it's yours to lose

sometimes in life, the stars are aligned and preparation happens to meet opportunity and cue Nas "the world is yours"...

So given the DC primary is next week - the defacto mayoral election, I have to wonder is hubris Mayor Adrian Fenty's downfall? Mayor Fenty, as a native Washingtonian, how could you not be a pupil of DC mayoral politics? Yes, it is about results, but folks have to feel good about the results. Your constitutents have to feel like THEY HAVE OWNERSHIP of those results even the "good" results. And not just the oligarchy, hermetic elite, and/or the gentrified transplants. Speaking of constituents, did you forget the demographics of your city? Fool, it hasn't tipped over yet!

But the real question is who are your pollsters? Where are your trusted confidants? Some sources claim you wouldn't listen, given your hubris that's plausible. How is it that four years ago you claim every ward in the city, and now can't even stake claim in your home turf? And to think if you fail next week, there is no one else to blame. Fool, don't know your political hustle is about the work you put in. Remember, you beat Linda Cropp beacuse you excelled in pedestrian politics (i.e. knocking on doors, meeting residents on both sides of river, etc.). You appeared operative word that you cared, espoused empathy and in contrast to your formal challenger Ms. Cropp you coerced the narrative framing her as aloof and distant.

Anyone who is contemplating living in DC or currently lives there should know this: DC is on par to be that da$$ city. There is no rewinding of the clock, so rest assured if Fenty does not win there the city is not going backwards. The Mayor's contendor, Vince Gray, will maintain the tempo. He has too - he has no other choice. All Gray can do is facilitate cosmetic changes to his or his constitutent's preference hint-hint.

You can only understand the depth of Fenty's fall from grace, when a DC resident also Fenty supporter expressed his perspective about Fenty's opponent, "How can people vote for a man whose never articulated a policy before, never uttered anything?" That's the way the cookie crumbles my apologies for the colloquial speak.

Bellini, What about Rhee and the state of DC education... folks that's another post. Promise to break it down next week...

cheers,

Bellini

P.S. DC 101: Folks never understood how former Mayor Marion Barry got reelected. 'cuz Barry knew his constituents and was well aware that demographics were still in his favor.