Alvin Greene, Enigmatic South Carolina Senate Candidate, To Make First Public Speech

COLUMBIA, S.C. — U.S. Senate candidate Alvin Greene is making his first public speaking appearance in South Carolina since his unexpected Democratic nomination a month ago.

Greene said Monday he was invited by a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to speak at the group's monthly meeting Sunday in his hometown of Manning in the central part of the state.

Greene won unexpectedly by defeating a former state lawmaker in the June 8 primary. Greene will face GOP U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint.

State police last week cleared Greene of wrongdoing related to his campaign finances. Some had questioned how the unemployed veteran paid a $10,440 candidate filing fee.

Comments

[clsmithj]

11:47 AM on 07/13/2010

geese, this interview is a runaway train. I hope the DNC could give this man some better talking points.

I get the feeling that his opponent will be using these radio interviews as fodder come the looming election week.

[ceelynncee]

09:23 AM on 07/13/2010

I hereby declare my firm support for Alvin Greene for US Senate for my state of SC. I, like many have been hesitant to support him. We were all blindsided by his primary win and puzzled by his demeanor in interviews after his win. What won my support was his words. Yes, Alvin convinced me to support him by speaking. Listen to his latest interview from here http://www.wbt.com/larson/index.aspx

[HerbTee]

09:47 AM on 07/13/2010

Thank you Ceely for maintaining an open mind about Alvin Greene. Although I doubted your sincerity about Greene initially and made some rather strong statements towards you in that regard, let me publicly apologize to you for doubting your sincerity.

[ceelynncee]

09:55 AM on 07/13/2010

No problem Herb. You have been steadfast behind him since the beginning. I myself have been in the position of strongly defending a political candidate that others oppose. I know how hot things can get.

[mendelcrosses]

05:43 AM on 07/13/2010

Enigmatic?

I know English did not originate from America but I believe we have the freedom to use a dictionary when writing. What is it that is ENIGMATIC about this guy?

[HerbTee]

01:07 PM on 07/13/2010

Enigmatic: of or resembling an enigma; puzzling; mysterious.

Enigma: something hard to understand or explain; an inscrutable or mysterious person.

I'd say these definitions equate to Alvin Greene and his situation quite well, so what's your problem with the word?

[Big Game Hunter]

02:48 AM on 07/13/2010

Vote for Pedro!

[Nebris]

02:41 AM on 07/13/2010

I'll wager the SC GOP put pressure on the derail the obscenity charges for now because they don't want Greene's media profile raised any higher than it is, especially since the entire case is Black Guy Shows White Girl Dirty Pix. lol

The White House should really send Josh Molina and Rob Lowe down there to...oh, sorry, wrong channel.

[Nebris]

02:27 AM on 07/13/2010

This whole thing tracks like a viral marketing campaign for some 'underdog/feel good' movie.

[Texas4Obama]

01:57 AM on 07/13/2010

Excerpt:
"American voters and pundits are always saying that they want a politician with no ties to Washington DC lobbyist or entrenched party machines- a candidate that speaks plainly and get’s to the point without the apparent narcissistic hunger of a career politician… perhaps in 2010 Alvin Greene will show them exactly what that candidate is like."
http://weird-load.blogspot.com/

[Texas4Obama]

02:03 AM on 07/13/2010

Another excerpt from: http://weird-load.blogspot.com/

"Belt-way political gurus and establishment party pros treat this like any other race where the issues are all about the epic struggle between Republican and Democrat ideologues. Everyone seems to be focused on what Alvin Greene is not instead of who citizen Greene is. The South Carolina Senate race isn’t about political blood sport. This is about real life. Why does Alvin Greene matter? Because he is truly one of us- weird flaws and all. Since George H.W. Bush was famously asked to give the cost for a gallon of milk political reporters have been asking candidates the answer. When I asked Alvin last week he knew exactly how much a gallon cost both at the convenience store and at the grocery. Does candidate Alvin Greene feel your pain? You betcha. Alvin Greene lives the same pain the majority of American voters labor under… and he does so every day of his life."

[ceelynncee]

08:10 AM on 07/13/2010

One of my favorites from the above mentioned piece: “Korea needs to be unified like Germany.” Alvin told me. “What makes your position any different from Jim DeMint’s position?” I asked.

“I don’t think he has ever stood guard on the border there. I have. I lived in Korea while I was in the Army and I understand what is going on over there. I’ve seen North Korean tanks, has he?” My mind flashed to DeMint sitting in a Senate intel briefing looking at North Korean tanks that looked like tiny beetles on fuzzy satellite images.

[magggs]

12:32 AM on 07/13/2010

This guy proves when it comes to crazy, no party has a monopoly.

[spud62]

10:59 PM on 07/12/2010

Go for it Alvin. DeMint needs an a#s whippin'

[sparky73]

10:57 PM on 07/12/2010

I can't believe John McCain didn't pick him to run for VP

[MauricioC]

09:46 PM on 07/12/2010

He's giving a public speech? Uh oh......

[ceelynncee]

09:11 PM on 07/12/2010

Alvin Greene obscenity case postponed indefinitely. http://www2.wspa.com/news/2010/jul/12/us-senate-candidate-alvin-greenes-obscenity-trial--ar-570649/

[Aurical]

09:20 PM on 07/12/2010

Thanks for the knowledge, it's good to have friends on the inside.

[Demidan]

09:09 PM on 07/12/2010

Not to be out crazed by the GOP Democratic tinfoil model Alvin Greene steps up election rhetoric with his "Free Willy" stump speech.

[latia65]

08:56 PM on 07/12/2010

Maybe we'll a more clear understanding of his policies/senatorial run...maybe not.

[Dubman]

08:15 PM on 07/12/2010

I like him, he seem to be a decent soul. Looks like he's been through hard times. he ain't a chicken-hawk thats for sure. But he doesn't seem to be capable of taking the rough and tumble of political discourse in his stride which you have to. Ah but the voters are faced with a dilemma, vote for a democrat who has a good heart but doesn't seem to be competent (but he is competent academically) or vote for a republican. A dilemma indeed.

[HerbTee]

08:34 PM on 07/12/2010

Yes, it is a dilemma. Regardless of the outcome, whether he wins or loses against DeMint, I only wish to see Alvin Greene treated properly, respectfully, justly and fairly and be given every political opportunity to succeed just as those politicians of privileged, money, power and position are treated.

[Dubman]

08:43 PM on 07/12/2010

Absolutely. May we wish him good luck.

[ceelynncee]

08:59 PM on 07/12/2010

I agree with you on all points.

[Demidan]

09:10 PM on 07/12/2010

The Dems need a restless axe murder on their side for a change.