Mayor Clark Howard?

WSB Radio consumer guru Clark Howard confirmed today to CL’s Scott Henry what has been rumored in political circles: He is giving serious thought to a run for mayor.

A radio talk-show host running for public office is usually an opportunity to poke a little fun at their overinflated egos and sense of self-worth. But in Clark Howard’s case, it’s different because he is very likely the most trusted person in Atlanta.

He’s smart, he’s personable, he knows his stuff and he certainly has more name recognition than anyone else out there. And he has a disarming amount of empathy.

In short, Clark Howard would make a very formidable candidate.

I wrote two feature stories on Howard for Atlanta magazine — one was a long cover story and the other involved taking a shopping trip with him to Costco and Sam’s Club. People ask me what he’s really like. Well, from my time with him, he’s exactly like he is on the air: genuine.

This is already shaping up to be a very interesting political season. There’s not only no clear-cut heir to Mayor Shirley Franklin, there’s every chance Atlanta will see its first white mayor since Sam Massell in 1972. To read Clark Howard’s comments, and to find out others who are sticking their toes in the water, check out Scott Henry’s story in this week’s CL.