Baron: Cynthia McKinney -- table for one
Lisa Baron |bio
It’s easy to bash Cynthia McKinney. Some take issue with the haunting look in her eyes. Others are appalled by those big 80s bows and hats more often seen at Easter egg hunts than campaign stops. And then there’s her father, who blamed her defeat for the Democratic nomination for the 4th congressional district and his State Senate seat on the J-E-W-S. And who can forget the infamous apology letter to Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. The Prince sent a $10 million check to New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani earmarked for 9/11 disaster relief efforts but, due to the strings attached, the money was returned by Giuliani. McKinney, however, was happy to accept it and, in fact, had already been working on a shopping list.
But being an easy target doesn’t necessarily mean that everybody is out to get you.
I listened to what Cynthia McKinney had to say on August 8 after she and her campaign realized that it was a concession speech and not a victory speech she would be delivering. McKinney told a room of supporters and a bank of TV cameras the story of a woman with meaningful and important aspirations. She did this, of course, after she sang along to a specially selected piece of pop music. It should also be noted that this "singing" was performed eerily similar to the way a woman sings when she's in the car or in her home and thinks no one else can hear her. She described her journey as a woman who heard the call and, accordingly, answered the call to public service; a woman who aspired to lead a constituency of people she vowed would never be forgotten. Her determination was inspired by great leaders of her political party. She said she was a politician who offered a different approach to the problems and hurdles facing the constituents of the 4th district. On their behalf, she claimed, hers was the voice of dissent.
She mentioned her heroes – leaders whose footsteps she used as a map to guide her into and through the path of public service. It is a noble cause and admirable ambition to dip your torch in the flame of great leadership. It is, after all, memory and legacy that keep a soul’s fire burning long after physical death. Specifically, McKinney mentioned Dr. Martin Luther King and Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK).
RFK rallied against the Vietnam War and hailed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (the 25-year extension, of which, was signed by President George W. Bush on July 7, 2006). He called for the expansion of social programs saying that the ones Lyndon B. Johnson offered -- including Social Security -- fell short. I don’t agree with the policy and problem-solving approach offered by Senator Kennedy, but I respect them. I certainly cannot discount or dismiss the hope, ideas and a vision he offered to a segment of Americans who believed they were left out of the American dream.
Likewise, to be uninspired by Dr. Martin Luther King would be suspicious. Arguably the greatest civil rights leader of our time, Dr. King preached great character and real acceptance. He challenged the country to rise above hate and put an end to violence. He not only promoted racial equality of African-American children -- but for all children. His message of peace and tolerance transcended time, race, religion and generations.
But something happened to Cynthia on the way to the Capitol. Her dissent morphed into a distraction. She didn’t become the leader she set out to become. Instead, she became a liability. People want hope and answers. McKinney offered blame and obstacles. When people wanted safety and peace she promoted suspicion, innuendo and wild accusations of conspiracy. When the 4th district asked for better education for their children and better jobs for themselves, she answered by introducing legislation to investigate the death of the rap star, Tupac. And when the voters pleaded for common sense; they got, instead, the United States Congressional Police incident.
In her first public appearance after her defeat to Democratic Nominee Hank Johnson – and, once again, in front of room of people and a bank of microphones -- she urged each and every African American to oppose electronic voting because the machines are designed to steal elections. This is just my own personal suggestion, but maybe she should’ve offered some humility.
McKinney’s journey and ultimate demise reminds me of the following words spoken by Marting Luther King Jr. in his most famous and powerful moment: “I have a dream that one day the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” Right now, though, Cynthia McKinney is still dining at her table for one.
Lisa Baron was Ralph Reed's communications director in his first-ever bid for elected office.