Al Greene In South Carolina - Many Theories But Missing An Obvious One

The WaPo reviews many theories explaining Al Greene's victory in the South Carolina Democratic Senate primary but they overlook an obvious guess - Greene was talked up in black churches. 

Back in 2008 when Hillary and Barack stumped the state, reporters knew that black church leaders were influential in moving the vote.  Yet in 2010, when a black candidate with no website, no public appearances, and no radio or television spots wins against a white opponent, churches aren't mentioned.

I still like the "Let's Stay Together" explanation (and Al Green is still touring!), but shouldn't a reporter quiz a few church leaders to see whether they talked up Al Greene?

IN DEFENSE OF LOW-INFORMATION VOTERS:  First, a black veteran beat an old white judge on the Democratic side in South Carolina - is that really so shocking?  OK, no one knew the vet was an inarticulate alleged felon, but so what?  The Dems in South Carolina were simply picking a lamb to be sent to slaughter in November, since Republican Jim DeMint is going to win easily.  How much research should an individual voter put into that choice?

Comments

[matt]

I still love his music

[Thomas Collins]

So, DOT, do you think Greene or The Green (the Celtics) have a better chance of winning?

Remember to tell the Lakers owner to get those balloons up in the rafters again, so. Celtics fans can have as good a laugh as we did in 1969.

[Thomas Collins]

Perhaps someone with the name of Marvin Gaye could win by challenging the incumbent to explain what's goin' on.

[daddy]

TM,

I can't figure out why the WaPo would leave out Black Churches in their theories either, especially since they have the world expert on Religion working right there at the Washington Post, Sally Quinn.

You'll remember how in her WaPo column Ms Quinn told us "As co-moderator of “On Faith,” I have tried to study and learn about all religions and philosophies. I have made a point of going to services of all faiths and to participate as fully as possible to develop a deeper understanding of and respect for all faiths. Studying religion has probably been the most exciting, fulfilling consuming thing I have ever done. My only frustration and discouragement has been that the more I learn the more I realize how little I know."

And how being equipped with that knowledge of how little she knows, Sally then told us, (after Obama threw Reverend Wright under the bus during the campaign):

Obama’s distancing from Wright was "so incredibly sad," and happened because "we are still a racist country," where "so many white Americans...have absolutely no idea what goes on inside black churches on a Sunday morning...and I think it brought out a lot of latent racism." She concluded the interview by insisting that whites "go to their white churches, and you wonder how they can call themselves Christians and still look at other people as though they are inferior."">http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2008/05/04/excusing-wright-part-ii-latent-racism-ruining-incredible-man"> Link.

Heck, with insight like that, I suspect she knows almost as much about Black Churches as those experts The Blues Brothers (Elwood, not Jake---I don't want to go too far here), so lets get Religion expert Sally on the Black Bible Belt Beat and get this mystery unraveled. Plus she even took Communion once!

[Mustang0302]

daddy,

Did you see Capt. Jim Tucker got his LSA certificate?

[daddy]

Thanks Mustang,

Thats excellent. Did not know him but have never heard anything but wonderful stuff about him and his crew from folks that did know him. Really great to hear he's airborne again.

[daddy]

This ">http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article7150205.ece"> UK Times on Line story tells us that at a time when the Brit Government has advised they have an enormous financial hole staring them in the face, and the Government Finance Minister is trying to institute a pay freeze, the BBC has said stuff it, and has decided to give themselves pay raises. And because of the BBC's peculiar status "Ministers admit that they are powerless to stop the BBC from increasing staff salaries."

Worth keeping that in mind as Obama considers ways to rescue our crap media from their free market failures, and is intent on transforming them at Taxpayer expense into American versions of the BBC.

Even more ironic: Guess which worldwide British News organization is currently silent on this BBC Pay Raise brouhaha? Yes It's a real head-scratcher, but don't give up, as I'm confident it'll eventually come to you.

Anyway, nice to see in the many comments so many folks angry at the BBC. Keep it up Limey's!

[Steven]

I explain at my blog how Alvin Greene is the best example yet of why the 17th Amendment was a bad idea.

[Janet]

Wow Steven great pictures at your blog. The Sintra painting is lovely. The pool/ball & bougainvilleas picture would make really interesting watercolor paintings...wow, what talent!

[Jane]

Daddy, that was hysterical

[narciso]

"Is it bigger than a bread box, wait, wait, don't tell me," the BBC, 'what do I win, Don Pardo"

[Clarice]

daddy's always hysterical and he carries himself with the grace and poise of a seasoned athlete.

[centralcal]

Steven: On last week's Glenn Beck show (Founder's Friday) he and his guests discuss the 17th amendment and how it is one that really needs repeal.

I, too, enjoyed your photos.

[peter]

What an amazing story about Jim Tucker.
I once had some dealings with an airline pilot who was a full blown psychotic. (It can happen to any profession.) FAA took away his license when he started writing them paranoid rantings about some retired baseball player stalking him. Poor guy.

[His spirit soars beyond the sun.]

This Icarus's fall was not mortal.
==================

[macphisto]

I guarantee that having come up in Chicago, Belushi knew more about black churches than Sally Quinn will ever know. I just can't see Miss Sally sitting there and fanning herself with her copy of the service program.

[narciso]

General William Quinn's daughter, yes she'd fit right it, over there

[Mike Giles]

The one solution to the Alvin Greene mystery election no one seems to offer. Everyone knew that Rawls was a professional politician, so many people simply voted for the other guy - Greene. Maybe that particular thought is simply too frightening for our political masters to contemplate.

[Bob Koss]

I agree whole-heartedly with the theory about the black churches promoting Greene. Rawl won the absentee vote handily, but most of the absentees were likely the type that aren't influenced by what goes on in church.

I have a theory about where Greene got the five figure application fee to enter the race. :)

Even the democrats expect DeMint to win in a walk, so why not make the primary at least a little entertaining.

A deep pockets democratic pol that disapproved of the endorsement of Rawl took the position that any random unknown would get more support than Rawl. They then surreptitiously put up the fee after getting a deep pockets Rawl supporter to take the opposite position for a six figure wager.

[Sittin' in the Dock of the Court.]

Let's see, Lou Rawls; was it '(What did I do to be so)Black and Blue', or was it 'Tain't nobody's Biz-ness If I Do'?
==============

[Sue]

I've been saying it for years. Repeal the 17th amendment. Senators should represent their state and do what is in the best interest of the state. Unfunded mandates would become a thing of the past if they represented the state and did not have to worry about being elected by a popularity contest.

I have been in the minority on this issue for many years. It doesn't seem to gather traction.

[susan]

Al Green's kweel BUT those boobs are "spectacular!"

[Neo]

Maybe Al Green was "Tired Of Being Alone"

[Ignatz]

--I've been saying it for years. Repeal the 17th amendment.--

Far as I'm concerned the country started going to hell with the 19th amendment. (ducking)

[JorgXMcKie]

Various writers at the WaPo and the general MSM have been making themselves look like morons and idiots for years, "and still look at other people as though they are inferior."

Sally Quinn has both modest intelligence and talents, but like so many of her 'peers' she comes in so little contact with the actual real world that's she's oblivious to the glaring shortcomings any normal, sane person can see in her.

And, daddy, perhaps Parliament can repeal the "telly tax" and force BBC to live on earned income.
;->=

[Neo]

I always loved the "comb" sound in "Sha La La"

[OneSTDV]

I'm going with the alphabetical explanation. It's the most plausible and it implies people are lazy, which is an undeniable truth of man.

[Neo]

The universe responds.

You are a fluke of the universe. You have no right to be here.
Deteriorata. Deteriorata.

Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss, and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do.
Wherever possible, put people on hold.
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
and despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer maintenance.

Remember The Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
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Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you -
That lemon on your left, for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore. It will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan.
And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time, call 606-4311. Ask for Ken.
Take heart in the bedeepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.

You are a fluke of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not,
The universe is laughing behind your back.

Therefore, make peace with your god,
Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up!