This morning I have already received two emails from friends of mine about NAACP local president Doc Cheatham's comments about mayoral succession in Baltimore. The Sun and Investigative Voice ran stories about this, but ignored a very important aspect of this issue. Here is Cheatham's quote:
Here you have a predominantly African-American city. What if the governor appointed somebody white? ... Would he appoint someone Irish to be the mayor?
This story really is based around a non-issue. The City Council President is part of the Governor's team. O'Malley would never think about appointing anyone but her if he had a chance. It also appears that legally he might not have the power to appoint the next mayor if Dixon is convicted. This really is just a way to get Doc Cheatham into the news so that he can position himself to run for a house of delegates seat in the 44th district. If he runs he will be facing three incumbents so in order to have a chance he will have to say newsworthy statements that may seem odd to people outside of the 44th district. In the 44th district statements like this show that you are not a fan of O'Malley, that you are a Dixon supporter, and that you stand up for black people (who make up an overwhelming majority of the 44th district). Even though this is not a real issue he can make it seem like a real one that he is being proactive about while the three other delegates in the 44th do nothing. Cheatham can use this non-issue as a talking point that will prop him up and belittle his opponents in the 44th and the Governor.
Cheatham will probably try to market himself as a political outsider, but a move like this one clearly shows that he is all about traditional politics. He is running with a non-issue that uninformed people can get behind and not attacking real issues that would make a huge difference in the lives of citizens of the 44th district. This is the sad blueprint for victory in Baltimore elections.
Comments
Cheatam's comments are flat out racist! Turn it around and see what race baiters come out from the dark!
Good analysis Adam, taking it beyond and looking at Cheatham's motivations.
I agree, this a good assessment of his motivations.
I called the NAACP (Baltimore & National chapters) to see if I could volunteer. I care what is happening to inner city youth. They said I have nothing to offer because I am white (I never told them my race). Try it yourself.
Dunn, are you really surprised?
How can an organization that was about to go broke, receive money from white corporations to survive turn around and kick spanish, and whites in the butt. I just want someone in office that is fair and can do the job not a political hack, and specially not a racist. Too many people in this state have been playing the race card too long and been getting away with it. The black folk, spanish folk,and white folk better wake up in Baltimore. It is a matter of have and have not using a racist rag newspaper to pick your candidates. People in this state and city better start holding this candidates responsible for what they say on and off the record. What they say is not what they mean. They will lie during the campaign and do something different once in office for their friends and the hell with Joe and Susie blue collar six pack that has to work several jobs to make ends meet and tax out the butt and pay high utility bills. BEWARE OF WOLVES IN SHEEP CLOTHING!
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