We've already reported on the Harold Ford, Jr. meltdown when confronting Republican opponent Bob Corker at a private Corker event. Not unexpectedly, this has become a matter of great discussion in Tennessee. However, Rep. Ford didn't seem to know about it:
"What Bob Corker thing?" Heh. Compare the video at the first link above, and imagine how he can't know what they are talking about.
As it turns out, this isn't the first time Ford has had trouble controlling himself. Just last year, Ohio Republican Rep. Joan Schmidt relayed a message from a Marine colonel who called her office, reminding John "Redeploy to Okinawa" Murtha that "cowards cut and run, Marines never do." This provoked an emotional protest from Democrats, but Rep. Ford was over the top, and had to be restrained from approaching Rep. Schmidt in anger.
The folks at the Corker campaign have been kind enough to compile extensive press clippings of coverage of that meltdown. While it is naturally to their political advantage to do so, we should still recognize the stress they are working under - never knowing when Ford might barge into their offices, ranting incoherently. Here are a few selections from that coverage:
How Did The Press Describe Ford's Response To Schmidt? "Shouting," "Screaming" And "Quarreled Loudly""Democrat Harold Ford Of Tennessee Charged Toward The Republicans, Shouting, 'Say Murtha's Name!' Colleagues Held Him Back." (Bruce Morton, "Ugly Times," CNN.com, 11/22/05)
Ford "Charged Toward The GOP Side Of The Chamber. ... Democratic Colleagues Restrained Him." ("Man At Center Of Iraq Debate," [New York] Newsday, 11/20/05)
"Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn., And Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., Quarreled Loudly In A Small Scrum Of Lawmakers." (James Kuhnhenn, "House Nixes Iraq Pullout In Rowdy Resolution Vote," Knight-Ridder, 11/19/05)
"Ford ... Charged Across The Chamber's Center Aisle To The Republican Side Screaming That Ms. Schmidt's Attack Had Been Unwarranted." (Eric Schmitt, "Uproar In House As Parties Clash On Iraq Pullout," The New York Times, 11/19/05)
I won't disagree that Rep. Ford should be in an institution with high security. I just don't think the United States Senate is the appropriate treatment environment for what ails him. Ford still has the prospect of a bright and productive future - they are doing wonderful things with psychotropic drugs these days.
Thank God for Big Pharmaceuticals, eh, Harold? Best wishes for a swift recovery . . .
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2006 Senate Race, Tennessee
Comments (2)
I'm actually glad that Ford... (Below threshold)1. Posted by T.G. Scott | October 23, 2006 10:14 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm actually glad that Ford is showing his true colors close to election time. It just goes to show that he comes from a long line of thugs. His family stays in trouble with the law in Memphis half the time for domestic violence, drug charges, etc. He's showing us that he really is just like the rest of them. He said his family would be his Achilles heel in his campaign back last year. Ford is a very suave public speaker who has a way of getting people to like him, but it's really a whitewash for his true self.
1. Posted by T.G. Scott | October 23, 2006 10:14 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 23, 2006 10:14
2. Posted by Scrapiron | October 23, 2006 11:34 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Crashing the news conference was an attempt to intimidate (terrorize) the Corker supporters. It's a tactic used by Socialist/Communist/Islamist and thugs. Ford can take his pick of which group he belongs to.
2. Posted by Scrapiron | October 23, 2006 11:34 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 23, 2006 11:34