I hope that some of you caught me on MSNBC's Morning Joe live from New Orleans this morning.
I am back in New Orleans this week working with my partner, James Perry, who is running for mayor of this amazing city. While here I have had the chance to watch the city react both to James' edgy new campaign commercial and to his jaw-dropping performance in a recent mayoral debate.
One thing is clear to me, it is time for some **BLEEPING** change in this city and James seems to be the only candidate with a sense of urgency about this city's future.
See me on the flipside...
I hope that some of you caught me on MSNBC's Morning Joe this morning.
The show was filming in my second home, New Orleans, at a high school just around the corner from where I live. If you follow me on Twitter, (@harrislacewell) then you know that I snagged a spot on the show after sharing a flight to NOLA with Joe and Mika. Although I often (almost always) disagree with the political views on Morning Joe, I am grateful that they chose to come to New Orleans, and bring much needed national attention to the continuing challenges of recovery here in the city.
If you saw the show, then you also know that my partner, James Perry, is a candidate for mayor here in New Orleans. I've written DKos diaries about him before. During the past two days, I have had the chance to watch the city of New Orleans react both to James' edgy new campaign commercial, and to his jaw-dropping performance in a recent mayoral debate.
Let me explain.
A few days ago James began airing a commercial that captures the sense of frustration that many New Orleanians feel about their current choices for mayor. In a city where the current municipal leadership has done nothing to stem the city's rising murder rate or to ensure the city's recovery, voters are pissed off that the current field of candidates includes a bunch of career politicians and inexperienced business folks. These candidates don't represent change; they represent a Nagin third term. The ad portrays the current mood as: "Are you $%#@! kidding me?"
The commercial aired this week. It immediately garnered significant attention on local television, talk radio, at water coolers, and around kitchen tables. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We've had thousands of hits on YouTube and dozens of emails praising James' willingness to fearlessly describe the political mood here in NOLA.
I know that some folks are worried about the implied obscenity in the commercial, but James has spoken with hundreds of voters here in New Orleans, and many of them feel frustrated. This ad just reflects that frustration.
From my perspective, there was something obscene in the mayoral race this week, and it wasn't James' commercial.
The profanity occurred during a mayoral debate on Wednesday. Debate moderator, Gina Warner, asked the candidates to express their position on the Youth Study Center. If you are not from New Orleans, let me briefly explain that the Youth Study Center (YSC) is a notorious, juvenile prison in NOLA. It has been the subject of considerable litigation. Even casual observers of New Orleans politics know about YSC.
When asked about the Youth Study Center four of the other major candidates responded in a shocking way. It is clear they had no idea what the Youth Study Center is. Each said that they were very supportive of the YSC, mistakenly believing it was an after school or extra curricular program. Some even went so far as to suggest that every child in New Orleans should have access to the YSC and the work of the YSC should be tied to the city's libraries.
Finally, James took his turn at answering the question. He clarified what the other candidates clearly did not know: "I want to be clear because I think some folks misunderstood this issue. The Youth Studies Center is a jail. It is a prison." It is worth clicking here to watch this for yourself.
Maybe I'm not old fashioned enough, but I am not that worried about bleeped out profanity in a campaign ad. I am much more concerned with the obscenity of four mayoral candidates who can't tell the difference between a jail and an after school program. Either they are disinterested, uniformed, ill-prepared, or simply out-of-touch with the real issues facing the people of New Orleans. I'm not sure why these candidates are running for office, but I know why James is running.
James is a servant leader in his community. He has spent his career working to improve the lives of men and women in this city. He knows the issues facing the city. He has a vision for a better city. He has the skills to make his vision a reality.
It is time for some &%@%! change in this city!
If you agree I invite you to support James' campaign with a contribution today. Help us send a clear message to the typical political insiders or business people who think they can run New Orleans without even knowing the basic issues facing the city. Please donate today online at www.JamesPerry2010.com
We can make the real change this city needs.