The 2010 Senate race field may get more crowded with Harold Ford, Jr. "strongly considering" challenging Kirsten Gillibrand in the Democratic primary. Liz Benjamin of the Daily News breaks down the latest.
I’ll look into Jonathan Tasisni and see if there’s anything I like. It’s virtually a given any candidate the Republican party runs will be to the far political right, so we’ll see.
Voter: when I asked who you would pick I did not mean for you to confine yourself to Ford or Gillibrand. I meant who would you pick? Can you think of anyone?
I’m all for moderates; however, as I said before, a coin has two faces and so does Gillibrand. Voting for her is a coin toss and it seems you never know what you’re going to get. That seems to be the New York way… look at our dysfunctional legislature. Maybe that’s why Ford will have a fighting chance. If New York State needs a solidly moderate Democratic senator, then run one in the primaries. One who’s held a position at least a little longer than they’ve been in the state-wide or national spotlight.
hjs, Great, then another guaranteed 6 years of “whatever it takes to get elected looking out for number one positions that change like the tides” representation for New York State. Ever Downwards!
@ john - You are nonsensical: Why should the Democratic Party be open to ANY conservatives, minority or not? It seems that there are lots of places for conservatives to cozy up with their friends: the Republican Party, the Tea Party (is there such a thing?), The Southern Independence Party of Texas (secessionists), etc.
The fact is that the Democratic Party has a big tent philosophy, with moderates to liberals, whereas the Republicans accept only conservatives. Figure out reality.
#27 (mc) Neither. I will look into third party candidates or possibly not vote.
#28 (hjs) Then grab a gun and find a lady friend because Gillibrand ‘ill stab you in the back just the same as she’ll pat you on it and pretend to be your friend. Just curious… Which Gillibrand are you supporting, the gay-hating gun nut or the reformed let’s make nice-nice with the LGBT community and inner-city gun violence victims? New York State doesn’t need a Lieberman of its own.
That's what can happen, when people don't have tradition and religion guiding them. They feel they must march in lockstep with latest liberal orthodoxy. It becomes like a religion for them. Brian doesn't want to be the victim of a high-tech lynching by his 'tolerant' liberal friends either, which could happen if he showed some independence on the issue.
I'm not a huge Gillibrand fan, but most of what she has done for me is take positions that are important to me: Employee Free Choice Act, reproductive rights, support for arts funding, marriage equality.
There is a an actual progressive running in the Democratic primary for Senate, against Gillibrand, who does not have all the big money special interests, wall street, etc. althogh he is an actual New Yorker. His name is Jonathan Tasisni:
http://www.jonathantasini.com/
(no I dont work for him. I am just a frustrated progressive)
If the new media, which claims to be against the role that big money plays actually wanted to do something about it, they could provide equal coverage to such candidates. They are considered fringe because they dont have the corporate big money, so the media ignores them. Then the media pretends to ooh and ahh at the power of special interest money. Maybe if they chose to do their job and cover all the options out there we would have a real choice. Instead we get yet another conservative corporate wall streeter. WNYC do your job. Every time you mention Gillibrand, mention Tasini. Or does who has money and therefore already have media attention determine who is alllowed to get media attention?
Brian, once again, you are busy focusing on the most important issue the country and the state faces, trashing one of the last vestiges of traditional morality by promoting homosexuality.
When are you accepting the Honorary homosexual of the year award from the homosexual lobby?
This is ridiculous. There is an actual progressive choice out running in the Democratic primary, but he the media is actively ignoring him: Jonathan Tasini. Because he is a real progressive, he does not have all the special interest corporate and rich people money. The media pretends to complain about "big money" but then ingores progressive candidates who don't get the big money becuase they are truly progressive. It is a shame WNYC wont do a better job covering all the options!
I moved here from TN about a year ago - Harold Ford was considered about as liberal as you could be in TN, so that is one thing to keep in mind when looking at his statements from the 2006 race. Much like Kirsten Gillebrand, he can move a little more to the left when running here.
if ford wants to use this primary to introduce himself to his new neighbors that's cool but why should I vote for him? what has he done for me? when he lived in the south he played one tune now he's heading to the left to play to the big city, no thanks
New York liberals hate smart, well spoken, conservative Blacks. They prefer the Al Sharptons and Jessie Jacksons of this world, Blacks who support their world veiws. Showing the racism of the liberal left. Obama would not get ellected in NY. Too smart, speaks too well, noe easily pushed around.
Obama will be eating a lot of crow come November 2010. The only two things on which Gillibrand has been consistent in her transition from state office to national are her face and I for one have absolutely no intent of voting for her. If the state Democratic party does not run viable candidates against her in the primaries, I most likely will not vote that ballot line. Ford’s a joke too, so looks like New York will have a Republican senator in 2011.
ford is not a new yorker. i have a simple formula for determining when someone living in new york but born elsewhere becomes a new yorker. Ask them at what age they would allow their child to ride the subway alone. their answer is the number of years they would have to live here before they are a new yorker. being here for 1 year does not mean you're a new yorker
Mr. Ford is about to get caught in the middle of some nasty Upstate-Downstate politics. I don't know if he can win with his flip-flopping of conservative and liberal positions. What could he possibly say now that would make voters happy in both regions?
Juan
from Diversity Capaital of the world-"Queens"
With Gay civil rights issue in full swing, he cant be trusted, since he voted for the constitutional amendment to bard the LGBT community from marrying!
Suddenly he has changed his position on this issue, for the NY market!!
Here's a video with his anti Gay marriage vote stance!
Why should we support Harold Ford Jr. Does he live in New York or Tennessee? How will he represent upstate New York? These are some of the questions that I have.
The attitude displayed by the Democratic powers that be continues to underestimate New Yorker's sense of fairness and how outraged we become when we feel like we're being bulldozed. Liberal Democrats kept quiet and played nice when Gillibrand was appointed because we were told we would have a chance to have our say when the election came. However, the Obama administration interfered again and again to dissuade any potential challengers and basically shove her on us or accept a Republican challenger.
Was no one in Washington paying attention when Mayor Bloomberg won such a narrow relection victory? I was personally not surprised and I expect that voter resentment will have a similar impact on the Senate race if the White House doesn't change tactics now.
Harry Reid is expected to support Harold Ford's challenge to Gillibrand because....well, you know....it's another example of that whole light skinned, lack of Negro dialect thing that appeals to him so much.
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more.
Learn more. Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm
your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the
right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the
Comment Guidelines before
posting.
By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's
Privacy Policy and
Terms Of Use.
Sponsored
About The Brian Lehrer Show
It's your neighborhood, your city, your country, your world, and now your website. Brian Lehrer delves into the issues and links them to real life.
Comments [47]
I'm going to check into Tasisni as well. But I think that Gillibrand can probably beat the Repub, whomever that might be, for better or for worse.
#42 (mc),
I’ll look into Jonathan Tasisni and see if there’s anything I like. It’s virtually a given any candidate the Republican party runs will be to the far political right, so we’ll see.
He was the target of some cheap and very unfair shots in '06. That does not make him a good NY candidate.
I am a Republican, ever since Iran and Jimmy Carter, another buffoon.
ford should run as a GOP i don't think they have anyone yet!
Voter: when I asked who you would pick I did not mean for you to confine yourself to Ford or Gillibrand. I meant who would you pick? Can you think of anyone?
steve from NY #30: What's a "progressive?"
I’m all for moderates; however, as I said before, a coin has two faces and so does Gillibrand. Voting for her is a coin toss and it seems you never know what you’re going to get. That seems to be the New York way… look at our dysfunctional legislature. Maybe that’s why Ford will have a fighting chance.
If New York State needs a solidly moderate Democratic senator, then run one in the primaries. One who’s held a position at least a little longer than they’ve been in the state-wide or national spotlight.
voter
I think there is room for moderates in the democratic party even if I don't agree with them always.
hjs,
Great, then another guaranteed 6 years of “whatever it takes to get elected looking out for number one positions that change like the tides” representation for New York State. Ever Downwards!
@ john - You are nonsensical: Why should the Democratic Party be open to ANY conservatives, minority or not? It seems that there are lots of places for conservatives to cozy up with their friends: the Republican Party, the Tea Party (is there such a thing?), The Southern Independence Party of Texas (secessionists), etc.
The fact is that the Democratic Party has a big tent philosophy, with moderates to liberals, whereas the Republicans accept only conservatives. Figure out reality.
voter
i'm supporting "the reformed let’s make nice-nice with the LGBT community and inner-city gun violence victims?" until she votes the wrong way.
#27 (mc)
Neither. I will look into third party candidates or possibly not vote.
#28 (hjs)
Then grab a gun and find a lady friend because Gillibrand ‘ill stab you in the back just the same as she’ll pat you on it and pretend to be your friend.
Just curious… Which Gillibrand are you supporting, the gay-hating gun nut or the reformed let’s make nice-nice with the LGBT community and inner-city gun violence victims?
New York State doesn’t need a Lieberman of its own.
My point is that the democratic party is closed to conservative minorities. They are viewed as sell outs. No thank you.
John from office - thanks.
That's what can happen, when people don't have tradition and religion guiding them. They feel they must march in lockstep with latest liberal orthodoxy. It becomes like a religion for them. Brian doesn't want to be the victim of a high-tech lynching by his 'tolerant' liberal friends either, which could happen if he showed some independence on the issue.
Ben
REALLY homosexuality is a threat to american morality?
where have u been the last 9 years?
john from office
thanks for showing us we still have problems with race & racism in the GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH.
I'm not a huge Gillibrand fan, but most of what she has done for me is take positions that are important to me: Employee Free Choice Act, reproductive rights, support for arts funding, marriage equality.
There is a an actual progressive running in the Democratic primary for Senate, against Gillibrand, who does not have all the big money special interests, wall street, etc. althogh he is an actual New Yorker. His name is Jonathan Tasisni:
http://www.jonathantasini.com/
(no I dont work for him. I am just a frustrated progressive)
If the new media, which claims to be against the role that big money plays actually wanted to do something about it, they could provide equal coverage to such candidates. They are considered fringe because they dont have the corporate big money, so the media ignores them. Then the media pretends to ooh and ahh at the power of special interest money. Maybe if they chose to do their job and cover all the options out there we would have a real choice. Instead we get yet another conservative corporate wall streeter. WNYC do your job. Every time you mention Gillibrand, mention Tasini. Or does who has money and therefore already have media attention determine who is alllowed to get media attention?
Ben thank you. Brian is obsessed with this issue.
voter
gillibrand is from upstate, as such what she does for me is she keeps upstaters calm and satisfied that they are represented.
Voter: Who would you pick? Just curious.
Brian, once again, you are busy focusing on the most important issue the country and the state faces, trashing one of the last vestiges of traditional morality by promoting homosexuality.
When are you accepting the Honorary homosexual of the year award from the homosexual lobby?
Only line toeing Negros, who speak like Mammie can run for liberal New York. The democratic party, the new plantation.
Robb, you're not running are you? ;-)
hjs,
What has Gillibrand done for you… Other than pander, that is?
This is ridiculous. There is an actual progressive choice out running in the Democratic primary, but he the media is actively ignoring him: Jonathan Tasini. Because he is a real progressive, he does not have all the special interest corporate and rich people money. The media pretends to complain about "big money" but then ingores progressive candidates who don't get the big money becuase they are truly progressive. It is a shame WNYC wont do a better job covering all the options!
Harold now works for Merrill Lynch. Do we want a Wall Street banker representing us?
I moved here from TN about a year ago - Harold Ford was considered about as liberal as you could be in TN, so that is one thing to keep in mind when looking at his statements from the 2006 race. Much like Kirsten Gillebrand, he can move a little more to the left when running here.
The White House should stay out of this. I think we can figure it out. And why should anyone listen to Michael Bloomberg? He's a Republican.
if ford wants to use this primary to introduce himself to his new neighbors that's cool but why should I vote for him? what has he done for me?
when he lived in the south he played one tune now he's heading to the left to play to the big city, no thanks
So Sam (on the air), what are you looking for in a record?
Hillary could move here, but not a smart articulate negro, and light skinned too.
The butting-in to this potential Senate race by the White House is what gives Democrats a bad name. And I'm a Democrat.
What happened to letting the voters decide?
What is Mayor Bloomberg's role in Harold Ford's potential run?
Send him back. No professional politician from the south for NY.
New York liberals hate smart, well spoken, conservative Blacks. They prefer the Al Sharptons and Jessie Jacksons of this world, Blacks who support their world veiws. Showing the racism of the liberal left. Obama would not get ellected in NY. Too smart, speaks too well, noe easily pushed around.
Obama will be eating a lot of crow come November 2010.
The only two things on which Gillibrand has been consistent in her transition from state office to national are her face and I for one have absolutely no intent of voting for her. If the state Democratic party does not run viable candidates against her in the primaries, I most likely will not vote that ballot line.
Ford’s a joke too, so looks like New York will have a Republican senator in 2011.
Go back to Tennessee.
ford is not a new yorker. i have a simple formula for determining when someone living in new york but born elsewhere becomes a new yorker. Ask them at what age they would allow their child to ride the subway alone. their answer is the number of years they would have to live here before they are a new yorker. being here for 1 year does not mean you're a new yorker
Mr. Ford is about to get caught in the middle of some nasty Upstate-Downstate politics. I don't know if he can win with his flip-flopping of conservative and liberal positions. What could he possibly say now that would make voters happy in both regions?
This guy sounds really slick......
With Gay civil rights issue in full swing, he cant be trusted, since he voted for the constitutional amendment to bard the LGBT community from marrying!
Suddenly he has changed his position on this issue, for the NY market!!
Here's a video with his anti Gay marriage vote stance!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hqjIuQLdXg
Harold,call me.
Why should we support Harold Ford Jr. Does he live in New York or Tennessee? How will he represent upstate New York? These are some of the questions that I have.
pro-choice ford could not get elected in his own state.
he's a bad fit for NY maybe he should try pennsylvania.
has anyone ever seen him upstate??
The attitude displayed by the Democratic powers that be continues to underestimate New Yorker's sense of fairness and how outraged we become when we feel like we're being bulldozed. Liberal Democrats kept quiet and played nice when Gillibrand was appointed because we were told we would have a chance to have our say when the election came. However, the Obama administration interfered again and again to dissuade any potential challengers and basically shove her on us or accept a Republican challenger.
Was no one in Washington paying attention when Mayor Bloomberg won such a narrow relection victory? I was personally not surprised and I expect that voter resentment will have a similar impact on the Senate race if the White House doesn't change tactics now.
Harry Reid is expected to support Harold Ford's challenge to Gillibrand because....well, you know....it's another example of that whole light skinned, lack of Negro dialect thing that appeals to him so much.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.