Ford endorses Lieberman

[femmedem]

Ford supports Lieberman in Connecticut Senate race

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Democratic U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. said he supports Sen. Joe Lieberman as he runs as an independent for his Connecticut U.S. Senate seat.

"I support Joe Lieberman. He knows that. I've made that clear from the very beginning," Ford said Monday on the radio talk show of conservative host Steve Gill.

Ford's U.S. Senate campaign confirmed Tuesday that Ford was endorsing Lieberman over Democratic nominee Ned Lamont.

more at http://www.theday.com/re_ap.aspx?re=/C/CT_CONNECTICUT_SENATE_FORD_CTOL-

[williesgirl]

1. WTF! How can he justify this with Dems contributing to his candicacy?

[Buzz Clik]

164. Ford is a consummate politician. He goes with a winner.

I personally think Lieberman should lose, but he isn't. So, what's the choice? Make an enemy for no friggin' reason?

I have had my butt chapped here at DU for suggesting that Lieberman should be shunned from the Dem caucus if he wins. But Ford is being chastised for supporting him?

The DU is a microcosm of the Democratic Party in general: lots of loud, angry voices talking all at once with no focus at all.

[FredScuttle]

166. I think DU is the purest embodiment of the Democratic Party

We support DEMOCRATS

Lieberman is no longer a Democrat. He's insulting the Democrats in Connecticut and across the nation. And Ford is rightly castigated here for supporting a self-centered egomaniac like Lieberman. A pox on them both.

[JNelson6563]

177. In a way you are right

...the Democratic Party in general: lots of loud, angry voices talking all at once with no focus at all.

Yep and it's actions like Ford's that make it so. Lieberman is not the Democratic candidate and Ford's endorsed him. So much for team spirit.

One way for the Dem party to get our shit together is to maybe at least agree we will support Democrats during the election season.

I think Ford is a self-serving ass-wipe for doing this. We have too many self-serving ass-wipes in this party.

Julie

[goforit]

2. Ford sucks royally!

[Imagevision]

80. Got a Link???

[Imagevision]

82. link is bogus...

[femmedem]

90. Don't know why the link's not working, but try this:

http://www.theday.com/

Scroll down to CT AP news on the right. Try opening it from the Day's site, where I found it.

[wndycty]

3. Lets see, Democrats in TN are more conservative. . .

...this is not going to hurt him, also what are TN Democrats going to do, vote for his opponent? I'm not thrilled with this, but its also not worth all the DU hate Ford is about to receive.

[pnwmom]

16. I agree. His state is far more conservative than CT, and his endorsement

will mean little to CT voters. On the other hand, it fits with his straight-down-the-middle approach to the Tennessee voters.

People should keep their eyes on the goal. Any Democrat elected to the House puts us one step closer to a majority. His positions on the individual issues are of lesser importance; and particularly this one, which won't have an influence on anything (except possibly this election).

[amandabeech]

152. Make that the Senate.

If Ford picks up Tennessee, that's one vote closer to majority status and control of the committees.

I wonder if there was any campaign cash hanging on Ford's endorsement.

[BootinUp]

18. agreed.

not thrilled either.

[IndianaGreen]

30. So what? All Ford has to do was to keep his mouth shut and say nothing!

But he had to go beyond the pale and publicly endorse Judas Joe. Well, welcome the new Judas!

[pnwmom]

51. I see it differently, IndianaGreen.

I think it's a cost-free way to rack up a conservative credential, in a tight race against a Rethug who is trying to portray Ford as a liberal. (We know that it's laughable to think Ford is a liberal, but the average voter in TN doesn't.)

Ford knows that his endorsement of Lieberman won't matter a bit to voters in CT, where he is virtually unknown. But it's a way to help establish his independence in the eyes of the TN voters, who could be the voters who put Senate control back in the hands of Democrats.

If Ford plays his cards right. And so far, he is.

[IndianaGreen]

61. Endorsing a pro-choice Jew is not the way to "rack up conservative

credentials."

Those fundies tolerate Jews just because they fear Jesus would punish them, but they would never vote for a Jew, even a Republican one. On top of all that, Lieberman's pro-choice bona fides make him anathema to all the fundies.

Ford's endorsement of Judas Joe gains him nothing in Tennessee, and puts him in the position of supporting someone that said that the will of Democratic primary voters don't mean shit.

This is a lose-lose self-inflicted situation for Ford, and he will pay for it down the road.

[pnwmom]

69. Sure it is, if the person in question is Joe Lieberman, who has lots of

fundie supporters.

You probably won't be any happier about this, but this interview puts this endorsement into some perspective.

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/10/17/233026.shtml?s=ic

"I support Joe Lieberman . . . and I’ve made that clear from the very beginning,” Ford told Nashville talk radio host, Steve Gill.

"Ford made this announcement when he stopped by the WLAC Nashville studio to talk with Gill about his own campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

'Gill questioned Ford’s initiative to become an "independent voice” as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate in the aftermath of the Democrats behavior toward "independent voice” Joe Lieberman.

"Ford supported Lieberman in his primary race, but has previously declined to endorse Lieberman in the general election campaign."


So Ford's endorsement of Lieberman is a way to show his independence. DU'ers might not like it, but we're still better off than if Corker wins the seat.

[Clark2008]

120. Actually, it does. Almost all Republicans who say they're NOW

Independents or Libertarians LOVE Joe Schmoe here. I work with four of them. They LOVE Joe. And I know of at least two of the four who will be voting for Ford.

Trust me - I'm in Tennessee.

I don't like it, but I understand it and will be voting for Ford this Saturday.

[Libby2]

157. Same here, I'm not thrilled with Ford.

Not at all.
But I certainly am not voting for Corker.

[Radical Activist]

76. True, but

its another reminder why having a Democratic majority won't be enough on the tough issues because Democrats like Ford will desert the party on controversial votes.

[pnwmom]

84. It won't be enough. Why? Because Bush will veto anything he doesn't

like -- even if we keep people like Ford on board -- and we would need 2/3 vote to override. What does that mean? That DU'ers are going to have another couple of very frustrating years at the very least, because anything we are able to pass will be a COMPROMISE.

[tnlefty]

89. All this fiasco has taught me is that in all of the years that I voted for

the winner of a primary, you know, 'you fall in love during the primary and then fall in line for the general' is totally out the window now. Ford could've said nothing or he could have said that he supports the primary process, but he didn't do that he just stated his support for an independent candidate.

It will hurt him later as far as I'm concerned, and this whole boatload of bullshit of not respecting the will of democratic primary voters, nor the results of those primaries, i.e. backing the nominees, will have repercussions for quite a while.

[Clarkie1]

107. If it's a good strategic move for his TN race, I'm all for it.

I don't know enough about the dynamics in TN to know, but that's the only justification for such a move.

[aquart]

4. So. Turns out Harold is a fool.

[pnwmom]

19. No, it turns out that he's a centrist. Which is smart, given that he's

a black Democrat running in a very conservative state. Do you think Jesse Jackson could win in Tennessee?

[AtomicKitten]

20. I reluctantly agree -- but it turns my stomach

If he was in my state, I wouldn't vote for him, but then again I wouldn't live in a red state. I understand the logistics of this and it probably will play well in his state but, damn.

[pnwmom]

27. But if dire circumstances had placed you in TN

then you would vote for him over Corker any day.

At least, that's what I think!

[AtomicKitten]

36. I'm lucky because I live in California & that hypothetical doesn't apply

I love Harold Ford. I really do. It's just tough to digest the fact that he endorsed the Dem candidate that LOST the Dem primary in Connecticut and refuses to get out of the race. That really bites. Better he should have zipped it on this one.

[Clark2008]

121. Some of us have to live in a red state - there are other factors

besides politics.

And - to be quite honest, we're not a "red" state. Our govenor and our state house is Democratically controlled.

[FredScuttle]

172. And what of Connecticut?

Do you care a whit that Ford's endorsement may gain Joementum additional votes in Connecticut? What about the Democratic voters there?

I guess self-centered, short-sighted bullshit isn't limited to the Lieberman campaign.

[aquart]

24. He's in Tenn.......and he reached out to endorse in Conn.?

Because ........run that by me again?

[pnwmom]

26. It helps define him as a centrist in TN -- where the other side

wants to paint him falsely as a liberal -- while making no difference to the CT citizens who will be doing the voting.

It's a cost-free centrist credential.

[Zhade]

105. And WOW, we sure wouldn't want to combat the lie that 'liberal' is bad!

Such political cowardice - no wonder the country's circling the drain, with short-sighted views like that.

[CTLawGuy]

162. no we wouldn't

that might take guts, and risks, and if we take risks, we might LOSE!

Heavens!

[fuzzyball]

37. You seem to sell out your convictions just to get a few votes?

The worlds oldest profession does that.

[Cha]

44. Ah, "the world's oldest profession"..

Let's see..we got the mediawhores, the powerhungrywhores, and just the plain ol' average everyday kinda ...

[pnwmom]

46. I think Democrats need to play to win. And to quit

calling each other names. It's the Republicans who are the enemy, not the Democrats who happen to be on the centrist side.

[fuzzyball]

65. So, any dirty trick to win is OK? How about breaking into their office ala

tricky dick Nixon? Oh its just to make sure we win.
How about lieing about our agenda...oh just to win.
How about planting spies in the opposition team? Oh..just to win.

Are you getting my drift?

I would rather have our candidate be honest with the voters,
tell them exactly what we stand for, and then may be the voters
will start trusting the politicians again. No wonder the current
crop of politicians are the lowest in trust by the voters.

[pnwmom]

72. It's not a dirty trick, it's a way to assert his independence.

"We" stand for different things in different states. And each candidate has his or her own positions on the issues. The Democratic party is much more diverse than a lot of DU'ers want it to be.

[leesa]

79. Independence is supporting a traitor?

[pnwmom]

86. No. But I don't accept your premise.

Lieberman isn't a traitor, he's just an egotistical prick who thinks he has the support of a majority of CT voters.

[FredScuttle]

167. Lieberman pissed in the face of the Democratic voters in CT

if that ain't the definition of party treason, I don't know what is.

[Telly Savalas]

153. Ford is the guy saying he doesn't want the Democratic nominee in CT

to win.

He's doing a lot more to undermine party unity than posters in this thread.

[howmad1]

74. Centrist!

Shit, I am so friggin fed up with this centrist bullshit. I see how far centrism has gotten the Democratic party in the last 6 years. Face it, Ford is a "Blue Dog" democrat. Let me interpret that; a "reach-across-the-isle" guy who will get his face ripped off by the very rethuglican dogs he's trying to reach. Sure wish he would have kept his big mouth shut for a change and not tried to reach across the isle. Totally unnecessary and stupid comment.

[leesa]

78. No it is not SMART, it is just disgusting. It is without morality. It is

without proper ethics.

[sampsonblk]

154. "Every man for himself..."

is not a good strategy.

Just my opinion, but this is short-sighted and unwise. The same "strategy" that has helped us lose so badly for the past 12 years. It tells me that he'll say anything to pick up few votes in this cycle, and he'll say any anything - even the complete opposite - to gain a few the next time around.

[Janice325]

5. Uh oh!

I wonder if this will cost Ford his election bid.
I think it's a really stupid move on his part.
The jackass.

[madrchsod]

6. another democrat who is willing to sell out the party.

good luck tennesse....

[pnwmom]

17. Would you rather have a Republican win that election? That won't help

us gain a majority in the Senate.

[CTLawGuy]

25. why don't you ask Harry why he wants the Dem to lose in CT?

Way to go, Harry. Way to make it harder to keep our party together in the next presidential election.

if my guy doesn't win Ill just vote for my guy as an independent.

Jerk.

[pnwmom]

32. Ford knows that what he says won't make a bit of difference in CT or the

rest of the country. CT voters aren't going to vote for Lieberman because some TN Congressman told them to.

But taking a pro-Lieberman stance WILL help him in TN, where Corker is trying to paint Ford as a liberal. Endorsing Lieberman helps solidify Ford's credentials as a centrist, which is the only way he can win in conservative TN.

[fuzzyball]

43. Stop making excuses for Ford who just endorsed a NON-DEMOCRAT

[pnwmom]

47. Big deal. No one in CT will care. If it helps Ford win TN, great.

The Senate majority is the bottom line.

[Clark2008]

123. I'm glad you don't live here. I don't WANT Bob Corker as my

next senator, thank you.

[FredScuttle]

173. but you're happy with Lieberman representing CT

Glad to see you only interested in getting yours. Who's looking out for the party's best interest again?

[Vidar]

7. There'll be time to deal with such traitors later.

[cali]

33. Traitor?

Fuck that kind of hyperbole. It enrages me when people call someone they disagree with a traitor, and it's such an other place kind of turn of phrase.

[pnwmom]

48. You're right, Cali.

There's a lot of over-reacting around here.

[FredScuttle]

168. Excuse me?

Who bolted the party? Us or that fucking traitor Lieberman?

[Hippo_Tron]

8. Nothing new and frankly I don't give a shit

Ford has many many problems but I can't handle 6 years of Bob Corker as my Senator or Mitch McConell as Senate Majority Leader. I'm a huge Lamont supporter and really want him to beat the ever increasingly arrogant ass Joe Lieberman but this election isn't just about Connecticut. Ford is gettting my vote.

[Tom Rinaldo]

9. Yeah I alrady knew that

His republican opponent would also, plus vote for another Frist type with certainty. That's as good a way of dealing with this as I can muster.

[Totally Committed]

10. DLC DINO...

Expect it. No matter who's elected in TN, a Republican will serve the term. Make no mistake about it.

TC

[pnwmom]

52. The person will be a conservative, but if it's Ford he will be a Democrat

and possibly the vote that gives us a Senate majority -- and the leadership of every committee, subpoena power, and control of all the legislation that goes out.

[Totally Committed]

117. As I said in another thread about this same point:

I agree! If you're gonna have a Republican elected no matter which candidate wins, you might as well have the candidate win who will help this Party win a majority.

Just lucky I don't live in TN. I wouldn't be able to cast a vote for ole Harold without the use of a barf bag.

TC

[politicasista]

11. He has to get the conservative Dem vote

I don't agree with this move, but this is one of the ways he can get elected. The Corker ads are painting him as a left-leaning liberal, but for him to get elected, he has to get the conservative vote.

[hijinx87]

12. well THERE is an unexpected development.

I wonder what the heck prompted that?

[pnwmom]

21. Someone probably asked him a question. Anyway, it establishes his

centrist credentials, without which he could never win in such a conservative state, in a way that does no harm to anyone. Voters in CT certainly aren't going to make their decision based on what a little known House member from Tennessee says.

[Pithy Cherub]

31. It doesn't make him centrist.

It makes him conservative. As a person of color, Ford is not inspirational to me but only my family and friends live in Tennesee. Many will hold their nose and vote for him - but they didn't give him money. Obama inspires them much more.

[pnwmom]

41. Let's assume you're right (even though Lieberman has a 75% rating

on progressive issues, according to www.progressivepunch.com, compared to the average Republican, whose score is 15% or below).

Would you rather have a conservative Democratic Senator from Tennessee, or a conservative Republican Senator? Which will help us get a Democratic majority?

No one in CT is going to vote for Lieberman because a little known House member from TN endorsed him. But if this helps Ford get elected in conservative TN -- good. We'll be one vote closer to a majority.

[Pithy Cherub]

54. Ford is a traitor and will caucus with the Dems.

Liberman said, if elected, he would too. Dirty Birds of a feather. You can't trust them with important votes. But if that is who Tennessee chooses, fine, but don't expect an extra push for Ford because his principles are made from saltwater taffy. My post said people would hold thier nose to vote for him, but they certainly don't have to be proud of voting for such a turd.

[pnwmom]

70. DUers will have to hold their noses, but plenty of more

conservative Democrats and independents will not.

Concerning important votes. Having control of committees will be extremely important, because those Committee chairmen control what comes out of committee in the first place. The Military Commissions Act, for example, would never have seen the light of day if there had been Democrats in charge of the key committees.

But even if we have a majority in both houses, we'd need a supermajority -- a 2/3 majority -- to override a Bush veto. So we can't expect that with "control" we'll be able to pass anything we want. As long as Bush has his veto power, we're stuck compromising with the Republicans. And DU'ers are going to be upset with a lot of Democratic votes.

[Pithy Cherub]

116. Ford voted for MAC so he is pro-torture too!

At least we know who not to be proud of upon election day. And it is far far beyond DU'ers who are holding their nose and voting for the tainted one with the D next to his name.

[Clark2008]

124. Um - didn't Obama CAMPAIGN for Lieberman?

:eyes:

[Pithy Cherub]

131. not since the primary

:eyes:

[Clark2008]

137. Well, that's still more than Harold Ford did.

Ford hasn't set foot in Connecticut.

[Pithy Cherub]

138. Nope that asshole just went on IMUS to say he supported

Joementum.

[Clark2008]

158. Actually, he said he hasn't given it much thought - he is running

his own campaign. Read all of what he said.

[Pithy Cherub]

176. Obviously he couldn't resist talking about it.

No restraint means poor judgment. Shutting up is easier than even throwaway comments that cause damage.

[pnwmom]

144. Why should he? Virtually no one has heard of him there, he's just another

TN rep. I can't see his endorsement as doing anything for Lieberman. It would be a big yawn.

On the other hand, Obama was introduced to the nation at the Democratic convention and has been Senator for two years. He attracts crowds wherever he goes.

[pnwmom]

146. Obama hasn't supported him since he lost the primary.

[ChiciB1]

13. We're Ta;king TN Here... I Don't Like It But I Knew He Was DLC

and still want him to win! Maybe in time he will be able to be more forceful and become more DNC!

I know this sucks cause I can't bear the thought of Mr. Lie winning, but then I HAVE to vote for Bill Nelson myself! Not a happy vote for me here, wish we had SOMEBODY running instead of Bill Nelson, but ANYTHING over Cruella! I've had her in my face for far too long!!!

If we get lucky here in District 13, Christine Jennings (another DLC) will take over and we will have a Congressperson with a D behind her name. That is BIG news! But I'm a cynic and won't get too excited until I see it actually happens! She used to be an R, but changed... been living with these kinds for a long time now.

[bobbolink]

14. Geeeee, wouldn't he just make a GREAT president.

:eyes:

Where is all the support now?

[sfwriter]

15. Well he just lost money here!

My wife and I were discussing how much we planned to give and where here in the final weeks. I said TN and VA Dems needed it. We planned to write the checks tonight.

But I'm sorry, I can't do it now. We'll give more to unseat Allen in VA I guess.

[ChiciB1]

22. I Know How You Feel... I Commented Above, But My Question Is

why is this in the news right now??? Was he asked about it or did he volunteer? I do want him to win, however if he simply decided to "blurt" this out right now I wonder what is going on!!

Is he getting cover from someone or some group for doing this?? This sounds like "shades of Hillary" and it IS upsetting! I feel like Ford isn't as DINO as we think, but look where I am???

Anyone know why now???

[sfwriter]

58. He's running a POLITICAL campaign....

Based on calculations not commitment. It just makes me sick.

Clinton (Bill) is doing the same thing. He won't endorse Lamont.

[pnwmom]

87. If you want to win political campaigns you have to run political campaigns

There's no other way to do it.

[sfwriter]

106. Well I don't have to fund them...

I can wait for someone who I can trust not to cut a deal instead of representing me. I have limited dollars. They are going to VA.

Hey yall! If Ford loses, it's my fault. Be sure to let him know why.

[pnwmom]

110. You're not the only one he would be representing. That's the problem.

But of course you can donate to whomever you want. All of us donate selectively.

[sfwriter]

112. I don't see a problem. eom

[pnwmom]

113. The problem is that he's running for a state office, and he'll be

representing (and needs votes from) lots of people who are much more conservative than you are. Some of them will be more likely to vote for them if they think he's going to be a centrist.

[FredScuttle]

169. If he's running for national office

he should act as a Democratic candidate should and either support the DEMOCRATIC candidate in the state race or keep his fucking mouth shut.

Ford is a fucking tool.

[rinsd]

23. Instapundit has been pimping Ford of late. (nt)

[IndianaGreen]

28. Screw Ford then!

No money for the traitorous scum!

[cali]

35. Oh, gee yet another

gratuitous use of the traitor label, and just charming to throw in the scum word.

[FredScuttle]

170. What else would you call someone who supports the Lieberman insurrection?

Why are you defending the insult being waged against the Democratic voters in CT?

[usregimechange]

62. WWNLD?

What Would Ned Lamont Do?

[Clarkie1]

108. Are you joking? nt

[Bucky]

109. No, I think they mean screw Ford literally. The ladies seem to like him.

Personally, I don't see it. I wouldn't do a Ford. I'd do a Lincoln

[osaMABUSh]

29. Hello! He wants to get elected in TN . Smart move IMO

Hey dudes, let's just win the Senate and not bicker and argue over Ford's tatics

[IndianaGreen]

45. By endorsing Judas Joe, Ford has also endorsed torture

and becomes an enabler of war crimes.

[tritsofme]

63. You are a enabler of war crimes

by voting for any Democrat who caucuses with any other Democrat that voted for the torture bill, you give tacit support to him by voting with those who caucus with them.

Or at least that's the way I follow your "logic"

[IndianaGreen]

68. The last thing our republic needed was another "good German"

enabling the Bush dictatorship.

[pnwmom]

73. The best way to dis-enable the Bush dictatorship is to win majorities

in the House and Senate. And if Ford wins and that puts us over the top, so be it.

[IndianaGreen]

150. I am not disputing that, I am merely decrying the fact that Ford

chose evil over righteousness, and that he has done what we progressives are often accused of: not support the nominee. Since Ford is DLC, he won't be punished for supporting the Likud candidate instead of the Democratic candidate.

[CTLawGuy]

179. Lest we forget...

When IWR was passed... Dems were in the majority in the senate!

Point is: getting a majority for majority's sake is not the solution we think it is.

People are behaving extremely shortsightedly. The long term damage will come later when disillusioned Dems flock to the Greens becase "even when you win primaries, you can't get change."

[pnwmom]

49. Totally agree.

[pnwmom]

34. If we're going to win more elections, we have to take off our idealistic

hats at least every two years and put on our practical, political hats.

DU'ers get up in arms because a black man running for Senator in Tennessee takes some conservative positions. The sad truth is that ANYONE who gets elected to the Senate from TN is going to be much more conservative than we would like. The only question is: do we want this centrist-conservative (or worse) Senator to be a Democrat or a Republican?

[leesa]

83. Right. The old foolish, "lets be Republicans to win against Republicans

It is what has made Americans think there is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE between the parties. This IDIOTIC philosophy.

[pnwmom]

91. Ford is more progressive than his opponent Corker, but

more conservative than most Democrats in other states. In general, Democrats are more progressive than Republicans but there has always been some overlap in the middle.

Ford looks like a DINO to DUers but to red state Tenneeseeans, he's as far left as they can turn.

Politics is local.

[pampango]

111. "lets be Republicans to win against Republicans" I have heard exactly

that many times at DU. Usually it involves election tactics, e.g. "we have to be nasty, because that's what Republicans do", "no holds barred", "out the hypocrites". I often read that we must do something because the Reps did it, are doing it, or will do it whether we do it or not.

I think that a Republican would not hesitate to endorse an "independent" in a far-away race, when the endorsement has no practical effect on that race, if it would enhance his chances at winning his own election. You are entitled to your opinion that a Dem should run a more high-minded, consistent to principles campaign whether it helps win the election locally or not.

[DeSwiss]

122. pnwmom, the problem for Ford is voters like me.....

....I'm casting my vote early today. I had decided yesterday that in spite of the fact that I disagree with Jr. on a number of issues, I was going to vote for him. I had overcome all my internal objections and decided to do the RIGHT thing. Now I'm not so sure. While I agree that practicality should rule in most instances with general elections, there are also times when one must have the ovaries/testicles to stand up for truth.

What he in fact is saying with this JoeBlows endorsement is that he supports the undermining of the Connecticut Democrats and their decision to support Lamont. What if that had been the case for him here in TN? While the decision to support Lamont by Hillary, Kerry and others may have been a no-brainer in their obviously more liberal states, they were lukewarm at best. And they did so by saying they were respecting and supporting the will of Democrats of Connecticut. Jr. could have simply said the same thing. Why should anyone support TN Democrat's decision to advance Jr. forward to the Senate, if he won't do the same for the Democrats of Connecticut?

Joe Lieberman is a traitor to the party. I gag when I think of having pulled the lever for him for Vice-President in 2000. I would never, ever, ever under any circumstances vote for Republican. Certainly not Corkscrew of Chattanooga. But I can withhold my vote from Ford. I won't know if I will until I have the ballot in my hand. I am truly disappointed.....

~DeSwiss
(A "LIBERAL" black man in TN)

[Clark2008]

125. Do you WANT Bob Corker? Do you? Have you watched him

in the debates? He's nearly as dumb as Bush!

Look - Ford may have some conservative positions, but he gets high marks on education and civil rights AND he's pro-choice.

He's also another mark on the Democratic side.

A vote for Ford is a vote for Leahy as Judicial Committee Chair. OK?

So go vote and vote for Jr.

[DeSwiss]

132. Clark2008, I know, I know, I know.......

....that's what makes this so tough!

Well, I'm off to vote. Let me get a clothes pin first.....

[Clark2008]

143. Thank you.

:)

Rather a clothes pin than a whole closet full of wingnuts!

:hug:

[Cha]

38. I don't care how "conservative" the Dems

in Tennessee are..the lieman's brand of conservatism is lapdog, drooling kissy face bush.

And lieman isn't even a DEM..but thanks for basing anything on reality, ford.

[pnwmom]

50. Does that mean you don't care if Corker wins?

Because that's the only alternative. Ford -- a Democrat too conservative to suit you -- or Corker -- even more conservative, and a key to maintaining the Republican majority.

[Cha]

53. Oh please.

[Clark2008]

126. Don't "Oh please" me. I live in Tennessee and with your

attitude, I'm glad you DON'T.

I am voting for Ford because I don't want another six years of a Republican idiot who represents NOTHING of what I believe in. At least Ford will represent me about 90 percent of the time.

[DeSwiss]

139. Okay Clark, you won me over. I'm done...

...it was really fast today with the rain. Hardly anyone there and I voted and was in and out in about 15 minutes.

And yes, I voted for Jr. I thought about Frist all the way over and believe me, it helped.

~DeSwiss

[Clark2008]

145. Thank you again.

I know Ford's not perfect, but I know him fairly well and he IS a decent guy. He's just VERY politically astute and he's running the way he has to in a state that has little to no non-conservative media. He has picked his battles well.

In fact, I think that if the Dems get control, we'll see a more liberal Ford - but he can't be too liberal because he represents Tennessee and, well, despite the fact that you and I live here (LOL!) most of our brethern aren't all that liberal. :)

[ncteechur]

39. We need Ford to win. I don't Lieberman to win BUT I'd rather

Ford win and if he has to say that to win-so be it.

My hope is a Ford win and a Lamont win.

[pnwmom]

42. I agree. And I bet Lamont does, too.

He knows that what some TN House member says won't matter to the CT electorate.

And they'll both be better off if they end up with a Senate majority.

[ncteechur]

40. We need Ford to win. I don't Lieberman to win BUT I'd rather

Ford win and if he has to say that to win-so be it.

My hope is a Ford win and a Lamont win.

[Catchawave]

55. "AP article not Found" Hmmmmm.....

Or the link is not working for me? Tried a Yahoo and Google search too, but no such article showed up for me.

[femmedem]

88. Try this:

http://www.theday.com/

Then scroll down to Connecticut AP news on the right.

[Catchawave]

98. Thanks, I didn't think about going back to the home page.

I think Ford is afraid to endorse the Democratic Nominee, because Ned is being ripped by the GOP as the MoveOn.org candidate. Accccck, this may hurt Ford with the Dems, but he's still better than the GOP guy! Go Ford, anyhow :D

[DancingBear]

56. "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?"

-Johnny Rotten-

You want a DINO, boys and girls, you got one.

Shoulder to shoulder with Conyers - what a laugh.

Just wait until he votes to help end any Bush investigations - and he will.

Then you can tell us all again how it's so important to have him in Congress, and how he has to "be that way" because he is from Tennessee and they won't support a real progressive.

How many times are you going to keep changing into dry clothes before you realize the roof leaks?

[pnwmom]

75. His individual votes on anything won't matter

as much as the fact that if he helps us get a majority in the Senate, then we'll have people like Ted Kennedy and Patrick Leahy in charge of committees again, instead of the drek we have now.

[truebrit71]

114. unfortunately you are right...until we get the majority back...

..we will have to put up with this sort of DINO crap...once we get the reins the DINO's can go pound sand...

[pnwmom]

140. Unfortunately, it's even worse.

Getting the majority won't stop Bush from vetoing anything he wants. We'd need to have a 2/3 majority to override.

So we'll be stuck having to bargain with the devil. DU'ers, including me, will still be in torment.

[Divine Discontent]

57. as the more common voice on here seems to suggest

I wish he wouldn't have spoken out, but it doesn't hurt in his race, if anything it'll help a tiny bit. In this instance, as it's an ODD one, the Conn. dem voters chose the OTHER guy Lamont over Lieberman, and therefore Ford should STFU, but he's far from a traitor, save that talk for the WH gang of criminals.

[Guaranteed]

59. See? There are reasons for the anti-DLC rhetoric.... nt

[usregimechange]

60. If you are in TN though, vote for a Dem majority. We need this race

[Imagevision]

64. Ford's Lieberman endorsement is fu*king mind-boggling!!!!!

[snowbear]

66. Mind-boggling, but nothing but a shrewd and savvy move....

And like the Boston Globe said today...

"Now that Ford thinks endorsing Lieberman is politically in his best interests he has belatedly jumped on board"

Let Ford win for crying out loud!!!!!

After the dirtball ASSHOLE Rethugs have lost their majority, you'll understand why HF, Jr. had to battle like Hell to win that seat!

Did any of the articles say that HF, Jr. would be going out on the trail on behalf of Lieberman? NO -- they just stated that he responded to the whining of the THUGS to say whether he'd support him or not.

Use your heads -- Ford in running is Tenne-fucking-see, not Connecticut!!!

[pnwmom]

77. Right. If Ted Kennedy and Patrick Leahy become committee chairmen

again, we'll no doubt have people like Harold Ford to thank.

[snowbear]

85. Yup! BTW... great responses from you pnwmom!!

It's nice to know that some of the gang here can see the forest through the tree's and understand what the hell he's doing!

As for all of those bashing HF, Jr. so much (you know who you are) ... you sound like attendees at a friggin' Corker event and you're doing nothing but pumping up the THUGS and the freeps who lurk here.

<---- NO!

<--- YES !!!!!!!!

[pnwmom]

93. You, too, Larissa.

Your strong response below came through like a breath of fresh air. I think some DUers need a refresher class in Politics 101.

[FredScuttle]

171. You must be kidding

and if Ford's endorsement wins that traitor Lieberman even one vote, it will be a decision we will rue for ages.

Thanks a lot, Harold Ford - you fucking tool!

[rzemanfl]

67. I saw the subject line and thought Gerald and who gives a shit. nt

[talk hard]

182. hhahahah me to

[snowbear]

71. Those who think Ford was wrong, you should NEVER run campaigns !!!!!

And I mean ---- NEVER!!!!!!! http://eliteleague.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/duh!.gif

Obviously those who are bitching and belly-aching would make the WORST frigging political analysts Democrats could ever ask for !!!

People are always amazed at dipshits like Karl Rove and how they are able to manipulate elections so effectively.

Yet look at the (small handful fortunately) of DU'es jumping on here to scream bloody murder stating that Harold Ford, Jr. is "supporting torture".

Real smart move.

The DU'ers bitching and moaning about Ford responding to continual questions from the THUGS sound like they have no clue on WHY they are so interested in him responding.

----> You and I both know what they wanted!!!!

They wanted Ford to say that he supports Lamont so they could crank out the "Liberal" commercials in very red Tennessee.

Now, they are left with NOTHING.

GAWD... I just cannot believe some people on DU....

[pnwmom]

81. There often does seem to be a lack of common sense.

Or political know-how.

[tnlefty]

96. Then may I suggest that you hop your happy ass down here and fix it

all for us then?

[pnwmom]

104. Tennessee could have the first Democratic Senator in how many years?

Sounds like things are finally getting on track.

[Clark2008]

127. I'm in Tennessee - and I hope you're voting for Ford.

eom

[FrenchieCat]

92. I NEED A LINK TO THIS ARTICLE....IT DOES NOT SHOW UP

WHEN I GOOGLED IT!

YES, I'M SHOUTING! NOW GIVE IT TO ME!

[snowbear]

95. Frenchie =^..^=

It's not the same one that the OP had, but here's an article from today's Boston Globe.

Pretty evident that Ford just made the statement to shut the THUGS up and that he's doing absolutely nothing as far as campaigning for Lieberman..

Boston Globe - http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2006/10/18/ford_supports_lieberman_in_connecticut_senate_race/

[AtomicKitten]

100. thanks for the link

Not a ringing endoresement after all, eh? That'll show to go me. Kinda puts it into perspective.

[Clark2008]

128. Yeah - lukewarm, at best

"I don't know how much clearer I can be on this. I'm running for the United States Senate. I really haven't focused on (other races). I have my hands full," Ford told reporters Aug. 9, adding that he was a Democrat who supported Democrats.

To that I say, STFW? :shrug:

[bigwillq]

94. LOL! I thought the subject line meant Ford cars.

What a shame.

I thought Ford was better than that.

[CTLawGuy]

97. there are 2 things wrong with this:

1. This move validates the conservative propaganda that "liberal" is a bad thing.
2. This validates the conservative propaganda that Ned Lamont, the CEO of a private for-profit business, and a multimillionare, is a huge lefty communist.

We need to stop validating these erroneous frames. Ford should have said that he backs the nominee of the Democratic party in other races, or said "I don't comment on other races."

As a CT dem voter, I am insulted by these stupid southern idiots who call themselves "Democrats" who refuse to respect the choice that me and my cohorts in CT made on August 8th.

I would NEVER in a million years, if I were a dem elected official, support one of Ford's more liberal primary opponents if he decided to run as an Indy in his senate race, just became I'm liberal and come from a liberal part of the country.

We have primaries for a reason, that is to choose the nominee and then we get behind that nominee.

Ford is making it that much harder to convince liberals not to vote for Nader in 2008. And Lieberman is giving cover to any egomaniacal primary loser in 2008 who decides "I can win, and all the voters of america should have a chance to vote for me."

[pnwmom]

103. Ford's message wasn't to Connecticutt.

He was talking to a radio announcer in red state TN, where they're trying to portray HIM as a liberal. If he had endorsed Lamont, he would have walked right into their trap. You know as well as I do that his endorsement won't matter a whit in CT, so why bother getting worked up about it? If he wins, Ted Kennedy will chair the judiciary committee, and you will have people like Ford to thank for helping to put him there.

[thatsrightimirish]

99. So what?

If Ford loses Lieberman would have more power. The last thing that Ford wants to do in red Tennessee is endorse Ned Lamont.

[Zhade]

101. So does Mel Sembler, defender for one SCOOTER LIBBY.

Fuck you, Ford. Just...FUCK YOU.

[snowbear]

102. This pathetic thread is GETTING OUT OF HAND...

[zulchzulu]

115. I'm assuming Ford thinks Loserman will lose...

He can say he supports Loserman and when Lamont wins, they shake hands and move on. Appeasing the TN Raygun Democrats must be a bitch...

[Greyhound]

118. "In case nobody has noticed, as the Repukes are imploding, the

corporate-wing Democrats are consolidating and solidifying their dominance over the Party to advance their corporate agenda." - Ms. Greyhound 8:46 a.m.

[Name removed]

119. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[paulk]

134. Really??????????????

OCT 2nd

If the 2006 election for Tennessee's U.S. Senate seat were today, would you vote for Harold Ford or Bob Corker? Mason-Dixon Rasmussen
Harold Ford
43%
Bob Corker
42%
Undecided/Other 15%
Harold Ford
48%
Bob Corker
43%
Undecided/Other 9%


Mason-Dixon/Rasmussen / September 25-27, September 28, October 1, 2006 / Margin of Error +/- 4%, +/- 4.5%


Ford at one point was down by double digits...


You say Ford deserves to lose... with "Democrats" like you, who needs trolls?

[Thrill]

129. The one thing that drives me crazy about this party

too many damn weaklinks.

[pnwmom]

141. The one thing that drives me crazy about DU

too many people who would rather lose than play the game of politics.

[CTLawGuy]

161. know what drives ME crazy?

people who lecture about endorsing third party candidates when it is done by a liberal but excuse it when it is done by a conservative.

[ShortnFiery]

130. He also got pissy when Pelosi was made speaker, no surprise

because - remember dear folks, Harold Ford, Jr. is a Bluest of the BLUE DOG Democrats. I still hope he's elected as Senator of TN, but this stand is sadly consistent with his political philosophy. :shrug:

[Freddie Stubbs]

135. Does he own a time machine?

Nancy Pelosi has not yet become Speaker.

[ShortnFiery]

136. Cute, I meant to type Minority Leader - Yes I stand corrected.

:blush: :hi:

[pnwmom]

142. It certainly is. And it's also part of why he's winning.

He's running for election in Tennessee, not for President of the U.S.

[FredScuttle]

175. If he's running in Tennessee...

why is he commmenting on a race in CT? And, beyond that, endorsing the non-Democratic candidate?

[katinmn]

133. Why? Is Leiberman popular in Tennessee?

:shrug:

[pnwmom]

147. The point that Ford was making, in his little radio interview,

was that he would be an independent voice in the Senate, like Lieberman has been an independent voice. This was an answer to the concerns in TN that he was going to be another of those scary liberal Democrats.

[FredScuttle]

149. "Lieberman has been an independent voice"?

Yeah, independent of reality and all sense.

I understand we need Ford to take back the Senate, but Jesus Christ is he a fucking tool.

[Clark2008]

159. In Tennessee, the fence-sitters think Leiberman is independent.

Trust me.

We have the most conservative media around here. There might be some AAR in Nashville or Memphis - maybe, I doubt it, but maybe - but we certainly don't have anything else. Heck, they even cancelled the Lionel Show - which was about as liberal as it got - from the dead-time slot here.

It's really maddening.

[FredScuttle]

163. So we should applaud the propaganda?

I think the rub here, expressed by a number of posters, is that, once again, the Democratic party is compromising its principles so as not to offend Southern sensibilities. Same story it was half a century ago... only this time, it ain't Harry Belafonte being prevented from singing on TV with Petula Clark.

[bigdarryl]

148. He announces he's supporting Lieberman and now he's 7 points behind

it proves that these dem's acting like republicans are not automatic winners

[pnwmom]

151. The question is

Where was he before? Even? Trailing by 1 or two points? What is the margin of error?

And are you comparing two polls done by two different pollsters, or the same pollster having done subsequent polls?

If you're talking about the "Zogby Interactive," I'm pretty dubious about surveys with self-selected participants. Better to wait for a more reliable poll.

[Clark2008]

160. No - he's a head in most polls. Only in that Zogby interactive

thing done online is he behind. He's as much as five ahead and as little as even in all the other polls.

[w4rma]

155. It is to be expected. Ford is DLC through and through. He sides with the

DLC on everything. A lockstep follower of Al From with a pretty face.

[fujiyama]

156. Is anyone actually surprised about this?

C'mon, everyone should know that Ford is a moderate-conservative Dem and is running for senate in a very red state.

I don't especially like Ford, but we need him in the senate.

[rigel434]

165. It's all about control of the Senate

Dems should support Ford for the same reason that Republicans support Lincoln Chaffee. It doesn't matter that Chaffee is basically a Democrat by normal standards, if he wins that will help keep the Republicans running things in the Senate. The converse is true with Ford. Not a difficult issue.

[FredScuttle]

174. Let me get this straight

we should applaud Ford for endorsing a NON-DEMOCRAT in another Senate race because it will help us regain the Senate? Wouldn't that be what the kids call a wash?

By the way, Chafee losing by 8 points....and he was duly elected in his party's primary.

[CTLawGuy]

180. he's a southern conservative

not a liberal. Didn't you get the memo...

it came with the one that said that all independents are Republicans who forgot to sign up.

[mmonk]

181. No excuse. He could safely endorse Lamont.

Lamont is the DEMOCRATIC party nominee. Any democratic party voter whether southern, northern, western, eastern, can understand that. I live in the south. Southern democrats feel embattled down here. They will vote the party. Enough with the southern myth that they must endorse him. Political "advisors" don't know much about reality, they are working from a formulaic approach that dems have to be different down here.

[CTLawGuy]

183. I agree with you

the south pisses me off sometimes.

[mmonk]

178. Unfortunately

there are those that do not support the wishes of democratic party voters. While I will support and will not work against any democratic candidate in our bid to take back congress, I do have big problems with this. It's kind of like a club that protects its members (the Senate and House). I am also worried about those that don't plan to challenge the administration on its abuses of rule. They can't be the voice of the party once we get power. We need to be the voice for we are the party (and no, the southern thing is no excuse for those who want to make it, I'm southern myself).

[Pepperbelly]

184. Oh my my, oh hell yes ...

I wonder how many people here who excoriate Ford for this simultaneously procliam in another thread that they would abandon the Democratic Party if Hillary wins the nomination.

Pot, meet kettle.

[DemDogs]

185. Really disappointed. N/T

[TankLV]

186. DISGUSTING...

Only missing the "left wing" label repeated ad nauseum like some LIEberman supporters here...

Yeah - he'll caucus with the dems - my aunt fanny!