Herenton Layeth the Smack Down

I will never underestimate the ability of Willie Herenton to seize a political opportunity. I just got done watching Herenton dismantle Jr, Jake and the rest of the Fords on Channel 5. What’s amazing is Jr gave him this opportunity. Jr could have put this whole Jake thing behind him weeks ago if he just would have endorsed Cohen. But no, Jr is a Big Dummy and dragged this thing out. This left the door open to Herenton to seize the initiative. And seize it he did. In a four minute interview he was able to A) look like he is above race baiting, B) Cover his tracks of collaborating with republicans while looking like a good Democrat, and C) speak truth to power by saying he has never liked the Ford family’s approach to politics and their sense of entitlement. These are amazing because Herenton and his political machine are notorious race baiters and he has collaborated with republicans (Alexander). But these aren’t the only things Herenton accomplished. He also gave a subtle reason not to vote for Jr by saying the Fords think they have a “monopoly on elected seats locally and at the state level.” Herenton explicitly said right after that he would not make an endorsement in the Senate race. He gave cover to a lot of people to not vote for Jr in this Senate. Thanks Mr. Mayor, I wasn’t planning on voting for Jr anyway, but now I know many others here in Memphis will not be either. (Lots of people have been saying Jr has a GOTV problem in his home town but Jr’s campaign just didn’t want to listen.)

This congressional race, the change on the County Commission, and Ophelia saga gave a glimpse of how weak the Ford machine is. Herenton today just knocked down the remaining façade. Because of Jr’s stupidity, he and his supporters in the local party are in the wilderness by themselves. Herenton, Wharton, and even Joe Ford Jr have sided with Cohen. The funny thing is, come November Jake will be gone and January Jr will be gone, never to be heard of in Memphis again. Welcome to political Siberia Fordites.

PS- Between this and the boxing match next month, Herenton is unbeatable. So step up Chumney and all those others jumping in the mayor’s race and take your beating.