Trojan horse with its $7 per round trip toll. Marchers urged voters to punish pro ICC County Council members at the polls.
If the 4th of July Takoma Park parade is a barometer of the county's political climate, overworked George could very well be the next casualty. Leventhal's name was highlighted prominently in banners protesting the ICC while people chanted, "We will never forget your vote on the ICC."
Poor George was looking really sick and is likely to have more sleepless nights. He could not find even a few supporters to walk with him in the parade. He ended up walking alone, even though he lives in Takoma Park and is also the President of the Montgomery County Council. In stark contrast, Marc Elrich, who is running for an At-large County Council seat was applauded as he waived to hundreds of citizens seated along the sidewalks.
Citizens couldn't care less about Leventhal's endorsement of Mfume.
Posted by: Merlin | July 4, 2006 11:20 PM
SPEAKING OF PARADES . . .
I volunteered at the Takoma Park Parade yesterday and Mfume stickers were everywhere!!! It felt so good having a candidate who fights for ordinary people as opposed to a candidate with his hands in the pockets of corporate interests or a candidate sheepishly looking for the next social promotion in politics.
I'm glad there is objective proof that Mfume leads Cardin and that Mfume is widening his lead over Steele.
MFUME is for EVERYBODY!!!
Posted by: Aaron | July 5, 2006 12:28 PM
George Leventhal's vote for the ICC is enough for me to vote against him.
Posted by: Monica | July 5, 2006 2:44 PM
Ben Cardin is my Congressman. I will vote for him in the Primary. He's done a good job, and he is a good man. Race is not a qualification.
And I'm black.
Posted by: RL | July 5, 2006 4:40 PM
First, Merlin writes:
"George Leventhal's endorsement of Mfume has many heads in Montgomery County turning and the chatter has spread like wild fire!"
Then, Merlin writes:
"Citizens couldn't care less about Leventhal's endorsement of Mfume."
These two statements can't both be true.
Posted by: A reader | July 5, 2006 5:37 PM
George Leventhal will not get my vote! I have reviewed the county budget over the past four years. How can he support millions of dollars of services with tax payer's dollars to support ILLEGAL immigrants, including day labor centers which everyone knows is being mismanaged by Casa of Maryland, free health care for illegal pregnant women(County is in a crisis now, number of illegal women steadily increasing), health care for illegal adults, gang prevention, special housing programs, college education,interpretation services and economic support. He has even supported driver Licenses for them. More and more illegals are moving here for the free services our Councilman Leventhal thinks that they deserve... "Just go to Montgomery County, they have jobs, health care, day care, whatever you need !"...What other group of people has received sooo much off the backs of its citizens. Our black citizenship doesn't received this type of welcoming, yet they were persecuted for many years. Latinos are even discriminating against them. Mr. Leventhal, has CONTRIBUTED to Latinos pitting against blacks. How can he justify this!
Posted by: Leventhal, whose the racist? | August 5, 2006 7:42 PM
Mfume has been on the front lines a long time fighting for the working man and woman. He's a champion who has been bloodied but unbowed. I salute him.
Posted by: Keith | September 1, 2006 10:34 AM
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Way to go Kweisi!!!