Marion Barry, the former mayor of Washington DC, died this morning. The Washington Post remembers him as “the most influential and savvy local politician of his generation,” and others seem to agree:
RIP Marion Barry – one of the best political strategists to come out of the civil rights movement. "Mayor for Life" DC will mourn him.
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) November 23, 2014
When you think of #MarionBarry remember that he cared about our youth. Summer jobs! Remember that he cared for seniors. He was tenacious.
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) November 23, 2014
So saddened to learn of the passing of Marion Barry. I can remember asking the Chairman to put me next to Barry on the dais.
— David Grosso (@cmdgrosso) November 23, 2014
RIP Marion Barry. DC has lost a legend and a fighter for the people.
— Maureen Umeh (@MaureenUmehFox5) November 23, 2014
RIP Marion Barry. He will be remembered despite his personal foibles, as a great mayor, councilman and man of the people.
— Karen Gray Houston (@kghnewsfoxx) November 23, 2014
A few tweeters, however, weren’t so quick to dismiss those foibles:
Former DC mayor Marion Barry, who was caught on video smoking crack cocaine, dies at 78 – more VIA @AP –> http://t.co/qq3JGo4Z5f
— Kris McCusker (@Kris680NEWS) November 23, 2014
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Mayor, felon, Councilman, Mayor again, self-described night owl, and a total piece of work — Marion Barry has passed from this life. RIP
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilson997) November 23, 2014
Barry was a prolific Twitter user whom we frequently covered here at Twitchy. In August, he accused police officer Daren Wilson of “executing” Ferguson, Mo., thug Michael Brown. In July, he likened living in DC to being a slave.
His final tweet, however, was apolitical:
@RonDoub thanks for your prayers and warm thoughts.
— Remembering Barry (@marionbarryjr) November 21, 2014
Related:
Marion Barry: It’s clear Michael Brown was executed
Marion Barry: Living in DC is pretty much the same as being a slave
Marion Barry has no love for Twitchy
Marion Barry: Let’s get rid of Filipino nurses along with those ‘dirty’ Asian shops
Marion Barry quadruples down on anti-Asian business attack
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