I’m abstaining. I dislike the incumbent and I don’t vote for candidates who I think are ninnies.

Just posted my electoral vote estimate. Maybe we need a local pundit pool.

A local pundit pool is a great idea on the Prez race. Let’s each put up $5 and winner takes everyone out for a beer.

I recall no time in New Orleans political history since Ernest Morial was mayor that we were offered only one choice in Black candidates because the Black Political machines were as amiable as Mr. Rouselle claims. I also find it strange that anyone would consider that a good thing if it were true. Four years ago the machines may well have gotten behind Senator Sheppard when he ran against Jefferson and we would have elected another crook as a result of their collective wisdom.

Also, while it is obvious that whites will support black candidates in New Orleans the fact that Ms. Moreno may have approached the 4 or 5% level by a speculative cross-over analysis, it is hardly proof of the Black populations willingness to support a white candidate over any Black option.

thanks for this analysis Clancy. VERY informative and well done.

I think Moreno could do it if she ignores tradition and engages black voters. Enough black voters don’t want to vote for Jefferson for her to win but they won’t do it unless she shows them the proper respect and not assume that they will just vote for the black candidate. That’s why white candidates have a problem winning. Blacks have no problem voting for a capable white candidate. We are very familiar with a white person being in charge. We just don’t want to be taken advantage of if we can prevent it. When neither candidate distinguishes themselves we go with the black candidate as the lesser of the possible evils. If she can show she’s going up there to represent the entire district and not just a few selected neighborhoods she can win this thing hands down.

The problem with Moreno, Cliff is that she’s not very capable. Initially I was intrigued but gave up on her after seeing her campaign in person.

Cliff, how does a White candidate engage and show the proper respect to Black candidates? This could be useful information as I think many candidates have no idea how to do this.

I agree, paying Black ministers and Black political organizations for endorsements and providing walking around money on election day for voter turn-out efforts is hardly admirable, but what is to be done?

Sorry:

Cliff, how does a White candidate engage and show the proper respect to Black VOTERS?

John,
They go to where they live and treat them like intelligent people who are concerned about issues. There are lots of them. Forget those commercials with black preachers and other people who address everything along racial lines. All commercial ads like that are dismissive of my intelligence. Whoever the candidate is that finally breaks through has to know that after years of living in this area and being programmed to think racially about everything the first few efforts to do this may not work but they have to keep the discussion open. When the people see they are sincere they will listen.

Now, it might be late in the game for Moreno and then there’s the whole Barack Obama thing but we have a mayor’s race soon and we need the best candidate to win. If that person happens to be white, they need to open up that dialogue now and break down the racial lines. The black candidates should do the same thing with white voters. I’m going to play the poor man’s political pundit and say look out for Jim Bernazzani. I’m not sure if he plans on running for mayor or not but I heard him on the radio last week and he’s not afraid to talk directly to black people.

Cliff wrote:

“Now, it might be late in the game for Moreno and then there’s the whole Barack Obama thing but we have a mayor’s race soon and we need the best candidate to win. If that person happens to be white, they need to open up that dialogue now and break down the racial lines. The black candidates should do the same thing with white voters.”

Martin O’Malley, who is white, got elected in Baltimore by using just that strategy.

Actually talking to people and trying to understand their concerns - what a concept. So crazy it just might work.

Cliff, I could not agree with you more (as usual!). In my own dealings with residents of the Lower 9 through Holy Cross School’s redevelopment, I learned first-hand how important it is to engage people where they live and on their own terms. Political candidates need to learn that and practice it. Don’t know if Helena has the time or inclination to do that at this late hour…but it will be an interesting race to watch in any event.

As for Jim Bernazzani, he is ineligible to run for mayor. He will not have lived in N.O. for the Charter-required five years before the next mayoral term begins; he therefore cannot run. He is constructively engaged, however, with his new charity, the Youth Rescue Initiative. (The YRI’s web site is still “young,” but here’s the link: http://youthrescueinitiative.org/more/index.php)

Take care and thanks for responding.

Clancy - First, congratulations to you and your wife for the award from the Anti-Defamation League!

Here is my question: I understand what you are saying about this not being a racial issue based on polling numbers. However, don’t you think the majority of people who DID vote for Moreno, did so because she was white - not because she was qualified? Further, it does become a racial issue now in the runoff almost for the same reasons?

I agree, there has to be engagement in all communities to win. I think there will be protest votes - a lot of whites abstained from voting against Karen Carter when she ran against Jefferson. Moreno may have won the battle, but how can win the war?

I think these numbers are the city wide numbers from DA’s race. If you crunch the numbers you will see that for the closed democratic primary the turn out was 60/40 black/white… It is impossible for the city to be 50% white democrat and 50% black democrat.