Malcolm Harrison's About Face: "I don't think it's important that you choose an African American"

It's funny how things change. Consider Malcolm Harrison attacking Governor Haley Barbour on his judicial appointments eight months ago.

"He has not appointed any African Americans for judge in any of his 20 appointments. It’s sad that he cannot believe an African American could do the job. African Americans are more than qualified to serve on the Mississippi Court of Appeals, as well as any other judicial appointment. In fact, Mississippi Court of Appeals Chief Judge Leslie D. King is an African American—at least he was last time I checked. There are qualified people who are available, but the governor has seen fit not to even consider an African American in these positions." - Malcolm Harrison, Jackson Free Press 2/11/2009

"We know there were qualified African-Americans who can serve on the judiciary, and why African-Americans have not been appointed or even considered makes no sense to us. The Republican Party in Mississippi doesn't believe diversity is important, especially not in the judiciary in Mississippi." - Malcolm Harrison, Associated Press 2/23/2009

Now that Governor Haley Barbour has appointed him to a circuit court judge position in Hinds County, Malcolm Harrison has changed his tune.

[Harrison] said race was never a part of his discussion with Barbour or the governor's staff. "In my conversations with the governor, he was serious about appointing the best person for the job," Harrison said. "I think it's important to take all opinions into account, but also have a diverse pool in which you choose the best qualified candidates. I don't think it's important that you choose an African American, but I do think it's important to consider everyone." - Clarion Ledger 10/28/2009

Most hard working, qualified people don't want to think they got a job because of anything other than their qualifications. They don't want a job just because they're black, or white, or male, or female. They want to know they got the job because they were qualified. I'm sure Malcolm Harrison feels the same way. Certainly, that is what the Barbour Administration is saying.

"[Harrison] was chosen for the judgeship based on his qualifications," Barbour spokesman Dan Turner told The Associated Press.

Here are a few more quotes by Harrison on his selection.

"Race was not an issue. The Magnolia Bar has a position. Me personally with my interview with Governor Barbour race never came up, not once. I thought the process was fair and balanced." - Malcolm Harrison, WLBT 10/29/2009

"Race was not an issue. During my interview with Gov. Barbour, race never came up, not once. I thought the process was balanced and fair.” - - Malcolm Harrison, WAPT 10/29/2009