Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens gave his "state of the city" address in a typically "Atlanta Way" ... a flashy high society pep rally of sorts, with civic leaders and local music icons both in the wings and on the stage, too.

While he touched on (of course) all his perceived high marks (and there are enough, for sure), leave it to me to douse a little reality on the feting, too.

Oddly enough, though, his second-term fortunes could be transformational for both the city and metro area it anchors, plus provide a canvas for a liberal resurgence in the state and nationally, too.

Of course, there are the usual "anti-urban" right wing (and thus, 'man-made') obstacles to overcome, but Dickens has made alliances across the aisle before, so perhaps he can call in some favors?

I'll explain ...