Robert Greenwald, and the folks over at Brave New Filmshave released a 2:15 minute compilation video of Harold Ford's statements and positions over the years, Meet Harold Ford, Jr.: Ann Coulter's Favorite Democrat.
An excellent introduction to New York voters in my estimation. More thoughts after the fold.
I want to be clear, I totally support the primary process, of course. It's a part of the Democratic process. Democratic primary voters totally have the option to choose that Democrat that represents their values. And I'm glad advocacy groups from NARAL, to Empire State Pride Agenda has been very proactive about getting out in front and educating their followers about who the better choice is in this (likely) primary contest.
I'm an unapologetic liberal, progressive, call it what you like. I want strong advocates for reproductive freedom, GLBT equality, diplomacy over war, smart policy over demagoguery.
Ford has played to the basest instincts in immigration issues, supporting using local law enforcement officers to pursue undocumented aliens (a totally unworkable solution in New York, where such pursuits would leave our officers with little time to do anything else). He also supported drilling in ANWAR for oil, a silly policy that sacrifices our environment and would have no effect on rising gas prices.
I view Ford as our party's Sarah Palin; spouts the talking points, with little concern (understanding?) of the implications of the policies advocated. And like Sarah Palin, he can largely credit good luck for his prominence, can lay claim to an alleged appeal to a minority demographic. He may become the preferred choice those who let good looks and fame blind them to bad policy and questionable character. They are both a popular choice among Republicans. Also.
Ford echoed Palin's infamous claim to foreign policy credentials defined by promiximity. Asked in a disastrous New York Times interview if he'd ever traveled to New York City's outerboroughs he replied:
Have you traveled all five boroughs?
A. I will tell you what I did. I was able to do it. Kelly had a — Chief Kelly, Commissioner Kelly — invited, I guess, business people in the city, including Sir. Harold Evans, in my group. We spent the afternoon with the special operations force, and so I had the chance to helicopter to various areas in the boroughs. The only place I have not spent considerable time is Staten Island.
Q. Have you been to Staten Island?
A. I landed there in the helicopter, so I can say yes.
So Ford can see Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx from his executive outing in a helicopter! Got it New Yorkers? This interview promises to haunt Ford as Palin's bouts with Katie Couric did her.
Even by New York standards, with it's history of carpetbaggers, Ford pushes the envelope, having registered only six weeks ago as a New York voter. In fact, Ford's claims of three years of residence in the state may in fact be leading him to trouble. The Commerical Appeal of Memphis, TN is reporting Harold Ford Jr.'s voting record refutes residency claim. Ford voted as recently as November 2008 in Tennessee. Problem is, TN has residency requirements for voting in state, and doing so while not in residence is a crime. The source reports they have fielded calls from the New York Times and the New York Daily News about this story. I'm guessing it will become a bigger problem for Ford.
But putting aside the carpetbagger issue, Ford has himself, failed to make a cognizant case for why, given there are already two home-grown Democrats in the race, Kirsten Gillibrand and Jonathan Tasini, he offers a more attractive option.
Is it because he promises to thwart Harry Reid's leadership of the Democratic caucus? As Anthony Weiner says, the last thing we need another Joe Lieberman in the Senate.
Is it because there is an outcry in New York for the cutting of corporate taxes as Ford is currently advocating?
Can he hope to ride the popularity of his status as a Wall Street insider?
Ford also it hitting Gillibrand on her health care reform votes. Does he imagine opposing health care reform is a winning plank to securing the Democratic nomination?
Update: Breaking news! This reporter has uncovered evidence that Ford's helicopter actually landed on Governors Island, a small island, also in the New York Harbor. It remains to be seen whether this shocking disclosure that Helicopter Harold has never, in fact laid a foot on Staten Island will have any effect on his appeal to those constituents. The campaign is scramble to address this serious blow to his local credentials. Updates to come. (Source: snark.)