Robert Barnes
Metro Political Editor
Thursday, August 17, 2006
2:00 PM
Moments after the
Washington Post Metro Political Editor Robert Barnes was online Thursday, August 17, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss this topic, as well as, the upcoming fall elections and to address any other mentionables from the latest headlines .
Barnes became metropolitan editor in 1997. Prior to becoming the metropolitan editor, he was political editor for five years. He has also covered the Maryland General Assembly and the first Schaefer administration.
Local Politics Roundup:
Allen on Damage Control After Remarks to Webb Aide
O'Malley Knocks Ehrlich on Education
Special Report: Local Elections
Blog: The Richmond Report
Blog: Maryland Moment
Transcript Follows:
Robert Barnes: Are you "macaca-ed" out? Apparently not, and we've got lots of points of view on Sen. Allen. But let's keep our eyes on the big picture, too. This will be an extraordinary year in local politics, as voters replace the region's longest-serving senator and elect a new attorney general in Maryland, find a new mayor and council chairman in the District, a new county executive in Montgomery, decide whether William Donald Schaefer remains in office. And we won't forget Sen. Allen and James Webb, who provide a national forum on the war in Iraq.
One other thing: Does Maryland's long-serving Rep. Al Wynn have a fight on his hands? I went to an NAACP forum in Prince George's County last night where his liberal activist challenger Donna Edwards packed the house and then rocked it with a fierce denunciation of the congressman.
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Arlington: This question is in regard to Sen. George Allen's 'macaca' remark. At what point did calling a person of color a monkey, cease to be a racial slur? Why is every major news outlet glossing over this by giving the cold definition of the term, without going over its colloquial meaning and history towards people of color?
washingtonpost.com: Sen. Allen's Remarks Spark Ire
Robert Barnes: We've got a lot of questions--well, more like comments--on this, so I'll give my 2 cents and then just publish a few to give you an idea of what folks are thinking.
Clearly this was a serious mistake on the part of Allen, and it's been amazing to watch this story grow and overwhelm the campaign. Allen aides had said before he started this "listening tour" of the state that we'd see Allen as his best, and it would point out his deep connections with the state. Well, that didn't happen.
If we take Allen as his word, that he made up the name and didn't know it was a racially tinged insult, it just seems a little weird, doesn't it? He used the word twice, both times quite distinctly, and it doesn't sound like "mohawk" to me. When I watch the video, I see someone who is trying to point out that SR. Sidharth is different from the rest of the folks at the event, and not because he is a James Webb supporter. The great thing about this story is that people can watch for themselves and make up their own minds, and you'll see below that difference of opinions
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Inside the Beltway: Good afternoon, thanks for being here. And thank you for the continued coverage.
To a lot of us, it's pretty clear that by using the word "macaca" two times within 1 minute to address a person-of-color, Allen knew what it meant. Or at least knew that the word somehow "fit' this person in his audience. So moving the debate on from there, I do think it will drastically affect his ability to run for President, with much success. I mean, this country is increasing it's minority population in leaps and bounds. Additionally, even if you are a white male "inside the beltway", or any other non-rural area, wouldn't you wonder how this guy could handle our foreign affairs?
Regarding his senate race, does Allen not need many inside-the-beltway votes? Because to me, he seems to be writing those folks off. Meanwhile, it's not like Webb is some huge liberal. I would think it could cause some people to take a second look at him.
Robert Barnes: here's one
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Los Angeles:
Why is it that Sen. George Allen makes a garbled mispronunciation of someones name, who he can't recall. Then says, with reference to his opponent in Hollywood, "Welcome to the real world, welcome to America, welcome to virginia." Why does the media go wall to wall with accusations of racism? But when Joseph "make way for the camera" Biden makes a racial stereotype that clumps all Indian Americans as being in 7-11s, it gets no coverage except on blogs. I didn't even know Macaca was a word, let alone a racial epithet. What if he referred to his name as an Ibex or Gnu. Why don't you cover the huge volume of Nazi like, anti-Semitic remarks about ovens and kikes being made by Ned Lamont supporters. Is it any wonder that standing at either shoulder behind Lamont at his victory speech was Sharpton and Jesse "Himie-town" Jackson. Lanie Davis was right, the scariest bigotry and jew hating is coming out of the liberal salons of Europe and the blue states of the U.S. The left should be ashamed of itself. When they say never again, they say it with fingers crossed behind their back and a open donation plate extended with the other. What a mad world we now live in.
Robert Barnes: And another
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Arlington: If George Allen performs well this November, do you think the Virginia GOP will field more openly racist, albeit apologetic, candidates?
Robert Barnes: And another
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Villa Grove, Ill.: I see no hostility in Sen. George Allen's remarks to or about the young man in question. More trivial pouting from the left.
Robert Barnes: And one more.
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Alexandria:
I am so outraged about the latest remark from Sen. George Allen. I have so many good friends and co-workers of Indian descent. Would Allen refer to them all as "macacas" as well? Perhaps that should be the new title phrase around the office for anyone brown? More importantly, will this (I hope) be the final nail in George Allen's coffin? I am sure you'll brush it off, but its this kind of spectre of images that did in Kilgore (his inappropriate and quick berating of Kaine's religious beliefs).
Thoughts?
Robert Barnes: And one more.
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Arlington: Do you believe that this story will have signficant "legs," and if so, how long? Some analysts are saying that this incident marks the end of Sen. Geoge Allen's Presidential ambitions. Do you agree? More immediately, do you think that Allen's racist comments will be sufficient to allow Jim Webb to defeat him this November?
Robert Barnes: I think George Allen is a long way from having either his Senate reelection campaign or his presidential aspirations derailed. But I don't think it is a story that will be quickly forgotten, and it is certainly not going to be a plus for people who either have doubts about Allen or for whom this is the introduction.
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Rutland, Vt.:
I noticed your paper didn't cover the story of Sen. Joe Biden's derogatory comments about an American of Indian descent from June. What makes Sen. Allen's remarks "newsworthy" and Sen. Biden's are not?
It seems your paper has a double-standard in terms of the "coverage" one insensitive set of remarks gets, maybe because Democrats typically get a pass by the media when they make such gaffes.
The question isn't "is there a double-standard", the question is "why the double standard?"
Robert Barnes: I can't tell you why Biden's comments weren't in the paper, but it seems pretty obvious why Allen's are of more interest to The Washington Post. He is a local senator running for re-election, and about 40 percent of our readers live in Virginia.
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D.C.: Can you tell me if the D.C. Democratic primary on September 12 is open? In other words, can I, as a registered Independent, vote? Thanks!
Robert Barnes: No, primaries in the District are open only to members of the party. The same is true in Maryland primaries held that same day.
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Montgomery: Here's a non-Macaca question for you!
It's my distinct impression that every reporter who's ever had to cover Doug Gansler realizes very quickly that, even by traditional politician standards, he is a tremendous opportunist, motivated almost exclusively by what's best for Doug Gansler, and enthralled with his own image.
And yet, you don't get a sense of that at all in the coverage of his campaign for Maryland attorney general.
Is that fair to the readers? Isn't that kind of relevant?
Robert Barnes: Montgomery State's Attorney Gansler is, well, no shrinking violet, and you're right that some people just don't like him. But lots of people do, as evidenced by the huge advantage he has built in fundraising for his attorney general campaign.
That race is a little lost in the coverage of the governor's race, U.S. Senate contest and county executive contests, but I think you'll be seeing more coverage.
But I'm sure you don't want reporters' opinions of the candidates to serve as the foundation of profiles. What politician could ever hope to be elected?
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Alexandria:
The D.C. government is poised to spend tens of millions of dollars on subsidies for the developers of the Sursum Corda project. One of the developers is the wife of Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).
Is funding for Sursum Corda an issue in D.C. elections? Some people feel that the Sursum Corda redevelopment will actually decrease the supply of affordable housing in DC.
washingtonpost.com: Mayor Signs Bill for Housing Plan
Robert Barnes: I can't vouch for what you say about Moran's wife, or why it might be an issue. I think a lot of people will be happy if something can be done to improve the lives of the folks who live there. My colleague Lori Montgomery and others have written well about the redevlopment plans there.
I will say that affordable housing--the lack of it--is a huge concern in this race. It comes up at every forum, and is a concern not only for those who feel they may be forced out of the city, but among those who think a city only for the wealthy is not a place they want to live.
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Fort Washington, Md.:
The Post seems to be hopelessly unable to be show any objectivity in the Maryland Gubernatorial race.
Whether it be the Post's reporter, Matt Mosk, personal involvement in helping Maryland Democratic Party operatives in snaring a Ehrlich staffer in a silly chat room conversation, then endlessly blaring the ersatz news; or today's Post reporting on O'Malley's criticism of Ehrlich ads, but no mention of O'Malley lowering Baltimore city grading standards (or burying it I couldn't find it). There is no parity what so ever!
Why doesn't the Post just make its endorsement of O'Malley now and stop any pretense of fair reporting?
washingtonpost.com: O'Malley Knocks Ehrlich on Schools
Robert Barnes: Stop typing, Gov. Ehrlich, and get back to work!
At least that's one way to answer your somewhat libelous question. For the record, my colleague Matt Mosk is a terrific reporter who is a scourge to those in power, regardless of party affiliation.
It's fine to criticize coverage; I'll explain our decisions when I can or take the hit when we've been wrong. But let's not assign motives to each other.
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Wheaton: In your introduction you mentioned Al Wynn and Donna Edwards. Is there a competitive campaign or not?
Robert Barnes: Hard to know without independent polling, and everyone knows how difficult it is to defeat an incumbent member of Congress. But Edwards had raised a decent amount of money, is endorsed by many liberal activist groups and seems to be running an energetic campaign. I think a big question will be whether she can break through the noise of all the other campaigns out there and get voters to concentrate on a congressional district that has not had a serious contest in a long time. And Wynn is a good politician, with a lot of organized support. I doubt he is taking her lightly after last night.
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A non-Allen question...:
Does Jim Webb seem to be doing well so far?
Do his military credentials and message about this president letting the military down (in Iraq) resonate enough with the military in Virignia to counter Allen's strong support?
Is he running a good campaign?
Robert Barnes: I think the Allen comments came at the best possible time for Webb, whose campaign was coming under some criticism even from the "netroots" activists who have been his biggest supporters. A Mason-Dixon poll showed Webb 16 points down (albeit with Allen under 50 percent) and Allen has a huge lead in fundraising. Webb had to spend lots of time on fundraising after his primary win in June, which seem to cost him some momentum. Webb did pretty well in the first debate, with one major stumble into a a trap Allen set but standing his ground on domestic and foreign policy issues. But there is grumbling that he's not taking the fight to Allen.
The military issue is an interesting one. Democrats certainly think it could be an advantage for Webb, and active military and veterans are a huge group in Virginia. John McCain campained for Allen in Norfolk yesterday for just that reason.
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Washington, DC: "I can't tell you why Biden's comments weren't in the paper, but it seems pretty obvious why Allen's are of more interest to The Washington Post. He is a local senator running for re-election, and about 40 percent of our readers live in Virginia."
"Isn't the genuine issue the impropriety of the remark, not its relevance as a local matter? No doubt the Post is using a double-standard that goes after Republicans but gives Democrats a pass for similar behavior. Shame on the Post for such shoddy and unprofessional reporting.
Robert Barnes: See? This is me taking the hit.
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Atlanta, Ga.: George Allen did not carry Northern Virginia in 2000 against Chuck Robb and probably is not expecting to do so this time either given that Kerry won Northern Virginia last time and Bush's numbers are slipping. What percentage do you think Webb needs in Northern Virginia (basically north of the Rapahhannock) to beat Allen?
Robert Barnes: I'm not smart enough to give you a specific number, but there is no doubt that Webb would need to do very well in NoVa to have a chance of winning. Tim Kaine's victories in Loudoun and Prince William counties last year really shook things up, and Fairfax is now counted on by Democrats as reliably friendly territory. It will be interesting to see what Allen can do there.
Let's move to Maryland for a bit.
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washingtonpost.com: Senator defends '7-Eleven' remark
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A Non-Macaca Moment, Please.: How do you see the Maryland Democratic primary playing out? And did you catch Rep. Cardin's odd comment that cancer will be cured by 2015?
Robert Barnes: Cardin has caught a lot of flak for what some have interpreted as a promise to cure cancer, but he has said he was only embracing what has been the cancer society's goal.
That aside, this could be a very close race. Rep. Cardin and Kweisi Mfume clearly are ahead of the pack, but it is a large pack. Josh Rales has spend about $2 million of his own money on ads and is ready to spend much more. Unclear how much this has helped him. Dennis Rasmussen, the former Baltimore County executive, has name recognition up there; I have yet to see him at a Democratic event.
The conventional wisdom is that they hurt Cardin, since Mfume's base in the African-American community seems strong. Most of those who are undecided in the race, according to polls, live in the Washington suburbs. Cardin started his television campaign here this week.
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washingtonpost.com: Watch the Biden Video On Youtube.com
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Eastern Market:
Robert, The City Paper's current edition featured a profile of Adrian Fenty's old college chum and supposedly "senior advisor" Sinclair Skinner, and I must say that anyone who reads the article will have second, and perhaps even third, thoughts about Fenty's candidacy. Coupled with his "rock throwing" (Mayor Williams' term) posturing on the Council crime emergency vote and his handling, at once arrogant and cowardly, of Linda Cropp's invitation to debate, the portrait emerges of a handsome young man who has learned how to sell an image to upscale D.C. voters but who will on occasion indulge in racial politics and old fashioned obstructionism. I wonder if anyone else will reach the same conclusion before September 12.
washingtonpost.com: Adrian Fenty hires only the best and the brightest. When it comes to playing racial politics, he's got a champ in Sinclair Skinner
Robert Barnes: I can't speak to the City Paper piece, but Cropp and others are throwing all they've got at Fenty right now. Their polls must look a lot like the one we took in July, which showed him with broad support across the city. It will be interesting to see how he handles his frontrunner status, and the questions about his tenure and maturity being raised by his opponents. I think we've got another question on the mayor's race here.
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D.C.: Do you think there's a chance that one of the current Democratic candidates for D.C. mayor could "pull a Lieberman" if he or she loses and run as an Independent?
Robert Barnes: I think that would all depend on the size of the victory, and who won, don't you? If you are assuming it's going to be Fenty, I don't at this point see what the base of support would be for an independent run by one of the runner-ups. Maybe I'm overlooking something?
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Stanford, Calif.: Who do you think will have a better fall, Sen. George Allen or the Gators?
Robert Barnes: Ah, someone loves me out there. This is the time of year when I think no one will have a better fall than the Gators.
We'll leave it at that for today. Sorry to those I didn't get to. But we'll be doing this every week, so I hope you'll find it worthwhile to keep up the conversation.
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