What Do You Think About Bringing Barack Obama to the Neshoba County Fair?
Reader "gorjus":
You know what we need? We need Senator Obama to come speak at Neshoba. Talk about inverting the Reagan paradigm. Come on, Cottonmouth, make it happen!!
The Neshoba County Fair is one of the most lily-white events is this entire state. It's also exponentially conservative. Not only is it a bad idea, it could easily backfire because of its potential to galvanize conservative support.
(This is coming from somebody who goes every year and loves the Fair)
Hiram, let me tell you that I acknowledge your concerns, but explain why I think you're wrong.
First off, it is very nearly lily-white . . . but it doesn't have to be. You're speaking of the political events . . . but think of all the ag-based competitions that are mixed.
Second--conservatives WILL be galvanized. That doesn't matter. We can't afford to be so scared that we don't compete. Our only chance is to push--to do something nobody's done before.
Last, and likely most important, in 2004 I was honored to watch state supreme court Justice James Graves speak at the Fair. Many people said he shouldn't go--not only was he African-American, but Neshoba was the backyard (and longtime home) of his heavily-favored opponent, Judge Samac Richardson. It was also going to be flooded with his supporters.
But Justice Graves said "this is Mississippi--this is my home--this is my party, too. I'm going to speak."
And he did, and the reception was warm and deep. He also won--beating a candidate who had millions more in money and national backing.
Senator Obama can and will flourish there. He already staked out St. Paul. Going to Neshoba shows he's slapping leather.
There's also Neshoba's lingering monument as a place of injustice--whether deserved or not, Philadelphia and the county invariably are scrutinized because of the murders of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner. The L.A. Times had an article about it yesterday:
I would love to see Ronnie and Obama on stage together, waving at the crowd while holding each other ever so gently. Best idea ever!! I'll help that cause.
Chuck, let us see if you think that Obama is burden on Musgrove come November. When Obama leads this state to a blue majority will you come back and take your medicine? I can guarantee you we will be here win, lose, or draw.
I think it's a grand idea. Who wants to lead it up?
ReplyDeleteheck yeah, it worked great for Dukakis and Glenn
ReplyDeleteThe Neshoba County Fair is one of the most lily-white events is this entire state. It's also exponentially conservative. Not only is it a bad idea, it could easily backfire because of its potential to galvanize conservative support.
ReplyDelete(This is coming from somebody who goes every year and loves the Fair)
Hiram, let me tell you that I acknowledge your concerns, but explain why I think you're wrong.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, it is very nearly lily-white . . . but it doesn't have to be. You're speaking of the political events . . . but think of all the ag-based competitions that are mixed.
Second--conservatives WILL be galvanized. That doesn't matter. We can't afford to be so scared that we don't compete. Our only chance is to push--to do something nobody's done before.
Last, and likely most important, in 2004 I was honored to watch state supreme court Justice James Graves speak at the Fair. Many people said he shouldn't go--not only was he African-American, but Neshoba was the backyard (and longtime home) of his heavily-favored opponent, Judge Samac Richardson. It was also going to be flooded with his supporters.
But Justice Graves said "this is Mississippi--this is my home--this is my party, too. I'm going to speak."
And he did, and the reception was warm and deep. He also won--beating a candidate who had millions more in money and national backing.
Senator Obama can and will flourish there. He already staked out St. Paul. Going to Neshoba shows he's slapping leather.
There's also Neshoba's lingering monument as a place of injustice--whether deserved or not, Philadelphia and the county invariably are scrutinized because of the murders of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner. The L.A. Times had an article about it yesterday:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-mississippi10-2008jun10,0,6020342.story
Sen. Obama coming to Neshoba could be a huge symbolic victory in and of itself.
I would love to see Ronnie and Obama on stage together, waving at the crowd while holding each other ever so gently. Best idea ever!! I'll help that cause.
ReplyDeleteAlright Chuck,
ReplyDeleteDraft a letter explaining why they should come. That would be excellent in helping this along.
Chuck, let us see if you think that Obama is burden on Musgrove come November. When Obama leads this state to a blue majority will you come back and take your medicine? I can guarantee you we will be here win, lose, or draw.
ReplyDelete