Posted on 10/29/2004 9:29:33 AM PDT by Question Liberal Authority
East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer Joins "Democrats for Bush"
Offers to Speak Nationally to Black Americans on BET on Behalf of the President
EAST ST. LOUIS, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/29/2004 -- Four-term Mayor Carl Officer of East St. Louis announced before local supporters today that he has accepted the position as head of the Illinois Steering Committee of "Democrats for Bush," founded earlier this year by Democratic Senator Zell Miller of Georgia. A life long Democrat, Officer is a third generation African-American entrepreneur and mayor of America's poorest city.
The mayor was welcomed into the organization by a personal congratulatory phone call from Brian Lunde, National Executive Director of "Democrats for Bush." After the call, Mayor Officer noted, "Director Lunde told me that polls are showing that the President's support among black voters is DOUBLE what it was in his first election. He went on to kindly say that with me joining the President's team, he will now expect the support to TRIPLE."
Questioners clamored to know why he had decided to support President Bush's re-election. The mayor responded:
"I watched the debates intently, especially to try to measure the strength of each man and compare how each would face the awesome responsibility of America's safety -- a President's #1 priority. As a relatively new father, I indulged my three year old daughter and let her stay up with me as I watched. When it was over, and I looked into her eyes, I knew I had to go with the proven product, and I believe on the issue of protecting Americans first, nearly everyone agrees George Bush is the leader by far."
In further discussion with his somewhat stunned local political supporters, the mayor noted that he has long had some serious differences with the Democratic Party on gay marriage and abortion. Officer, an ordained minister, admitted that he and other African American Christians were much closer to President Bush's views on these issues.
Final questions were about Black Entertainment Television's recent announcement that the Bush campaign was "passing up an opportunity [in] communicating the President's plan of action to address issues that African Americans find important," as BET CEO Robert L. Johnson put it. Mayor Officer responded, "Based on today's announcement, I have transmitted a letter to Mr. Johnson at BET. I have offered to accept the half hour time slot to appear before their national African American audience and explain the reasons why a life-long Democrat, black mayor, small businessman, ordained minister and concerned dad is voting for President Bush in this election."
:) There IS hope in America. I knew it! The Left just tries to hide it! Hope is so unfavorable you know...
I think the same flying pig just went by in Fenton too. Geez, who woulda thunk Carl Officer would do this, unless it's just for publicity.
Even if it is just for publicity, you'd think more black politicians would go for it. Where's the percentage in carrying Jesse Jackson's water for the next 20 years?
HUGH SERIES!
A Black, Democrat mayor, in EAST ST LOUIS of all places!?!?
I smell a landslide!
Dittos to all Democrats for Bush. It's a great start.
Whoa!!!!!! This is a jaw-dropper!!!!!
Yes indeed. Wonder if the Post will pick up this story. Nothing yet. Found the following, which is what I have come to expect:
Black voters will draw scrutiny
"Republicans are planning mass disruptions in St. Louis County, because they want to suppress the African-American turnout," [U.S. Rep. William Lacy] Clay [D-St. Louis] said. "It's a pattern here that's taking place around the country."
total shock, here in st louis proper carl officer has always been ridiculed. i wil from here fort stand up for the man WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW infinitum.
Whaaaaaaat?? The St. Louis Pravda is not covering this? I'm shocked, shocked! I tell you.
LOL. I'm not sure they are thinking outside the unionbox as much as they are thinking inside the NRA box,the pro man-woman marriage box, and the catholics anti abortion box. LOL. But I think this county may just go BUSH/Cheney.
During the last election the local democrats were running on a platform of no new taxes. They are way more conservative than the national party.
kinda late in the game is it not? Welcomed though.
African
Well I am glad to hear this. Too bad this is only a few days out from the election.
ping
Yes they are. Unfortunately many uninformed people think this means the national party is a mirror to our local politicians, or that their union leaders are probably right. The union voting box is too big and too corrupt for my comfort.
I hope we go Bush/Cheney and I think we will, but it's too close for my comfort.
Hopefully it shows an underlying avalanche of support for Bush in unexpected quarters.
I hope so too. I often think that Bush will win by a comfortable margin. Just looking at the questions of leadership etc. it seems people support Bush. So regardless of the horse race polls (POLLAGANDA) I think that Bush is really ahead.
If he's a third generation African-American, what were his great-grandparents?
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LOL! Good point! But, let's see here...hum...tracing back the PC time line I'd guess that after three generations of African-American(s) his ancestors were...let's see ...ah, yes! Here it is! They were "Negro". A PC term running somewhere between the 1870s to the 1940s or so.
Maybe they mean a third-generation entrepreneur?
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