Harold Ford, you're no Bobby Kennedy, and you're no Hillary Clinton either

[Tom Rinaldo]

New Yorkers embraced both Bobby and Hillary as liberal Democrats, unlike yourself. But more to the point, New Yorkers embraced both because they both were likely future Presidents when they ran, and both were already in the ranks of global movers and shakers. New York City is a world capital, and New York is a world center for the arts and finances. New Yorkers are attracted to big talent and tend to feel a common bond with those who have already achieved raves on the world stage. That is why neither Bobby nor Hillary were rejected as carpet baggers.

In case you haven't noticed Harold, you don't measure up.

[GodlessBiker]

1. This guy is a piece of work.

[Dr.Phool]

14. Harold gives a really stoopid interview to the NYT.

http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/01/ford-in-the-nyt-i-dont-shoot-children.php?ref=fpb

[disndat]

2. Between Ford and Schumer's clone

N.Y.S. has little choice. Maybe a third real liberal candidate will come along.

[TheWraith]

5. "Real liberal?"

You mean the sitting Senator who supports gay marriage and single-payer healthcare isn't good enough for you?

[no_hypocrisy]

3. The inherent risk in running post-primary battle is that a significant amount of the

party base is alienated from a candidate toward whom they built up animosity or indifference. Not only will they not help the general campaign, but they won't vote for that candidate, thus allowing the other party to prevail. Harold Ford risks being a spoiler and allowing a republican to take a critical Senate seat when we need every 60 votes. I wouldn't be concerned if the stakes weren't that high.

[Tom Rinaldo]

4. I agree with that

Harold's ego needs some major bruising, better sooner than later.

[Tom Rinaldo]

6. I'm not exactly wild about Gillibrand but...

does anyone else find it a bit perplexing that Harold Ford seems so eager to go out of his way to replay that hit Democratic dramatic theme from the last primary season of a white female running against a black male in a high profile political race? Ford isn't even pretending that his challenge is based on key ideological differences. Unlike the NY Senate seat, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were running for an "open seat", and these things happen, but didn't that just work out fabulously for unifying the core democratic base constituencies before a general election?

[Kahuna]

9. That has occurred to me about the white female/black male contest...

Harold doesn't stand a chance. But it will be fun to watch him crash and burn. My prediction is that he will not enter the race due to lack of interest from anyone other than family members.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

7. i was against gillibrand to begin with and wondered wtf paterson was thinking

but i have grown to recognize her as a progressive voice and moreover a progressive voice who can actually win.

NYC is not NY State and even then NYC voted for guiliani twice.

[Tom Rinaldo]

11. Me too actually

But it still pains me some when people calibrate their convictions to fit political contengencies. She's been recalibrating in a more progressive direction.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

12. politicians will be politicians. so long as she votes in a way that helps us

i am not really sure that i care what her personal convictions are. i am not her friend/family

[Tom Rinaldo]

15. Oh I know

That can work if s/he actually votes consistent with the public need. That can happen in generally liberal voting districts, even with real jerks (which isn't necessarily to say that Hillibrand is a jerk). I worry more about the ones who say one thing and do another.

[zimmie]

8. Go back to Tennessee, Harold

Harold's shopping states for a Senate seat is b.s. He's making a fool of himself, ala Alan Keyes.

[bigwillq]

13. Hello.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[racaulk]

10. Fantastic!

You are absolutely right!

K&R!

[whistler162]

16. Why would you lump Bobby Kennedy in with

those two carpetbaggers?

Bobby Kennedy lived and went to school in New York!

[Tom Rinaldo]

17. I know

But then he went away for a long time. What you say is true but most people think of Bobby only moving back to New York so he could run for President. That may be an overly simplistic read, but Bobby moving to NY to run for Senate does get used as a precedent, and no doubt Ford will try using it too.