Wow!! Harold Ford uses Foley to deflect NRSC's Playboy Attack

[WI_DEM]

Rep. Harold Ford (D-TN) seized on the sybersex scandal surrounding former Rep. Mark Foley Wednesday to deflect a question about an NRSC ad which asks "What kind of man parties with Playboy Playmates in lingerie then films a commercial in a church pew?"

"I'm not going to take a lecture on morality from a party that took hush money from a child predator," Ford replied.

That's the way to do it, Harold!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2006/10/ford_uses_foley.html

[BootinUp]

1. Thats a nuke across the bow I'd say.

Try that again pukes, I dare ya.

[The Magistrate]

2. That's The Stuff To Give them, Sir!

Beautifully done!

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. S M A C K D O W N !!!!!!

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[RobertSeattle]

9. Yep - and there is a "Meta" Meme here to

If you won't vigorously defend yourself then how would you defend America from real threats?

[NastyDiaper]

58. P W N 3 D

[blogslut]

4. Noice

Saw him on the Daily show acouple of years ago. I said that day, watch that guy. He's good.

[butterfly77]

5. Now that's how you hit back!

[TornadoTN]

22. Oddly enough, most people giggled about the ad

When that advertisement came out a couple days ago, most people I talked to (on both sides) thought it was hilarious. Most said "Who cares? He isn't married anyway" some even said "Hell, that would make me vote for the guy".

[butterfly77]

25. This is how the dems should respond...

none of this mealy mouth uh,um, ah nuance garbage...get to the point and the time to start getting is right now!

[TornadoTN]

27. Exactly

The Republicans in general and Corker in particular have been grasping at straws this election cycle trying to find something that would hurt the Democratic candidates chances. It hasn't been working here in Tennessee, in fact, it is backfiring.

People are ready for a change. The only thing they (Republicans) have left is fraud.

[jbnow]

66. That's what I was thinking. People would think

it's a thing a single guy would be lucky to get a chance to do...

Single guy with pretty woman-good thing.
Single guy preying on lots of teen boys, not cool.

And he's right, the party that covers for the pervert shouldn't be chastising someone dating adults.

[TornadoTN]

80. Corker isn't the "upstanding moral values" man either

I distinctly recall a big fuss made by Corker and his ilk when the Ed Bryant campaign found some of Corker's college age daughters pictures on the internet drinking beer (underage) and making out with other girls. They called it "harmless" and dismissed it as being something that kids do.

Now Ford was seen at a party with Playboy Playmates and they are "outraged". Most single men - Liberal or Conservative - would do the very same thing if given the opportunity. Big deal, he didn't do anything wrong or immoral. It all just goes back to the crazy, insane, and warped view of sexuality by the conservatives. These people are dillisional!

I personally like the fact that they are bringing this out at this time. It clearly backfired in their face given the fact that there is a culture of child endangerment and sexual harassment in the Republican party.

[Ouabache]

74. Real Men cavort with Playmates; GOP panders to pedophiles

and freaks in their ranks who have cybersex with kiddies.

[Greeby]

6. A 30-something man who hangs out with beautiful women

Who get paid to take their clothes off? THat's obscene, I tell ya! :sarcasm: :eyes:

[IronLionZion]

57. Dems hang out with consenting adult playmates while repubes abuse boys

I'd vote for the Dems.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. I gotta Ford his due for that one. *tip o' the hat*

[Cha]

8. Good! Time to cut right through to

to the heart of their hypocricy.

[Catherine Vincent]

10. That was a good one!

Too bad it wasn't on video so we can see the reaction!

[Vincardog]

11. Ford make them say "Thank you SIR! May I have another?"

[Skinner]

12. "took hush money from a child predator"

This is the best formulation I have heard yet. Perfect.

[TornadoTN]

35. It's refreshing

Refreshing to have a candidate, even though not perfect, that actually represents the state well and actually has some backbone and principles.

[tblue]

13. Oooh! Slap that monkey, Fordie!

[Vinca]

14. Ooooooh - this round goes to Ford.

Big difference between Playboy bunnies and Chip the high school football player.

[goclark]

15. Go " To Be" Sen. Ford, go go go!

[Lasher]

16. Oooo, that hurt and I wasn't even the one Ford smacked!

Musta been the shrapnel. :shrug:

The latest poll on this race, which is the one Reuters/Zogby conducted from 9/25 to 10/2, showed the candidates in a 40/40 tie.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/tn/tennessee_senate_race-20.html

A Rasmussen poll completed just one day prior gave Ford a 5% advantage.

[Tarc]

17. OH SNAP!

Excellent rebuttal, Senator Ford. (If I may be so presumptuous) :)

[redqueen]

18. Hah, no kidding!

They lecture him for perfectly legal activities which are socially acceptable (not like he was on a sex tour in a foreign country or anything - hint hint Jeb & Rush)... while their leadership covers for predators.

Way to go, Ford!

[Jed Dilligan]

19. Let's hope mass production is in his blood,

because we could use a few thousand more of those!

[TornadoTN]

20. Proud to be a Ford Supporter!

Sure, he's not the most liberal candidate out there, but I admire the guy a great deal and can't wait until he's our Senator!

Proud to be a member of the Business Leaders for Ford caucus!

[cynatnite]

21. That commerical was bad...

not just tacky lying bad, but badly made and badly done.

This is a riot! :rofl:

Way to handle it, Ford :thumbsup:

[TornadoTN]

24. It was the most pathetic piece of political advertising

When that advertisement came out a couple days ago, most people I talked to (on both sides) thought it was hilarious. Most said "Who cares? He isn't married anyway" some even said "Hell, that would make me vote for the guy".

Most people just said, what does that stuff matter anyway? Corker hasn't given anything to the state as far as what he is going to do as Senator aside from more of the same (plus attack Ford).

[cynatnite]

Corker lied to his mother...

That commercial where he talks about cutting crime by 50% in Chattanooga...that was his mother. Press nailed him on it. :rofl:

[TornadoTN]

33. I keep hoping to see an ad about it

I really think they need to come out with an ad that says, "Can you trust Bob Corker to tell you the truth when he can't even tell his own mother the truth?" or "What kind of politician lies to his mother? Bob Corker".

[4_TN_TITANS]

83. Even my 9 yr. old daughter said the ad was tacky

and cheap looking. Even the tone of the voice - a gossipy 'church lady' is a turn off.

What do they think we are here in TN - 90% Amish? Hell, I've been married 13 years and go to strip clubs (as long as the wife gets to go to Chippendale shows) :evilgrin:

[Coexist]

23. Way to throw it back!

Nice job, Mr. Ford!

[cynatnite]

26. Just called his office...the girl I spoke to was disgusted as I was...

over that commercial. She said they need all the help they can get. So, I gave them some money. :D

[TornadoTN]

29. Thank you!

Thank you! Thank you! We need all the help we can get in Tennessee. From this Tennessean, I can tell you the people in this state are ready for a change!

Proud to be a member of the Business Leaders for Ford caucus!

[cynatnite]

32. Living in Kingsport, here :) n/t

[TornadoTN]

34. Howdy neighbor!

Johnson City here! Are you involved in the campaign? If not, send me a message and I'll get you hooked up! We need all the help we can get to get more people involved!

[cynatnite]

36. I wanted to, but I do a lot of babysitting for the grandkids...

and am all-around chauffer for three kids plus an extra kid that I take care of when her father is gone.

Other than phone calls and some donations when finance allows it, that's about all I can do at this point :shrug:

[TornadoTN]

37. Hey, everything you can do helps

Just get out there and talk to your friends and neighbors. Give them the facts and if you need any resources, let me know. I'm part of the Business Leaders for Ford caucus, so I'll make sure you get what you need.

That's all Ford wants truth be told. Spread the word and offer an alternative to preconcieved notions.

[RumpusCat]

89. Thanks for working to take back my home state

I'm from Chattanooga originally and my parents still live in TN. I've been keeping up with all the Ford/Corker gossip from them. Tennessee is a beautiful state that deserves much better than what Republicans can give them and it's heartening to see the state waking up from the 'God Guns and Gays' fog! :hi:

[verse18]

38. Hey fellow Tri-Citizens!

:hi:I'm from Kingsport too and both my sister go to ETSU.

[TornadoTN]

40. If you can't tell, I'm fired up for Ford

Great to see some other Tri-Citizens here on D.U.! If you want to get involved in the campaign or just want some resources (websites, flyers, stickers, etc.) send me a message and I'll try my best to whatever you need or find someone that can.

[cynatnite]

43. I'll take a bumper sticker...where can I buy :) n/t

[TornadoTN]

50. There's a couple ways

You can go to the Ford headquarters in Johnson City or your local Democratic headquarters in your county (I have a list if you need them). Be forewarned, supplies are very low for a variety of reasons, so getting one is a 50/50 shot.

If none of these work, I'll be glad to mail you one from my own supply.

[cynatnite]

52. IM me the list. I'll get one either today or tomorrow.

This is a good reason to go to Johnson City :)

[verse18]

53. Your enthusiasm for Ford is not that obvious.

;)

I actually live in Memphis now so I have plenty of resources. I've been asked to help on Ford's campaign here, but he's too much of a DINO for me, but I will cast my vote for him. I'll be focusing on the campaign for Mike Kernel who is the State rep for my district. He and Ford are sharing the same campaign headquarters. I'll also be helping Bill Morrison who's running in District 7. He's running against that hag Marsha Blackburn.

I'm trying to get my sisters politically active. I'll ask if they would like to be involved and I'll PM you.

[Clark2008]

39. Knoxville here and I see waaaayyyy more Ford signs in yards

than I do Corker signs. I only see Corker signs in fields and at the Pilot.

:hi:

[cynatnite]

42. There are some Corker signs here...

but this area is full of VERY RW fundie types. I think we've about cornered the market in E. TN. LOL

[Clark2008]

45. I know - usually Knoxville's a hotbed of wingnuttery, but

it must be confined to the county this year, because I don't seem much evidence of it in the city!

[TornadoTN]

48. Have you noticed them actually *IN* anyones yard?

I don't get down to Kingsport a lot, but in Washington and Greene counties, you rarely, if ever see Corker sings in someones yard. They are usually at the corner of a street or near a gas station (irony?), but always on pieces of property that you have no idea who owns it. As for bumper stickers, I have only seen a few Corker stickers, but I see Ford stickers all the time on my commute to and from work. I know that's not a solid indicator, but it is interesting since so many people here wear their politics on their sleeves.

All of the polling I have seen suggests Ford is picking up steam in traditionally Republican East Tennessee, so much so that he has a shot at taking the vote in this section of the state. If that be the case, he will win the state hands down. Even people in the Business community that I caucus across the Tri-Cities are leaning Ford. Things are looking good but we have to press on and stay on the offensive!

[cynatnite]

51. I saw one in one person's yard on Stone drive...

in 2004 there was a battle of the signs at the same house. Someone would put up Kerry, then that person would put up a bigger one...then back to Kerry and so on. It was really funny. I expected billboards.

The other place was at a Roadrunner's on Eastman.

This morning when I was taking a kid to school a woman had a Corker sign on her fat SUV.

That's about it. So maybe Corker isn't getting as much support as I initially thought.

[Clark2008]

64. Right - that was my point.

I never see them in anyone's yard. They're at the Pilot (because the Haslaams are big supporters) and in fields. I rarely see any in anyone's personal yard.

But I see a ton of Ford signs in people's yards.

[cynatnite]

69. Very good point...

One place on Stone Drive is in the grass line in front of two restaurants.

I'd like to see how the polls here in TN look after the abysmal coverage the repukes have gotten over the last week.

[jahyarain]

49. Nasville here

:hi:

[jahyarain]

28. me and my boy were discussing what his response should be

just last night. i went with: "they're just pissed because we can get consenting women instead of little boys". but this will do. also note, the rncc is paying for this new "hip" add (if you're not in TN or haven't seen it, the music sounds like a very cheap porno soundtrack). they don't trust corker to attempt to tear Sen. Ford apart by himself. they're scared. and they should be.

[TornadoTN]

31. That's why Corker won't debate him

Ford is a statesman, he makes Corker look like the hollow millionaire that he is. Corker is nothing more than a whiney-voiced suit that was trotted out there by the right-wing corporate interests in this state.

I don't know if you heard the same response, but most people thought that ad was really reaching, hoping that people didn't realize that Ford is a bachelor.

[jahyarain]

41. yeah

many people's first reactions were "he's not married, is he?". and i'm with you on the "not as Liberal as i'd like" tip but Ford does seem to be a genuinely good and honest person. he acts like he's ready to get to dc and start putting his foot in a couple of asses.

[TornadoTN]

54. Ford is what we need to win in Tennessee

At this point in time, Ford is a breath of fresh air and exactly what we need in Tennessee to swing it Blue. He's a statesman and genuinely cares about the state and the country. Sure he's a politician, but he's a statesman as well.

I've met a fair share of politicians on both sides of the aisle, and I have to say that Ford is the most down to earth one that I have ever met. When you talk to him, he listens. When he talks to you, he talks directly to you.

[cynatnite]

46. Corker has refused to debate him almost since the beginning...

That ad was as bad as it gets. :rofl:

[Red Right and BLUE]

30. oh snap. eom

[Old Smokey]

44. Way to go Mr. Ford !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reading that made my whole day. That a way to punch back. Great line.

I wish I could go to a Playboy party.

[malaise]

47. Ouch

KOed. Sweet!

[skooooo]

55. oh...SNAP!

[Uncle Joe]

56. Snap crackle and pop all in one!

Way to go Harold!

:kick:

[MrCoffee]

59. YES!!!! GO HAROLD!!!

I just saw the playboy ad today, and as much as i hate to admit it, it was an effective campaign ad.

And now this. This just makes my day. Standing ovation for Mr. Ford Jr.!!!!!!

[spanone]

60. Good for Ford. I'm from TN and Corker has been negative from the go.

[Vidar]

61. Way to fight back, Harold!

[PittPoliSci]

62. PWN3D!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stop the bleeding]

63. some backbone

FINALLY

[texasleo]

65. I lub that guy

:toast:

[Zynx]

67. Oooohhh...FATALITY!

[RestoreGore]

68. No, he just votes with them.

He just voted for the warrantless wiretapping bill put forth by Rep Heather Wilson. How does he explain that?

[Tarheel_Dem]

70. I'm sure he has a website.....

ask him? and i'm sure you'll get an earful.

[RestoreGore]

77. I don't want his earful

he sold out our Constitution along with all the rest of them.

[CarbonDate]

79. Glad you want to lose.

I don't agree with his vote, but we need as many seats to go blue as possible if we're going to stop this slow march to fascism. Do you disagree?

[RestoreGore]

81. Yes, We Need REAL DEMOCRATS

Not pretend ones.

[Tarheel_Dem]

82. Since your profile is disabled...

please tell me, do you live in TN? was there a "REAL DEMOCRAT" running against Ford in the primaries? Any Dem that had a snowball's chance in hell of beating Corker? Did you work for that "REAL DEM"?

Fact is, in the south, most Dems are much more conservative than anyplace else in the country. The primaries are over, I suggest you stop bitching and get to work, or just step off.

On Scarborough last nite, Joe made mention of Ford's response, and the whole panel (even Repubs) had to agree that Ford's words would probably go down in history, and that they could be used in any race, anywhere in the country.

:edited for spelling

[RestoreGore]

86. Oh, so now you love Scarborough?

And don't tell me to step off. I'll criticize any damn "politician" in this country I choose Democrat or Republican who has sold us out. But hey, if you want to put Party before country and want a "Democrat" who would vote for torture, warrantless wiretapping, constitutional amendments against flag burning, and other assorted bills that take away our rights, go for it. That then means I have nothing more to say to you either.

[Tarheel_Dem]

87. you neglected to answer my question.....

Do you live in TN? And please point to any mention in my post where I said i "love scarborough"? You're sounding more unhinged with each post.

As I said, and as MOST here will agree, this is not a primary fight. The choice is clear in TN. You either vote for Ford-(D), or Corker-(R). If you don't like those choices, you can stay home.

And one last thing, I've noticed your posts have one running theme & at this late stage they seem antithetical to what we, as DEMOCRATS are trying to obtain come November, and that's a majority. You don't have to fall in love with Ford, but I take exception with the negativity you're trying to stir up here.

[RestoreGore]

91. No and if I did I would be staying home

"but I take exception with the negativity you're trying to stir up here."

It's called expressing an opinion, and I take exception to you targeting me for it just because I didn't kiss his ass for getting in a zinger. When he starts acting like a Democrat, I'll modify my view. Until then, my condolences to Tennessee for not even being given a real choice.

[cynatnite]

93. I will NOT enable the repukes in any way by staying home...

Corker is a crooked racist that is too afraid to get in front of a camera with Ford. He's a walking RW talking point that would toe the repuke line from top to bottom.

Staying home means giving that asshole a vote and there is no way in hell I will ever do that. I will NOT help the repukes in any way. They've done too damn much damage to this country and if voting for Ford, who is also pro-choice, helps I will do it and sleep good tonight.

The stakes are too damn high to stay home.

[RestoreGore]

97. And they did that damage

Even with us voting. How is that you think?

[Tarheel_Dem]

94. I'm glad we've finally worked out that you don't even live in TN...

so all your whining was for naught? Do you even live in the South? And if so, can you name me one Southern Democrat whose political views mirror your own?

I have news for you, politics is "regional", and if you know anything about politics below the Mason-Dixon line, you know that a Dennis Kucinich type Democrat could never be elected statewide. In my own state, we almost always manage to elect Dems to state & local office, but not nationally. An extremely "liberal" democrat doesn't stand a chance.

And as far as "voicing an opinion", especially a negative one, at this late stage is just counter-productive. Sorry Ford doesn't pass your "purity" test.

[RestoreGore]

96. I'm still an American...

And what the Senate does AS A WHOLE affects us all. And no Fascist enabler passes my test. I find it amazing you think that because I don't want representatives voting for TORTURE and warrantless wiretapping and spying, and voting for amendments that take away freedoms that I am a "purist." It speaks volumes about your own values and it's absolute political BS.

[Tarheel_Dem]

103. gee...thanks for the civics lesson.....

:eyes: doesn't change the fact that if ford is elected in a red state like TN, he will be representing the "people of TN". Get it? Apparently, his message is resonating with the "people of TN" as demonstrated by recent polls. Facts are Facts. Get over yourself.

[RestoreGore]

108. Of course it is...

You have to be Republican to win in TN even if you have a D next to your name. What does that say about the strength of the Democratic platform? Ford was also for privatization of Social Security... NOT Democratic. And of course, he voted for the HELL in Iraq. Which is my point. Democrats in TN who are Progressive (and there are many) have no real choice. I don't see a candidate with a D next to their name "winning" in TN as a victory for the Democratic Party when they vote with Republicans on issues that hurt all Americans. And please, "Get over yourself? How old are you?

[lumpy]

101. His voting record is what really counts

check it out
http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=BC042346&type=category&category=Veterans+Issues

[RestoreGore]

107. I have...

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll502.xml

He votes with Republicans.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

71. OH SHNAAP!

I LIKE IT!!!!

[gotigers]

72. awesome!!!!!!!

i see a mushroom cloud in the distance!!!

http://www.HastertMustGo.com

[illinoisprogressive]

73. classic!

Instant classic. Hope the other Dems running are taking notes.

[DUyellow]

75. Wow

and we still have 4 more weeks left

[Up2Late]

76. DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMNNN! Nice one!

Why to Go Harold! :woohoo:

[sendero]

78. We need..

.... 1,000 more people who will talk plainly like this. THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS WAITING FOR, FAILURE TO CONFRONT THE CORRUPT REPUBLICANS IS THE REASON THERE IS EVEN ANY QUESTION ABOUT TAKING THE HOUSE IN NOVEMBER.

Democrats need to take the gloves off.

[IWantAChange]

84. Repugs fear Ford as well as admire

his ability to party with Playmates as they chase pages down the corridors of power.

[Imagevision]

85. Yowzer!!! - and further more chump...

[nealmhughes]

88. A poem for Harold:

Dear Harold,
you wish to know
what type of man

Poses to be pure as virgin snow
while plauging boys
-- trying to use them as his sex toys?

Dear Harold, we all know,
what type of man:
It only goes to show,
He simply must be a Republi can!

[beltanefauve]

90. I found this interesting

From the blog comments:

Denouncing Ford for appearing at a Playboy party is a great way for the Republicans to appeal to their base. Many rank-and-file Republicans don't have a problem with Playboy parties, but they do have a problem with the idea of a black man around a lot of half-naked white women. If Ford were white, it wouldn't be as much of a big deal. But painting Ford as a small-p playboy is part of RACIAL, and not "moral" politics. It is an appeal to the "black satyr" archetype.
This is a fact of racial politics in this country that is often glossed over. The Republicans are the party of racists.
Posted by: John | Oct 5, 2006 9:25:44 PM

I gotta admit, I see some truisms in that comment.

[fujiyama]

99. I think there's a lot of truth in that

If you were going to ask most typical republican white males if they had a problem with Playboy, they'd be confused, get defensive and ask "Why do you think I'm gay?"

So here we have Ford, a bachelor in his thirties, partying with young, mostly white models...Hmmm, me thinks there's some bitterness too among these repukes. They're trying to appeal to the old "the black man is going to steal your white women" stereotype.

[Judi Lynn]

92. All that NRSC firepower was intended to blow him out of the water, too!

What a shame for them it didn't work!

From the article:

The NRSC based its ad on a Feb. 8, 2005 Roll Call story by Mary Ann Akers which had a source saying that Rep. Ford was spotted at that year's Playboy Super Bowl party in Jacksonville, FL.
(snip)

A photo of the columnist who wrote the hatchet job:



Mary Ann Akers, Columnist, Roll Call: "A sultry, southern dame with eyes that stop traffic and facetious wit that leaves lesser men running."

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/hottest_media_types/nominees_hottest_female_offairs_24134.asp

Photo of Quasimodo:

[AtomicKitten]

95. Bravo!!!!

eom

[fujiyama]

98. HAHA

Go Harold!

Certainly frustrates me with his votes sometimes, but he has had some great moments like this and and getting pissed about Murtha.

[lumpy]

100. Saw Ford debate with Corker,. Seems like Ford votes

hand in glove with his GOP constituents, anti-gay, anti-choice, pro-Iraq war. Hardly your typical Democrat.

http://www.blackcommentator.com/120/120_cover_harold_ford.html

[cynatnite]

102. And I thought the Democrat party had a big tent...

:eyes:

This is the south. Voting for gay marriage, against the war and against or for anything that doesn't line up with majority here in TN will get you out of office faster than a nascar race driver. That's just a fact here.

Take George Allen for example. How would his voting record stand up in places like Massachussetts? Could he get elected?

If Ford wins it changes everything. TN goes blue and becomes a major battleground state. A member of Ford's staff told me this the other day in Johnson City. Regardless of how one views Ford's voting record him winning in TN could have a huge impact on the 2008 presidential race.

[Tarheel_Dem]

104. guess there's no place for moderate to conservative dems....

in the "big tent". Do i wish all our guys could be like russ feingold, dennis kucinich & teddy kennedy? Sure. But, in today's political climate, is that even realistic? No. Like I said, most Senate Dems reflect the constituencies they represent, as it should be.

We've got our work cut out for us.

[cynatnite]

105. Totally agree...

It would be nice if we had great progressive dems like those here in the south. One thing I noticed about Ford's campaign is that he's been doing it mostly on his own. No dems and no repubs have been campaigning with him that I could see. He's walking a very tight rope with constituents here....and as you said we do have our work cut out for us :)

[Raine]

106. "What kind of man parties with Playboy

Playmates in lingerie then films a commercial in a church pew?" Uh, the kind that doesn't go after underage boys...duh! :think: