TPM LiveWire
Weiner Pops Ford's Trial Balloon
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Former Rep. Harold Ford (D-TN)
Share
Send to a friend!
Former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D) is taking a lot of heat as he considers a primary challenge against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), especially after a New York Times interview in which he said, among other things, that he had only visited the outer boroughs of New York City by helicopter.
It wasn't long before Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), always good for a dig at political opponents, weighed in.
"If he thinks that its an appealing argument to position yourself as being somebody who will stand up to Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer, well I don't think we need another Joe Lieberman," Weiner told Politico.
"Maybe when his helicopter lands in Queens next I can ask him," he said.
Comments (71) | Join the Conversation!
Leave a comment
Follow us!
Most Popular
TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com
TPM Top News
© 2010 TPM Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
ilovebacon
January 14, 2010 10:28 AM
Not a fan of either, especially Wiener.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 10:43 AM in reply to ilovebacon
Didn't like his support for single payer? Or his championing of the medicare expansion? Or his willingness to criticize the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia by the Bush admin?
A lot of people think Weiner has been a good public servant. Not perfect, but he does have to represent the concerns of his district.
Separately - Does anyone know if he received any of the Schumer cash from the banks? Does anyone have a list of the 15 who did? Thanks.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
CityGuy
January 14, 2010 11:20 AM in reply to again
Spot on analysis. And I don't believe that Weiner received any Schumer cash. Might want to double-check that however.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ilovebacon
January 14, 2010 1:01 PM in reply to again
He's a good Dem, but his style is too Machiavellian. He loves attention a bit too much.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 1:13 PM in reply to ilovebacon
Style? Style? Are you kidding?
Have you even read Machiavelli? You compare Weiner to Nicolo?
I can't believe this...
Who do you think you're kidding?
This is why voters don't trust "insiders" - you're dishonest. We don't care about "style." We care about how the guy we voted in represents our interests.
You think they care about "style" in Astoria or Pelham Parkway?
Take your "style" obsession somewhere else.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
January 14, 2010 1:53 PM in reply to again
"A lot of people think Weiner has been a good public servant."
Please, include me on that "a lot of" list.
Weiner's just plain smart.
His no BS approach gets him in some hot water with the DC's typical weasley wafflers and word wranglers, but I really appreciate it.
I hope his home state finds a way to move him up the political ladder. If NY is looking for future leaders in high places, they don't have to look for a Ford when they've got leaders like Weiner available.
And am I missing something, or isn't Ford everything the 'baggers accuse Barack of being,(elite, whitewashed, and ambitious above everything other motive).
I might add arrogance to that list of character traits Barack is accused of but does NOT display, that Harold so clearly exudes with every step and word.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
WhatWouldWDo
January 14, 2010 6:07 PM in reply to again
Thank you for rebutting today's continued insanity. Very satisfying
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Syd
January 14, 2010 12:13 PM in reply to ilovebacon
Why do you not like Weiner? I don't live in NY but the few times he has been on Tweety's show and the newsletters I receive from him line up perfectly with my very left leaning attitudes. He did cave somewhat on single payer but considering the environment he was working in, it's hard not to realize why he was forced to.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ilovebacon
January 14, 2010 1:02 PM in reply to Syd
He is a grandstander. Not that other good Dems aren't. But he's a bit too idealistic.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 1:15 PM in reply to ilovebacon
That says more about you than about Weiner.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
arbitrista
January 14, 2010 1:20 PM in reply to ilovebacon
Weiner? Idealistic? Um, you're not from NY are you. Because the idea that Anthony Weiner is counterproductively idealistic is just...hilarious.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 1:45 PM in reply to ilovebacon
You wrote at 1:02 p.m. that he's too "idealistic".
But at 1:01 p.m. you had described him as "Machiavellian."
Excuse my outburst, I don't like to curse, but seriously, which the fuck one is it?
Because you can't be both. And you can't write that another person is both "Machiavellian" and "idealistic" with only one minute separating the two comments and expect anyone to take you seriously.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Richardxx
January 14, 2010 2:16 PM in reply to again
I will say that my impression of Tony is that he is idealistic and is at the same time a realistic politicians who at the end of the day wants to see some actual changes in how government is functioning. America has too few good politicians like that.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ilovebacon
January 14, 2010 9:05 PM in reply to Richardxx
weiner takes every opportunity to grab the headlines. that's how he's machiavellian. he's idealistic because he insists on the ideal. there's nothing contradictory here.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
expat46
January 14, 2010 10:35 AM
Really? Why is that?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
expat46
January 14, 2010 10:36 AM
He always seems like a fairly effective voice for the left when I've seen him.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
January 14, 2010 11:44 AM in reply to expat46
He has never been a voice of the left or for the left.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 12:04 PM in reply to lousgirl84
Lousgirl,
I think Marinus was referring to Weiner as a good voice for "the left".
Were you responding about Ford or Weiner?
If you're talking about Weiner, why do you feel he has not ever been a voice for "the left"?
Just curious.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
CT Voter
January 14, 2010 1:19 PM in reply to again
I'm curious too.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JohnW1141
January 14, 2010 10:37 AM
Harold Ford gives me the creeps.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Marinus van der Lubbe
January 14, 2010 10:41 AM
Ford has turned into a butt-boy on 'Morning Jo(k)e' for Scarborough. He has even at times agreed with Pat Buchanan in trashing the administration. At times, if eyes are shut, he sounds like a GOP strategist. If he didnt have the balls to stand up to Bob Corker after that 'call me, Harold' ad in 2006,he shouldn't be a senator. Especially as a carpet-bagging douche in NY.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
January 14, 2010 11:43 AM in reply to Marinus van der Lubbe
Well at least he's a consistent buttboy. He used to be Imus buttboy
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Marinus van der Lubbe
January 14, 2010 12:04 PM in reply to lousgirl84
He's a sad buttboy at that. Snorkeling in Imus' turd locker is a poor buller remark on a resume.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Larry Geater
January 14, 2010 12:11 PM in reply to Marinus van der Lubbe
That add was not what lost him the race. It was
1. Showing up at a Corker event and getting in Corkers face.
2. Geting distracted and responding about the Call Me add in a debate and loosing his chance to publickly point out that Corker was lying about his voting record in the other add that was running at the time.
He just has poor political instincts.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Marinus van der Lubbe
January 14, 2010 12:22 PM in reply to Larry Geater
...and poor ass snorkeling choices as well. To agree with Buchanan on most things anti-Obama?...is Ford still a D?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
GermanyOrFlorida
January 14, 2010 10:43 AM
Why isn't Weiner running? He seems like he'd be perfect.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tonigo
January 14, 2010 11:07 AM in reply to GermanyOrFlorida
What would be in it for him? A bruising primary fight against the wishes of DNC leadership? He seems to be enjoying himself in the House anyway. Besides, he's probably saving himself for a mayoral run in 2013.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cliff Hendroval
January 15, 2010 10:53 AM in reply to tonigo
Weiner was going to run for NYC mayor until Napoleon Bloomberg managed to get term limits overturned for himself. He's now waiting for next time, and then when that's over, he'll be running for Schumer's seat when Schumer retires.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
1 of 10,000 things
January 15, 2010 10:30 AM in reply to GermanyOrFlorida
Schumer and Weiner. At that point we can name AIPAC as New York's official lobbying agency.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
TrivTriv
January 14, 2010 10:45 AM
From what I hear from NYC political types, Weiner is a rather unpleasant personality one on one; a screamer who doesn't inspire loyalty. That being said, I like his policies, and he's a fairly effective attack dog in cases like this. Ford's a joke, and the more quickly someone shuts him down, the better.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 10:59 AM in reply to TrivTriv
"Screamer"? "Doesn't inspire loyalty"?
That's funny - I listen to actual NYC'ers, not "NYC political types" and New Yorkers seem to really like Weiner. In fact, he's inspired some FIERCE loyalty among liberals - in New York and in states beyond for his advocacy for health care reform - real health care reform.
As for the comment below - who cares whether Weiner has a "hot wife"?
Between "screamer" and "hot wife" mentioned here - I have to say I'm grateful people in New York are focused on actual issues.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Paul Brand
January 14, 2010 11:15 AM in reply to again
OK, Frances Weiner, we get your point. You can stop posting now.
We'll lay off your son.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 11:30 AM in reply to Paul Brand
Heh. But...
Some of us have started to feel there's been a continued trashing of Democrats who actually hew to Democratic ideals (ideals now erroneously labelled progressive) while Compromising Corpora-Dems are treated with kid gloves. Stick up for what's right - loudly enough - and someone will call you a "screamer" or write that you "don't inspire loyalty" when in fact your advocacy IS inspiring loyalty - among people who want Democrats to be loyal to actual Democratic ideals.
So excuse my passion for Massa and Weiner and a host of other reps who stick up for what's not only right but what's legitimately Democratic. But in truth it would be physically impossible for a variety of reasons for me to be mother to either.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
dudeguy
January 14, 2010 12:02 PM in reply to again
Okay, I don't know a lot about Weiner, but it sounds like I agree with his policies. But your defense of him, Again, makes it sound like if he sounds like he sticks it to the man, it doesn't matter if his personality makes him incapable of results.
It's wonderful that you're listening to actual NYCers, but if NYC "political types" think he's a jerk, he's going to become politically isolated and incapable of accomplishing anything. If that happens, I don't care what his policies are. He's useless. So these criticisms, if true, are important.
Substance is nothing without efficacy.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 12:18 PM in reply to dudeguy
I agree that substance is nothing without efficacy.
But the allegations here about Weiner's "personality" are nothing but gossip, while the support of New Yorkers (and people beyond New York) for Weiner has been proved over and over. He has been reelected FOUR times. THAT, dudeguy, is both substantive and efficacious.
And I'm sorry if you interpreted what I wrote as:
"if he sounds like he sticks it to the man, it doesn't matter if his personality makes him incapable of results."
But that's not at all what I wrote, and I think you know that.
These unfounded attacks on Weiner's "personality" may in fact indicate that if you stand up for what your constituents want, and not for corporate interests, the courtiers will make trouble for you by implying you have "personality" issues.
What does that mean, anyway? And how are you proving it? Prego! The entire city of New York has personality issues. That is their right as Americans. And I would argue that New Yorkers have far fewer personality issues than those in DC or in Pat Robertsonland.
"It's wonderful that you're listening to actual NYCers, but if NYC "political types" think he's a jerk, he's going to become politically isolated and incapable of accomplishing anything. If that happens, I don't care what his policies are. He's useless. So these criticisms, if true, are important."
He hasn't been useless to us. Neither has Eric Massa. The people who have been useless are the compromising CorporaDems who've facilitated nothing but an acceleration of regulatory capture. And the criticisms, true or not, have no factual support. If they did, I'm sure a lot of New Yorkers would just laugh it off.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
dudeguy
January 14, 2010 3:39 PM in reply to again
Look, your points are well taken, and if you want to dispute that he's got personality issues, go ahead. I have no idea if he does. But you were insinuating that any personality issues don't matter, and you keep talking about his relationship to the voters as if that's the measure of efficacy. It's not. The measure of efficacy is whether he has the ability to make his positions affect the outcome of the legislative process. And that takes personality.
Anyway, Trivtriv made the point better than I could. But if the "political types" actually get the boot in 2010 like you say, well, none of it matters anyway. If we start fighting amongst ourselves, the progressive cause is doomed for another few decades. So it all just becomes academic.
It may feel good to have someone look like they're fighting for my causes. But if it doesn't lead to real, concrete results, it's not effective at solving our nation's problems. And that's really all I care about.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 3:46 PM in reply to dudeguy
Dudeguy,
That's a fine point to make, and I appreciate it. Unfortunately, it is totally beside the point, because all it is right now is unfounded rumor and gossip.
The REALITY is what you're seeing here is an attack on someone's personality with absolutely no proof.
The fact that this attack is taken against one of the few reps who's been very high-profile in fighting NOT for progressive goals, but for TRADITIONAL Democratic goals such as health care reform, makes many of us wonder.
IF, IF you have substantive proof of:
1) alleged "personality" issues
AND
2) that said "personality" issues have been of hindrance to our goals
then we can discuss it. But it's VERY clear to a number of people posting here that by hijacking the conversation into unfounded rumor and then spinning from there into allegations that the unfounded rumors have actually impacted the goals of his constituents, you and trivtriv are simply trying to bring down a good Democrat who very strongly represents his constituents' concerns.
Your efforts are all too transparent.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jkenney
January 14, 2010 12:03 PM in reply to again
It's not mutually exclusive for someone to have good positions on the issues, and also to kind of a dick who is disliked by his staff and colleagues. It is worth while to be able to distinguish the two things - they're not closely related.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 12:24 PM in reply to jkenney
Yes, but what you're saying is unfounded gossip.
And what we see as voters is a guy who sticks up for what we want.
Weiner is EXTREMELY popular among Democrats in New York.
If you dislike him for sticking up for what's right, just say it.
But don't expect voters to care (especially in this environment where corporate incumbents are looking VERY vulnerable) if he's a "screamer."
We think that's good - because apparently to be heard above the "harumph-harumphs" of the Compromising CorporaDems, you have to scream.
I think you're trying to besmirch his rep, and most New Yorkers know that, with enough character, you don't need a reputation. (Joan Didion via Rhett Butler.) So keep trashing him. It can only help his future electoral chances.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Seeryer
January 14, 2010 10:48 AM
Weiner has a hot wife. Ford is so fake. He will say anything to get elected, inlcuding the opposite of what he said the last time he ran. If geography makes you shift stances you shouldn't be a politician, you should be a coward.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
we r all husseins
January 14, 2010 11:11 AM
Personally, I know nothing about Weiner, but Ford's pandering to the bible reading, gun toters while running in Tennessee set off my gag reflex.
I don't care for this taking up residence somewhere just to run for office no matter what the reason. Its smells like it's about serving self-interest and one's political party rather than serving the people.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
georgecs
January 14, 2010 11:15 AM
Here's a question I would love to ask of Ford (any professional journalist is free to use it - in public please).
Mr. Ford, given that you were "pro-life" when you represented Tennessee and are "pro-choice" now that you're in New York; given that you were outspoken against gay marriage when represented Tennessee and you are now in favor of gay marriage or at least civil unions, given that you voted to turn local police forces into an arm of the INS and are now backing away from that position - I wonder, can you tell us what your position on these and other issues will be the day AFTER election day?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Mr. Conspiracy
January 14, 2010 11:22 AM in reply to georgecs
His position?
Bent over with a banker's arm up his ass.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
eztempo
January 14, 2010 11:25 AM
So Harold Ford got the "George W. Bush Tour" of New York? Helluva job getting to know your prospective constituents, Fordie.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tinmanic
January 14, 2010 12:01 PM in reply to eztempo
win
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
davcbr
January 14, 2010 11:27 AM
I think we need to focus on Ford himself and what he is. The practice of setting up residence to run for a seat, esp in NYS, is a tradition almost. Bobby Kennedy. Hillary Clinton.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JNagarya
January 14, 2010 7:00 PM in reply to davcbr
RFK and Hillary were/are Democrats representing a majority-Democrat electorate. The comparison of them to Ford is not only inapt; it is also more insult than joke.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cliff Hendroval
January 15, 2010 10:55 AM in reply to JNagarya
They also campaigned for open seats; they didn't primary sitting Democrats.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
eztempo
January 15, 2010 7:15 PM in reply to JNagarya
They also made a point of meeting constituents and listening to their concerns before presuming to represent them.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
georgecs
January 14, 2010 11:30 AM
At least Kennedy and Clinton were actual Democrats with actual, verifiable liberal records. This carpet bagging clown changes his position more often than a $2,000 a night call girl.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JNagarya
January 18, 2010 8:50 PM in reply to georgecs
I wouldn't know, as she would be beyond my pay grade.
But how would he compare with a $2.00-per-night?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
nellieh
January 14, 2010 12:00 PM
This douche is a Republican Lite. Just like the organization that hired him after he lost the TN. Senate race, the DLC. Democrat in name only. If he couldn't win in his home state, what makes him think he could in NY?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Kaneblues
January 14, 2010 12:06 PM
Everytime I see Harold Ford, I'm reminded of the time during the 2008 presidential election when John McCain gave his infamous "green screen" speech. Everyone throughout the media and online was dumbstruck by the empty content and weak delivery of the speech, not to mention the aesthetics of the lime green background. Even the talking heads at FOX were aghast. But there was Harold Ford on MSNBC lavishly praising McCain, declaring that McCain's speech was his most powerful speech ever.
There was a time when I thought that Harold Ford might be a bright young democratic voice. I even supported him in his run for the senate seat in Tennessee. However, throughout the presidential election and into the Obama presidency, Harold Ford all too often in his television appearances seems content with sabotaging the democratic agenda. He may have been the best democrat that Tennessee can deliver, but surely New York can do better.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreeRider
January 14, 2010 2:38 PM in reply to Kaneblues
I also remember his ridiculous praise of McCain's kermit the frog speech! It was absurd. Showed him to be a complete tool with nothing, nothing to say.
What a loser.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
roxsteady
January 14, 2010 12:50 PM
Spot on Kaneblue!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ilovebacon
January 14, 2010 1:03 PM
Weiner pops Ford's balloon? Sounds gay.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 1:16 PM in reply to ilovebacon
That, too, says more about you than about Weiner. Why don't you get a comment in about his "hot wife" like Seeryer did while you're at it?
In the meantime, the rest of us will write checks to Weiner for supporting his constituents' concerns.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
TrivTriv
January 14, 2010 1:44 PM
I'm the one who said I heard he's a "screamer who doesn't inspire loyalty," and I also said I like Weiner. I voted for him for mayor five years ago, and might do so again if given a chance.
My point was that he might have trouble getting things done because he "doesn't inspire loyalty"—among fellow political types, not among voters (his staff turns over a lot).
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 1:53 PM in reply to TrivTriv
It's a good point, but I think the sands are shifting. I think a good many "political types" may be shoved out the door in 2010.
Separately, how he relates to his staff is important, but except for an anonymous comment online, we don't have any substantive proof of what's being said. The fact that you've identified yourself as "TrivTriv" doesn't say much to me.
The reason I ask is because Weiner is one of the few who really have stood up for what they SAID they would stand up for. If you're going to allege "screamer", I think you should provide some proof.
If he doesn't get along with his staff, I'd like to know specific details. And then I'll... probably ignore those details, because I'll assume that the beatdown he gives his staff has something to do with the beatdown that Reps like him and Massa get from the White House for not being able to "give the governor a harumph harumph."
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreeRider
January 14, 2010 2:39 PM in reply to again
At least you're willing to admit that you will dismiss any and everything unflattering you hear about Weiner, no matter how well documented.
Good for you!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 2:48 PM in reply to FreeRider
Because I'll be focused on the issues, not on "personality" or slander, Freerider.
But the point remains that it's NOT documented, and at this point remains idle gossip, of the sort that TPM readers specialize in.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreeRider
January 14, 2010 4:25 PM in reply to again
Say you don't care about those things, then. I can understand that. But saying that you will REFUSE to believe anything bad you hear about him makes you look like an idiot!
You said even if he documents his claims, you will dismiss it.
Geez.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 5:40 PM in reply to FreeRider
But you're once again obscuring the point by insisting that there are issues when it's nothing but rumor.
You're creating a straw man.
And it's very obvious to people here what you're doing.
BTW, any chance you're implied by the insurance industry - given how hard Weiner's fought for real health care reform?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreeRider
January 14, 2010 10:10 PM in reply to again
Bullshit. I'm doing no such thing. You said that even if these allegations were documented (i.e., not just rumor) you would still dismiss it.
Look, maybe you'd like to revise that but that's exactly what you said and it makes you sound like a Palin supporter and a moron.
You hate the healthcare bill. You've been railing against the healthcare bill for weeks. What are you going to do when Weiner votes for it--mandate and no public option? Will he still be your hero?
You'll find some way to excuse him whereas everybody else who votes for it will be scum. You have no credibility and you make no sense.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
myshadow
January 14, 2010 2:38 PM
ford is a total bluedog, which is why he gets the face time with tweety and mojoe. Weiner is one of the sharpest knives in the drawer. I would like to hear some back up on the gossipy stuff about staff and 'loyalty.'
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 2:50 PM in reply to myshadow
Pure slander at this point. And I will definitely call them out on it.
Weiner has a huge following among doctors and nurses across the country, people more focused on getting the job done than on "personality."
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jconley
January 14, 2010 2:44 PM
As a good Tennessee Democrat the idea of Harold Ford running for Senate in NY makes for a wonderful belly laugh. Harold is nothing but a craven opportunist. He spent years down here moving to the center right so that he would be palatable to the Tennessee general electorate. The Senate was going to be his stepping stone to being the first black President. (There goes that one.) Harold would have beaten the lackluster candidate of Bob Corker too had he not made a few completely bone-headed, self-inflicted moves. Tennessee's gone further right since Harold lost, so he can't come back here again. But the NY thing is really puzzling because I once thought Ford was very smart - phony, but smart. His TN Senate race made me reconsider that assumption a bit and the NY play suggests I was wrong about the brains part all along.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 14, 2010 3:04 PM
A note on Weiner:
I had an old WASP-y doctor in Montana tell me that he was just sorry that a guy as smart as Weiner had such a stupid name.
"I'd like to have him run for President. But... President Weiner? That's just not going to sell."
The rep is loved. If it's true what trivtriv says, that he's a screamer, well, we'll pay for him to keep screaming. He screams for us Americans, not at us.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Clavis
January 14, 2010 3:23 PM
Ford is welcome to come to NYC anytime. He can take as many pictures as he wants.
Then he gets to go home.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
njlib
January 14, 2010 5:19 PM
he'll have the campaign cash from banks and the DLC, we'll have to fight hard to beat him.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Tosh
May 16, 2010 10:15 AM
It's a good point, but I think the sands are shifting. I think a good many "political types" may be shoved out the door in 2010.
Separately, how he relates to his staff is important, but except for an anonymous comment online, we don't have any substantive proof of what's being said. The fact that you've identified yourself as "TrivTriv" doesn't say much to me.
The reason I ask is because Weiner is one of the few who really have stood up for what they SAID they would stand up for. If you're going to allege "screamer", I think you should provide some proof.
m65 kamagra
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?