I see the Harold Ford floodgates are open...

[k_jerome]

it always takes a few "brave souls" to get the lynch mob going. Can an african american get elected to the Senate in the south? From what I read recently, the question should be: can an african american get elected to the Senate anywhere in this country? And please, quickly name the 3 that have. And what characteristics it took for them to be palatable to white Amerikkka.

God bless you Harold Ford, Jr. and may you disappoint many to become Senator.

[requiem99]

1. Disappointed the living fuck out of me today.

How dare ANYONE tell Kerry to apologise for saying what was right, even if it was delivered incorrectly. How DARE any democrat side with these fucking liars. I'm madder today than I was after the 2004 election. That they are getting away with all this bullshit! OHHH!!!

[gully]

3. Democrats are STUPID!

When it comes to elections, haven't we learned not to take the fucking Rove bait YET?!

[still_one]

6. I am NOT from Tennessee or from the South

but different parts of the country have different "priorities"

I agree with your premise that we have to stand up to them, but right no winning at least one of the houses is paramount, and I will NOT get bogged down by distractions that the corporate media and this administration want us to

After we win the election, I WILL hold the Democrats accountable, I just want to get them in right now

[endarkenment]

13. The way to not get bogged down is to fight back.

have we really learned nothing these last six years? Ford, and any other Democratic Party leader who buys the rove bullshit, is either an idiot or a mole. Either shut up and say nothing or fight back.

[still_one]

18. I agree with you, but for the last six years the Democrats in congress

as a whole have been essentially rubber stamping this administration's agenda

One week before an election I do NOT see them suddenly getting a back bone

[SouthernBelle82]

30. I am from Tennessee

and I think Ford has been doing pretty average on fighting back. He just needs to do it a bit harder and louder. I know he doesn't want to get negative but you can attack back without personal attacks and being negative.

[gully]

2. It's amazing he was able to compete as well as he did.

And, one never knows - he may just win. I think that so called "ambush" on Corker at the press conference may have hurt him in the end though?

[SouthernBelle82]

33. I don't think so

He hasn't had any drastic low numbers since that happened and word has it that it isn't seen as negative. I got into a discussion about a week later after that happened with a guy at my church and he was quite surprised when I told him Ford did that. Not in any negative type of way either (like disgusts) but he was just surprised I think.

[still_one]

4. Barak Obama, but he is from the North

[k_jerome]

5. yes...

2 have been from IL and 1 from MA. Sure does represent a cross-section of our country over the past 100+ years. Not.

[still_one]

8. I wasn't disagreeing with your statement at all

and the racism that exists today. In the South it is much more open than in the North, but it still exists in the country, and in addition, it is a double edged sword

[fuzzyball]

64. The African-American senator from Mass was a republican..

I believe his name was Brooke something.

[zulchzulu]

7. So Southern African Americans have to act like Repigs to win?

That's bullshit. It's even a tad racist to think that African American Southerners have to play up to Da Mastuh to git his attention.

Ford is a moderate Republican trying to act like a Democrat. If he was white, you'd hate him.

It's also a stereotype to think that Southerners are all conservative. Having lived in the South for a time, I can personally tell you that there were plenty of moderates and progressives there.

[k_jerome]

9. So, is this your theory...

for the absence of african americans in the Senate throughout our history? Or just Harold Ford?

[zulchzulu]

60. It's based on education and money to run for office

Just as poorer Americans of any race don't make it to the Senate very often if at all, most African Americans never make it to the level of running for the Senate. There are exceptions, of course.

In the case of praising the idea of having Ford in as Senator, if he votes like a Republican, what's the point? Should we blindly praise Condi because she's black even though she has done a horrible job?

[k_jerome]

68. I believe that my party is open to many viewpoints...

whether they agree with my own or not. Apparently many do not feel this way. They are welcome as well.

[still_one]

11. The real question is what are the views of the people in Tennessee?

I would guess they are more conservative than the views of people in the California or New York

So if the "majority" of people in Tennessee are more conservative, then in order to have a viable candidate in that state he would also need to be more conservative

By the way my assumption that Tennessee is more conservative is based on the fact that Gore did NOT even win his own state in 2000, and they elected frist in 2000

[SouthernBelle82]

42. I don't think so

I think he's just a conservative democrat. I used to think the same thing but I don't think he'd be a republican. I do think he'd still be a democrat. There is a lot I disagree with him on but I still don't think of him totally as a republican. Ford is a religious person it appears and very much so and he hasn't learned yet that you can seperate your personal beliefs from your politics. I do it all the time.

[sandnsea]

10. Hmnm

A Hillary avatar. Clinton in Tennessee with Ford. Ford attacks Kerry. You show up and turn this into a race issue instead of a republican/media orchestrated attack that Ford is participating in, at this point.

Hmmm.

[still_one]

15. You are right this is a republican/media orchestrated event

but the RNC also has made the a race issue by their political ads

[sandnsea]

22. No one at DU

Which is why I don't get the sudden race issue coming into play today. Nobody is criticizing Ford over race.

[k_jerome]

27. so you think it would be so blatant or obvious? interesting. nt.

[sandnsea]

29. DUers are attacking due to race???

You're serious about this?? Really???

[k_jerome]

34. as you have stated, nothing has been so written...

what I understand and deduct, however, are based upon my own experiences and observations. much like your accusations of my political leanings and motivations.

[sandnsea]

38. Oh don't think so

I based my opinion on known facts, starting with your avatar.

You've just pulled shit out of thin air. I have NEVER seen a DUer manipulate a set of events to launch a racial attack. Sure, there are some who oppose affirmative action and are off base on immigration, racism plays a part in that I believe. But I've NEVER seen anybody on DU go after an individual specifically due to their race and it's outlandish that you would make this shit up and I do have to wonder where it's coming from.

[k_jerome]

41. i agree with you...

no one would be so stupid as to go after a viable african american candidate because of his race.

the reason so few african americans have been elected to the Senate is because they were all DINO's or idiots or whores.

[sandnsea]

46. I will be fighting Hillary even harder

You've really given me even more motivation than I had before. That they would put this shit into the blogosphere is disgusting. Almost every anti-Kerry post I've seen has come from a Clinton supporter. You guys have made yourselves so obvious, I don't think you even realize what you've done. Most people are rallying around the party, but not you guys. The fish rots from the head down, that's what Webb said and it's true of more than just the Bushies.

[k_jerome]

48. good luck in your crusade. have a nice day...

I can only hope your wishes for Harold and Hillary do not come to fruition.

[sandnsea]

50. Oh I hope Harold wins

I do know how to put the party and the country over personal presidential ambitions, unlike Bill and Hillary. And apparently you.

[k_jerome]

56. i am glad you do.

Bill is campaigning for Harold today.

There is an interesting phoenomena among polling where voters, for some strange reason, vocally support african american candidates but do not vote for them in the privacy of the booth. it is unclear to me why this would be, but it apparently does happen. fascinating.

[sandnsea]

63. You think DUers would do that? n/t

[k_jerome]

67. I have no idea...

I am sure, however, that Democrats do that.

[sandnsea]

71. Well this is DU

Not your local Democratic Party. Which might indicate a problem with where you live, which nobody else is allowed to talk about.

[k_jerome]

72. my local party?

who, pray tell, have been the african american Senators, Representatives, or Governors in your state?

Count the Senators and Governors on one hand, nationwide. So you are right, not my local Democratic Party.

[sandnsea]

74. My state is 2% black

There really aren't any African Americans to run here. Even so, Charles Moose was the Chief of Police in Portland, Jim Hill came very close to defeating the incumbent in the governor's primary and will probably be our candidate in 2010. Still, we don't have an African American population for many candidates to even rise up from. That's true of many states in the country. The ones who do have large African American populations are also more likely to have had the mayors and congressman, and now senators and governors. The numbers of people who refuse to vote on race or gender are shrinking. Most importantly, I haven't seen anything remotely like this on DU which is why your OP is so far off base.

[Totally Committed]

31. I also object to the use of the word "lynching"....

it is a racially-charged word and the implication of it being used here is something no one I know here at DU deserves. I question why you would even choose such a word, actually.

Made me actually stop and wonder.

TC

ETA: "Lynching", as used in this post:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2919884&mesg_id=2919949

[k_jerome]

39. you have that right...

i object to the use of the word idiot and whore in reference to a good man and Democrat. all I can do is object.

[Totally Committed]

47. I don't like the "whore" word much myself, and use it sparingly,

but that word and "idiot" have one thing in common: There is nothing racial about either of them. As much as you don't like them, they are race-neutral. "Lynching" is a racially-charged buzzword, meant to enflame a situation, I think. It's calling everyone who doesn't agree with you about Ford, even though this is not about his race one iota, a "racist".

Please think about that. You do Ford no service whatsoever going around and further alienating him from the netroots. "Idiot", and even "whore" (though I hate that word) are no match for "racist", and by using "lynching", it is you who are playing the race card.

TC

[k_jerome]

54. given the history of african american candidates in this country...

(Harold Ford, Barack Obama, Cynthia McKinney)and the opinions of them I have seen from "Democrats" I stand by my choice of words. After all, have "Democrats" elected a fair percentage of african americans? how about an unfair percentage? I would almost agree with you if was at least an unfair percentage.

[k_jerome]

16. actually, I am responding to the apparent...

virtual lynching of Harold Ford as a "DINO", outright Republican, Idiot and various other ugly names. There are groups and individuals I have heard that constantly accuse some of "playing the race card". Oh well.

[still_one]

19. Sorry I misinterpreted you post

I think it is counter-productive to attack Democrats, especially one week before an election

[sandnsea]

21. Excuse me, but he is

Because he has to be in Tennessee. I've got no problem with it. It's got absolutely nothing to do with race and I don't know why you're making that accusation, I've never seen anybody make it before.

[k_jerome]

26. you are right. given the large numbers of...

african american senators now and in the past, race is not an issue at all. carry on.

[sandnsea]

32. Which has what to do with today?

And the criticism because Ford attacked John Kerry? What's race got to do with it?

[k_jerome]

35. idiot and whore are completely valid criticism by those...

that have other reasons to dislike the man.

[sandnsea]

40. That's just sad

And really so distasteful as to not deserve a response.

[k_jerome]

43. the use of such words to describe a Democratic candidate...

in a hotly contested election just days away is sad.

[sandnsea]

52. Sad yes, but not racist

Which is what I objected to, now isn't it?

[k_jerome]

57. the racism or the implication that racism may be involved? nt.

[Clark2008]

25. I have a Clark pumpkin. I don't think Hillary can win and

I agree with the OP.

Hmmmm....

P.S. I also happen to LIVE in Tennessee - which is more than most of the people in these Ford-bashing threads can say.

[k_jerome]

37. you live in TN...

therefore you have no authority to speak on Harold Ford Jr. :sarcasm:

[Clark2008]

49. Apparently, not - according to the mass hysteria on this board.

[k_jerome]

58. history says most of those that criticize have never helped elect....

nor even voted for an african american candidate.

[SouthernBelle82]

44. Ford attacked Kerry?

How sad. :( On edit I just read Ford's reply about it and he didn't totally attack Kerry. He just said it was wrong and than made a brief statement and got back to what the whole point was about and that's Iraq.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. Ironic that you use the term "lynch mob"

Since Ford appears to be leading one.

[k_jerome]

20. are you referring to Kerry?

suggesting an apology for a gaffe is a lynch mob?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

23. I'm not suggesting.

I'm stating the obvious.

There is no reason for Kerry to apologize and only the people who have a political agenda against him are out to make hay with this.

[SouthernBelle82]

55. Exactly

I agree and I'm glad Kerry isn't taking their "advice."

[jumpoffdaplanet]

14. Being Republican-lite is the coward's way out

Ford doesn't have to back-stab to get votes. He should have courage enough stand with Kerry.

What is Ford's problem that he can't call Bush for what he is, a bully and coward?

If this is a taste of what Ford will be in the senate (just another Zell Miller/Joe Liebermann), he's winning won't give us any more of a majority than having Corker win.

[still_one]

17. actually his win would be less about Ford and more to due with

the Democrats setting the agenda, and holding bush and the republicans accountable

I agree, Ford's politics are screwed, but getting a majority in the Senate is NOT

After the election I will hold them accountable. If we don't get in, it is a moot point

Incidently, if the Democrats win one or both houses, it will NOT be because of what they have done, but because of what the republicans have done to this country

[Clark2008]

24. LOL!

I don't like your choice of candidate in your avatar, but your sentiments posted here are hilarious and dead-on accurate.

Let's see... if Harold Ford were to be elected, that would mean we'd have TWO black senators - one from the mid-west and one from the south.

When are those "racist" coastal regions going to get into the 21st Century and vote for a black person?! :sarcasm:

Good post.

[k_jerome]

28. I like your choice of a screen name...

my avatar does inspire a wide spectrum of feelings in people.

other regions of the country are at least as "racist" as the south, and in this day and age, more so.

[question everything]

36. A question: If Ford wins, will this be Al Gore's former seat? (nt)

[Clark2008]

61. No.

Bill Frist won election over former Sen. Jim Sasser (D-TN) in 1994. Fred Thompson won election over Jim Cooper (the "D") who was appointed to serve out Gore's term after he became VP.

That wimp, Lamar Alexander, now sits in Gore's old seat.

Sad, isn't it?

[question everything]

66. Thanks. Yes, it is sad

how a two-Democrats state switched to a double R.

During the weekend someone said that as TN goes so goes the nation. That TN, and two other "northern most southern" states are the bellwether for controlling Congress and, perhaps, the White House.

[partylessinOhio]

45. After what Ford did today, he deserves to loose.

Imus supports Ford. Imus is Republican. What does that tell you?

[Clark2008]

51. Imus voted for Kerry... so, I don't know. What does it mean?

[k_jerome]

59. Imus supported Kerry in the last election...

Imus is your gauge for support of Democratic candidates?

[SteppingRazor]

53. I do wish he would have kept his mouth shut, but...

this sort of freak out over his statement seems beyond the pale.

[sandnsea]

62. A Double Dog Attack

Usually he faces a triple dog attack, from the right, Clintons and the left; so this is a bit better on some levels. But considering 105 dead in October and abandoning one of our own in Sadr City, it's ridiculous a completely manufactured scandal is getting any air at all.

[Jack Rabbit]

65. Quickly . . .

Ed Brooke (Massachusetts), Carol Mosley Braun (Illinois) and Barack Obama (Illinois).

[MADem]

69. In 'their own right' you mean? Mosely-Braun, Obama and my former Senator

Ed Brooke...

As opposed to the couple that served during Reconstruction, which took guts on their parts, as well: http://www.slate.com/id/2104463/

A suggestion: Don't let the haters get to you. It makes them happy, it makes you angry. They gloat, you stew.

Laugh in their faces, pity them, for they are fools, or fart in their general direction. But don't get mad. Ford will get even, Diebold willing.

[k_jerome]

70. not really angry...just disappointed, and sadly...

not surprised.

[MADem]

73. EAT some BEANS!!! Really!!!!!!

That way, you'll be ready to go, FULL OF BEANS!!!

And you'll not have any trouble at all farting in their general direction!!!!

[Generator]

75. Don't worry if Ford gets to the senate

He can hang around for twenty years and be our next Lieberman. I've never seen ANYONE here get that point-once you let the Dinos in they go NO WHERE. They are not our friends. And he's going to vote with the Republcians anyway! He already has shown that. How stupid are the Democrats and how stupid is this country? This whole flap shows all stupid they all are.