Why did Kweisi Mfume step down from the NAACP today?

[jdj]

Was there really bad blood between him and Julian Bond? Does anyone think he will start his own org. that doesn't have to be non-partisan? I'm under the impression this was somewhat unexpected.

[Ardee]

1. rumors abound

Chief among them being the friction between he and Bond. Mfune's contribution should not be diminished as he took an almost bankrupt and irrelevant organization back to national prominence.....

Some are saying that he will become an advocate for causes as he chooses, and an eloquent one he will be.....

[jdj]

2. I hope this is true.

Today they said on CNN that when threatened with the prospect of the NAACP losing it's non-profit status, he said, "well, maybe we'll just give it up" and Bond had a hissy.

[Ardee]

4. Yeah but what he meant, I think

was that despite the attacks on his group by the feds (read Bush, the bastard) the NAACP would continue to push against the attacks on affirmative action and the inroads into all that has been gained before the barbarians took over Washington.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. I'm in Baltimore and our local news covered this extensively

Here's a link to the local CBS affiliate's web site:

http://www.wjz.com/

And here are my views ...... I've followed Mfume for years ... from city council to the US House, to his own public affairs talk show to the NAACP, to today.

Bond said on TV, with Kwaesi at his side, there were no underlying difficulties at the NAACP that led to his departure. As far as the IRS issues, Bond said it was because of a speech he gave, not anything on Mfume's part. Of course, if there's something simmering below the surface, who knows .......

Mfume, in my opinion, is a very capable guy, smart, well educated (Yale Law?), politically savvy, media savvy, charismatic, and a great organizer.

Personally, now that he's available, I'd love to see him under consideration for DNC head.

He also spoke about running for the Senate from his home state, Maryland, where he still lives. Of course he committed to nothing and ruled out any chances of a run if the incumbent, Paul Sarbanes, chooses to stand for reelection in '06. But with Paul being 71 in '06, who knows. Mfume is 56 or 57.

Anyway, he's a great guy and I would like to see him continue to be a national voice for our side.

[journalist3072]

5. NAACP

Obviously I don't know for certain, but I really don't think there was bad blood between them. I just think Kweisi probably feels like he has accomplished what he set out to accomplish at the NAACP, and now he's moving on.

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. There is speculation that he may run for the US Senate