Oh come on, did you really think the wisecracking would cease just because Johnson got elected? We just switched on the ‘Open for Business’ sign!
On that note, while KJ is busy managing his transition team, Joe Sac is pleased to announce recruiting efforts have begun for a brand new philanthropy-based organization intended to help keep KJ on the right track called “Jokes Out of Care for Kevin” (or “JOCK”). Full time, part time, flex time. Come one, come all and join this noble cause!
Don’t fret over the time commitment. We are not talking about Fargo jokes where pundits had to painstakingly navigate a confusing, hard-to-pronounce, cryptic menu of double-speak, false positives, and hidden motives! With KJ it’s simply a matter of grabbing a tray and lining up for chow. The opportunities are accessible, frequent and available on a daily basis –and from what I hear, even on weekends!
Like it or not, Mr. Mayor Kevin Johnson has entered the building high-rise. You can hate it, or you can love it. I choose to love it. And I say WE, as the mayor-elect’s hopeful supporters, whose decisions to support him have already been called into question, should hold his feet to the fire through the most cleanest, respectful, and persistent brand of satire and punditry we can possibly muster up throughout his mayoral tenure. It is the least we can do as his friends–and the most we can do from the seats of our office chairs–to prepare him for the rigors of public service..
In all seriousness, KJ’s public speaking engagements are shaping up to be a hope chest full o’ fodder for the pundit. I find myself a bit torn; part of me wants to wisecrack, another part of me wants him to wise up. The hits started when he and his “transition team” of starched suits and sunglasses hosted a press conference on the 25th floor of David Taylor’s new high rise (yes, the same David Taylor who hosted a fundraiser for Heather Fargo in the SAME building back in May), and they kept on coming last night when K-to-the-J descended on the Colbert Report, and proudly declared himself–vis a vis the designation of his admirers of course– “Little Barack.”
KJ’s “little” nickname has created quite a little stir–and not just in Sacramento. It may seem like a harmless little quip at first glance, but in politics and PR, little quips do major faux pas make, and this one appears to be no exception. Regardless of his motives–if any–I’m beginning to think KJ may need to reboot his PR strategy as it appears to be a little buggy out of the gates.
Once again, perceptions are everything. Labels are dangerous, especially self-imposed ones–even if they are said to have originated from someone else’s lips. How did the “little Barack” statement strike you? From what I have seen, some people seem amused. Others seem incredulous. Others are outraged. I have to admit I was surprised myself; I never thought of KJ as a self promoter, or someone who deliberately wanted to draw attention to himself. In his playing days he never had tattoos like other players, and seemed content with the disarming nickname “KJ”, rather than a more testosterone-fueled one like the “Big Nasty,” as many of his peers sported. He also was gracious in both victory and defeat. A true sportsman who was recognized as such repeatedly.
But forget all that for a moment; let’s regroup. It was a damn comedy show, Joe! He said it with a smile and a chuckle! He was joshing! Much ado about nothing! Maybe. But if so, if he’s really trying to emulate Obama, you can’t help but question the cheese-factor of such a statement. That’s some pretty campy GWB-grade joshin’ right there. And if he was just cheesing around (which isn’t like him by the way), why didn’t he make a joke that sought to promote the city of Sacramento, rather than himself?
Seems out of character for KJ to self promote–at least from what I have seen. The KJ I watched at Cal and in the NBA was humble, even shy. This is also one of the reasons I have scoffed at charges by his detractors that he is a narcissistic, spotlight hog who will do anything to stay in the celebrity heat lamps. If that were true, he could have easily hit the party and reality tv circuit. He chose to stay in Sacramento, relative obscurity as we know, and keep working on his schools and other business goals. Hardly the profile of a megalomaniac.
Assuming his affections for Sacramento overshadow those he has for himself, as I believe they do, I think KJ should carefully consider the public persona he is shaping every time he gets behind the microphone, especially if his political aspirations transcend the mayor’s seat at Sacramento City Hall. He should also do everything in his power to surround himself with more than just YES MEN–who are absolutely worthless to those in leadership positions.
I don’t know who thought it prudent to encumber KJ with the “Little Obama” title, but I have to guess it was either a star-struck fan, or an adversary by proxy. For what kind of FRIEND would carelessly pump up another’s ego like that? What kind of trusted advisor would measure his principle up to such meteoric standards? What kind of colonel would tell his general such a thing in the heat of battle?
Are KJ’s NBA playing days so far behind him that he has forgotten about the “Jordan effect” ? As a former NBA allstar who played in the shadow of MJ, whose Larry O’Brien dreams were CRUSHED by MJ, KJ should know as well as anyone labels like “little this” and “baby that” are heavy crosses to bear, and those whom have been tattooed with them almost always come up WELL SHORT of people’s expectations.
I admit to being a huge Michael Jordan admirer. I followed his career closely, and, like many of his admirers, hoped someone as uber-talented would succeed him as his career winded down. During that time I lost count of how many aspiring players were hastily crowned, “Little MJ” and “Baby Jordan” and “The Next Jordan” by overzealous, star-struck fans, analysts, endorsers and the very people inside those players’ circle of trusted friends and associates.
Suffice to say the “second MJ coming” never happened. In short, many were called, none were chosen. The line of successors to the Jordan throne STILL wraps around the building, down the street, across the bridge and down the freeway. Only two have even approached the 23 chambers, and so far it appears as though neither will wear the crown. Lots of dreams, zero realized. Only the highlight reels remain.
Then again, we are not talking about NBA basketball, right? We’re not talking about a sport where night in and night out tested, seasoned professional athletes EARN nicknames like “Magic” and “Baby Jordan” for their championship caliber play, or gravity-defying slam dunks. We’re talking about city government. We’re talking about the yet-to-be-fulfilled promises of a promising young politician who is facing the greatest challenge of his lifetime, not a pickup game of hoops.
I can only deduce–speculatively, of course– the people calling KJ “Little Barack” are either on his team, or schmoozing to be a part of it. And forgive me for being so blunt, but he would be wise to completely IGNORE THEIR praise and adoration. KJ seemed to be good at distancing himself from such groupies during his playing days, I hope he is going to do the same as mayor. His all star vote prospects political career is riding on it. Then again, maybe someone like Barkley told him that–whose opinion is completely irrelevant.
I said early on KJ’s biggest challenge will be to make the leap from celebrity to public servant. I should have went further. His biggest challenge will be to stay focused on making Sacramento a city that works for and WITH everyone, and doing everything in his power to reject anything or anyone who tries to put the focus on KJ. If he needs a sterling example of how to do that , he should just ask BIG BARACK, who clearly didn’t need a label like “Little JFK” to get people behind him.
So far it seems like it will business as usual in Sacramento with our Mayor elect immediately going to party with fat cat developers…I bet all of them were raising their champagne glasses.
If KJ plans on more than four years in office, or plans on going up the political ladder, which no doubt he does, he’s going to have to get past us and he’d better not screw over the citizens and ardent supporters to keep a few fat cat developers happy.
Who writes these articles? This reminds me of a rolling stone mag article by whats his face. iforget his name.
anyhow sign me up for the j.o.c.k. dream team. woot!
O M G on the pic Joe. Roflmao! Printed and posted in my cube. Thanks for the hump day giggle
Beautifully written Joe. Hands down one of your best.
Oh no you didn’t the phone call shiz is hilarious!!!!
I just peed myself!
WOW — a well written article. I agree with everything written.
It’s important Johnson builds a constructive bridge of dialog with residents in Sacramento…He is arming people with ammunition. Heck he’s playing Russian roulette. It’s like he’s trying to do so much so fast—but it’s not so much with the job he’s taken on but with self. He’s in office at the stroke of midnight the coach won’t turn into a pumpkin. Johnson needs to take his time to do it right. Stop doing things in haste. So many are watching and wanting him to fail. He has to “guard’ his activities. Stop appearing focused on self. I’d love to see him step away from all the unions, developers…for just a moment and build a relationship as a public servant with Sacramento and its residents, prove yourself before promoting self. Everyone is not going to agree and their will still be some haters mad that he’s in office but that will die down –if he calms down—what happened to showing his heart verses his pride?
He’s moving so fast people can see contradictions and they may not be there but it sure as heck looks to be…I’ve seen 4 so far and he hasn’t gotten his foot in the door…and the Little Barack is so darn disappointing–it’s not even comical–it’s painful. I saw a humble Johnson at the meetings I attended but suddenly –too soon for my taste– he was no longer humble. I hope your article is read by Johnson and taken to heart. Many want to see him succeed everyone doesn’t want him to fail. I don’t know him personally. I’m not one of his friends and I want him to succeed. Maybe all the negative criticism is causing his reaction. And I see your article as constructive criticism–and truly needed. Seems his friends can be his enemies–his friends need to bring him down to earth–keep him grounded— to live with us–as a public servant— in the City and not in the clouds.
When I saw him speaking at engagements I saw his heart. But right after he won–it was like “it’s all about me, I’m the knight in shining armor riding in to save the day–save Sacramento…..” I know he’s probably just excited. And I can’t blame him. He went through a lot with this campaign. But his fastest move is appearing to be his slowest. He needs to take a chill pill and focus on the people, the work and not self. Because now it’s appearing he doesn’t need a transition team he could simply float into office with all the helium some are filling his head with. He should be proud. But sometimes it’s not what you do; it’s how you do it. Sorry for writing so much you’re article just inspired me.
Thank you Rhonda. Great post on your part, too. Captivating actually.
I too want KJ to succeed. And as someone who wants him to succeed, I am going to keep it real, as I would a close friend, and just let the chips fall where they may. I’m sure some of my posts won’t be popular, but I voted for a man for the people, and I expect him to be just that. If he decides to be a man for himself, or for developers, or for the limelight, then like any politician with a captive audience, he does so at his own peril. I make no apologies for the satire and analysis that will be coming in this space.. and I bet it will be complete FLUFF compared to what his adversaries will be writing.
I agree completely.
I must be blind because I watched Colbert and found Johnson to be funny, light, and self-deprecating- just as Colbert report demands interviewees to be. Every time I’ve seen someone serious and focused on there, they just get nailed by Colbert and chewed up and spit out again. We saw someone once (I believe the mayor of Missoula) who as asked to name 3 things in his town that were interesting. Johnson could have quickly and easily gotten pinned by the “you can’t get a sandwich after 10pm” and he didn’t let himself get baited.
If remember right, the comment was in response to Colbert’s question about whether or not Johnson was mad that Obama stole his thunder.
I have no doubt that he’ll fall on his face more than I’d like to admit in the coming months. But let’s not judge his future performance by an appearance on a show with a guy who’s character is bigger than life… I’m not worried…. yet
Sac Blog, I agree 100%. I’m sure he was a hit with Colbert, and Colbert’s audience. I agree he did a fine job overall. No doubt KJ is a good-natured guy with a sharp sense of humor. He shrugged off those comedic jabs and hooks with grace and style. I think he interviews as well as anyone.
That said, when I observe his public communication, I am not paying attention to his presentation at all. I really couldn’t care less about it. I am listening to his words, processing the overall message, and then blogging about my perceptions, and others’ perceptions I am reading and hearing about.
In other words, while I always smile every time KJ does something good, I generally don’t blog about his victories, shower him with praise, or offer many accolades; I figure he has enough people around him do that already.
That’s just it… he doesn’t HAVE TO fall on his face. He can do that by watching what he says and surrounding himself with more than YES people. That’s all I was saying essentially.
I saw KJ on The Colbert Report & I thought he did a good job. BUT, I didn’t like the “Little Barack” remark. IMO, it came off as kinda arrogant & narcissisitic. It was a totally inappropriate comment. I’m just getting to “know” KJ so I agree that he needs to have top-notch advisors who will help him come across in the best possible way. He obviously has a sense of humor & can be quite charming. Prove it to me, KJ!!!!
I know all of you want KJ to succeed, and he may. He is, however, a total narcissist. I went to his campaign headquarters to meet with him and I was a little put off on the shrine he created to himself. There was a GIANT Andy Warhol-type portrait on the outside of the building. When you enter, there is another one right there on the wall. There is a giant poster-sized portrait of KJ’s Sactown magazine cover and photos of HIM everywhere. When you walk down the hall to his office, the walls are covered with articles about him. In his conference room, more photos of HIM, everywhere. The kicker for me was the giant sign (5ft x 3ft) that said HOPE and in place of the O was a picture of KJ’s face. It was a little over the top. Remember, his entire life he has been worshipped. Sometimes, no matter how good someone’s intentions are, they can become warped when they live in a world where they can do no wrong and always get their way. I hope for the sake of Sacramento, he does put the city first. I do think he cares, I do think he has energy. I also think he wanted to become mayor to further his education agenda. He no longer will have control over the SCUSD school board. What better way to further his agenda and expand his empire than to get a strong mayoral system and wrest control of schools away from the newly elected board. Just my opinion and I could be off base but I have done a lot of research and the fact that Michele Rhee is on board tells me education is where he’s headed first. He has no business messing with the schools when the city is in such dire straights.
Susie, thanks for visiting and contributing.
Oh my. You paint a funny picture. I literally laughed out loud when I read this. Like a used car lot banner where “Tell ‘em Earl sent ya!” has a big mugshot of Earl with his thumbs up winking at the camera. Well you know why he put his picture in place of the “O” right? wink wink.
If KJ makes this about himself I think he is in for a rude awakening in this city. Residents will not put up with that. He knows what we did to Fargo. We will do the same to him if he is not going to put us first. But I;m with Sac Blog, we have to give him a chance. Maybe he’s grown up. Maybe he’s a lot smarter than he was back when he started st. hope. Or maybe not. My hopes remain high
About KJ being worshiped. Not sure that is the right word. But this man was. And if you watch this video all the way through you’ll see constant images of Jordan shattering KJ’s NBA title dreams. In fact I would say KJ probably got torched as bad or worse than anyone who ever crossed Jordan’s path in the playoffs. In fact, if you were to judge from this video alone, it would be a miracle if Jordan even knows who KJ is!
I’m kidding!!
But hey, don’t get me wrong. KJ got the chance of a lifetime. I have nothing but respect for him. No one could guard Jordan. What a daunting task. No matter, I would have gladly accepted millions of dollars to wear KJ’s #7 jersey to watch the Jordan show. The only thing KJ is missing in this video is the popcorn.
Enjoy Susie. This one’s for you…
Oh shiz I remember that series!! Well now I do. I had forgot about it. Man you are right kj got flat out served by 23. But listen he was dumbfounded. He didn’t know what to do. Nobody knew what to do with Jordan . Barkley was the only guy who really wasn’t in awe of him. Jordan made everybody look bad face it. Bet ya that’s how kj would respond to this too hahaha
Thanks for the clip, Joe. Man, Jordan was incredible. I guess KJ didn’t always have a walk in the park. I was a cheerleader at Sac when he played. He really was an incredible ball player and he was fun to watch and cheer for.Back in the ’80’s Sac High was fun and KJ’s success was a part of that.
Oh yeah! Wasn’t he insane!? I watch those videos and my heart starts racing all over again. “Jordan just backs him up and goes right over the top of Kevin Johnson!”
Glad I was never a Phoenix fan.
You were a cheerleader at Sac High when KJ played there!? What a trip. Yes I imagine that had to have been exciting. He dominated locally. I take you and he know each other?
Yes, we do. We graduated the same class. He dated several of my girlfriends and many more of my childhood friends actually went to work for him at St. HOPE. They all left. They are all incredible people who wanted to make a difference. It didn’t matter to them whether they belonged to a union, they just wanted to help and all were disillusioned and shocked at what actually took place at the school. All of them felt KJ squandered a terrific opportunity to help the community. It’s kinda sad.