Last week we considered how Marion Barry’s supporters would defend against the recent accusations that he failed a drug test late last year, a revelation that could land him in prison for 18 months. Today’s online newsletter from DC Watch features more debate on the matter, and new approaches to backing the former mayor.

The Post today described Barry’s longstanding struggles with drugs, alcohol, and women, noting that the Ward 8 council-member has consistently lost support from close friends and advisers since his troubles first began more than 20 years ago. Towards the end of the article is buried a gem, an insight into what some of Barry’s most fervent advocates may argue regarding his recent run-in with cocaine:

Some people are ready to rally around Barry and blame his latest troubles on the criminal justice system. As Barry left the hospital last week and climbed into an aide’s Jaguar, Howard Jackson, a self-described ex-pimp, was among a small group of admirers whooping and hollering.

“He didn’t fail that drug test. They planted it on him,” he insisted.

It was almost two weeks ago that Barry held a press conference in which he listed as his friends some of the city’s shadier characters, proclaiming:

There is a sort of an unwritten code in Washington, among the underworld and the hustlers and these other guys, that I am their friend.

Well, Marion, the underworld is coming out to your defense, and no one better than an ex-pimp to lead the charge.