Reply #95: A few corrections

[taterguy]

The Helms / Gantt race was in 1990, not 1992.

Helms had a "machine" but he rarely won in a landslide. He was always vulnerable.

Dean Smith consistently endorses Democrats and there are some whose victories were largely the result of Smith's support (Chapel Hill mayor Howard Lee, 4th District Congressman David Price).

But Dean is no Jordan, especially at the peak of Jordan's career. In 1990 Jordan was selling everything, and doing a damn good job of it. When did you ever see an ad featuring Dean Smith? He's not the most likable guy. He's got a big nose and he talks funny. Besides, less than half the state pulls for UNC. They pull for State of any of the other schools in NC. But Jordan was transcendent.

The 1990 race was decided by Get Out the Vote efforts and turn-out. Jordan's money and influence could have turned the tide. I don't think comparisons with John Kerry are fair since Gantt was a better campaigner. At his rallies he inspired people, just not quite enough people.

It had to be the shoes, or lack thereof:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abr_LU822rQ