Richmonders are blind to the hidden treasures before us. Paul Goldman’s recent announcement that he’s challenging his old boss, Doug Wilder, is a case in point.
It’s like Robin running against Batman for mayor of Gotham City.
Or it’s Jimmy Olsen vying with Clark Kent to win the heart of Lois Lane.
For basketball fans, it’s Coach K vs. Bobby Knight.
If J.K. Rowling wrote this script, it would be Harry Potter vs. Dumbledore. Richmond’s upcoming mayoral tussle could pit student versus master—all for the right to be Top Wizard in Virginia’s own House of Municipal Mischief and Alchemical Auditing.
Goldman first appeared like a Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the 1980s when he helped Wilder win election as Virginia’s first black lieutenant governor, and, in 1989, its first black governor. They had a falling out two years ago after Wilder suspended him for helping Gov. Tim Kaine’s election campaign.
While some might dismiss Goldman as a gadfly, his statements on improving the city’s run-down schools and seeking equal access for people who are disabled show promise.
But it was funny to see him quoted by the TD’s Michael Martz last week: “I’m running for Richmond. I’m not running against anybody.”
Right.
And Hillary’s not running for her political life against Barack, and Barack’s not running against the legacy of George II. Following Goldman’s logic back a ways: Democrat Doug Wilder didn’t run against Republican Marshall Coleman (remember him?) in the 1989 governor’s race, when Goldman orchestrated Wilder’s win.
Oh and while we’re at it: Ken Starr didn’t go after Bill Clinton, and Bill Belichek didn’t know the Patriots were videotaping the sidelines.
I don’t know if any videotapes, or audiotapes, will be involved in Richmond’s next political Super Bowl, but it seems as if this could be a nasty contest. Remember that Goldman—as Wilder’s political alter ego—must know exactly how to push his buttons (not that it takes much).
But our own Dynamic Duo does not have to take the low road this time around. Instead, each could sign a pledge to engage in a positive campaign, and go one step beyond: They could promise to make the campaign part of the city’s usually anemic marketing efforts. The race itself could be something that attracts thousands of visitors, and millions of dollars, to Virginia’s capital.
If the mayor and Goldman agree, I hereby offer to organize a regional marketing campaign playing off the Robin Vs. Batman theme. Batman Wilder vs. Robin Goldman could become centerpiece of a summer tourism campaign around the theme: RICHMOND LOVES POLITICAL THEATER.
I’ll call on the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Richmond Chamber, the Regional Partnership, Richmond International Airport to hold a Political Theater Summit. Perhaps the Richmond Sports Backers want to jump in, since this race promises to be a marathon. We’ll bring the whole world to River City to enjoy the spectacle. Instead of apologizing for our endless squabbles and rancor, why not try a different tack? Why not celebrate our continuous controversies as Democracy in Action?
Indeed, we could invite the makers of the next Batman sequel—The Dark Knight—to open here next summer.
Think of the resources and tie-ins: the Science Museum of Virginia (bat exhibits), the Children’s Museum (Caped Crusader days) and, of course, Theatre IV (play writing contest and Gotham-themed productions).
By embracing the mayoral contest –thinking outside the Bat Cave, so to speak—no matter who wins the election, in the end, we all win.
And maybe, just maybe, as the mayor keeps adding to his public relations staff, he’ll find another slush fund to give this caped campaign just the touch it needs:
A big spotlight to beam the mayor’s smiling face across the night sky over Shockoe Bottom.
Holy hanging chad, Batman! Even John and Hillary and Obama would come down from D.C. to see that.