VIDEO: Harold Ford Jr. for Marriage Equality in New York

Harold Ford Jr. is back and sticking to his stance of supporting Gay marriage. As some of you may remember, Harold wasn't a fan favorite for his former anti-gay views. But in life, people do change and it seems he is sincere.

Check out his video:

Harold Ford Jr. disses Gilly

I hate to say it, but he may be back.

Harold Ford Jr. is Not running for NY Senator

My ex-husband has decided not to run for NY Senator, so Gilly is safe for now (jk).

This is what he had to say:

"I've examined this race in every possible way, and I keep returning to the same fundamental conclusion: If I run, the likely result would be a brutal and highly negative Democratic primary -- a primary where the winner emerges weakened and the Republican strengthened," Ford wrote. He continued: "I refuse to do anything that would help Republicans win a Senate seat in New York, and give the Senate majority to the Republicans."

However, there are rumors that he could go for Governor. But those are huge rumors.

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What's the best Method to fight for our Rights?

The recent Harold Ford Jr. debacle has heated up some discussions on how we should address politicians, as well as, how we should fight for our rights.

If your not familiar with the issue, Ford spoke at a Stonewall Democrats event in NYC. However, he was attacked by several gays, screaming and shouting during his speech. The aftermath of that event, caused several LGBT leaders, activists and bloggers to condemn the protesters' actions.

Then on the flipslide, several LGBT peeps felt this is the best way to deal with lying politicians and the slow process on our issues.

But what is the best method? Is there a 'best method'?

I struggle with this because I'm all for protesting. I think it's a great way to convey our frustrations. However, when it's destructive, the point is muddled.

For example, there's already a backlash from the Ford drama. The mainstream media folks are labeling the protesters as "rude", "vile", "tacky". And this issue has trickled down to other minority groups who are seeing this as an unnecessary attack on Ford.

Still, this method could sent a message that 'we don't take no jive'. This could be the wake up call to any politician who wants our support.

For me, I think the Ford drama hurt more than helped. But on the other hand, folks now know you can't play with our emotions.

I would love to hear from y'all about this.

Harold Ford Jr. vs Some Angry Gays

Okay, I know folks don't like my ex-husband, but this is ridic. Please watch HF at the Stonewall Dems event at NYC.






My personal opinion? This is was not cute and this may work for him. Knowing spin doctors and politics, this could be his golden ticket. Especially, when Sen. Diaz is playing the gay abandonment card. This could spin into Harold's hands.

Now, I not for the man, but I can see this being a negative tag at us.

The Power, y'all need to be smart and not stupid.

Harold Ford Jr. addresses the NY Gays

I will say this, Harold enjoys conflict. And he's about to face it head on with the Stonewall Dems.
He's meeting with them in 2 weeks and it's been described that he's walking into a lion's den.

"I don't think he's aware of what the gay community is like in New York," said Marty Algaze, a veteran of both LGBT and Democratic politics. "He's walking into a lion's den."

"...A lot of people don't like him, and I have a feeling they're going to be a little hostile," Algaze continued. "If somebody asked me if I was supporting him, I would say: 'No. I'm supporting Sen. (Kirsten) Gillibrand. This is a good opportunity for the club and the community to hear what he has to say, not just these sound bites he gives on TV."

"He gets rid of the issue really quick and then changes the subject. It's time for him to be grilled on these issues and see what he really knows."

And a group, called The Power, plans on "confronting" him. Here's the facebook invo:

On Wednesday, February 24th at 6 p.m., The Power invites you to join us in confronting anti-LGBT Senate hopeful Harold Ford, Jr. when he addresses the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City at the LGBT Community Services Center at 208 West 13th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenue). Be there early and invite all your friends to stand united against his lies.

Now Ford lives in New York, the state with the largest LGBT population in the country, and is on the verge of mounting a Democratic primary challenge against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who has established herself as one of the most outspoken advocates of LGBT equality in the Senate, endorsing The Power's petition to expand the Civil Rights Act to include LGBT people, declaring her support for same-sex marriage, and leading the fight to end Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, Ford says that now he supports same-sex marriage. While our movement depends on people changing their opinions, we do not need people who lie to us and take us for granted. In fact, we need to show such people we won't tolerate them. Ford has also been lying about his record on a woman's right to choose, so much so that Planned Parenthood actually issued a statement insisting that he stop calling himself pro-choice.

It is imperative that the LGBT community turn out next Wednesday to confront Ford and to demonstrate to the Democratic Party and Ford's fat cat donors (most notably Maureen White and Steve Rattner), that we will not be taken for granted, that we will not be lied to, and that after the election of 2008 we can recognize the difference between someone pandering for our endorsement and someone who is truly a fierce advocate.

That's cute, announce your plans so you can get busted.

I tell you, sometimes the gay activists cause more of the drama than the haters.

Interesting Quote: Karl Rove

“He’s a guy with a lot of intelligence and a lot of drive and ambition, and (incumbent Democratic New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is) a weak candidate. We’ll see how it plays out. He’s an aggressive campaigner. He’s had a few missteps here at the beginning, but … (Ford) is an articulate, attractive candidate who can sway crowds. He needs to have a message that resonates with New Yorkers. New York has been accepting of candidates who’ve moved in from elsewhere. Robert Kennedy, as you know, was elected to the Senate from New York even though he was from Massachusetts, and former first lady Hillary Clinton was elected to the Senate from New York even though she spent most of her adult years in Arkansas.”

Karl speaking about my ex-husband, Harold Ford Jr.

What does Vincent Morgan and Harold Ford Jr. have in Common?

They are cousins!!!

However, the cute Harlem investment banker/Congress hopeful is nothing like his cousin (my ex-husband).

Morgan also appears to have none of Ford's political baggage. He is firmly pro-choice and unequivically believes in Marriage Equality, a position potentially at odds with many of his prospective Harlem constituents. "Some advisors have warned it would be unwise to support same-sex marriage, but this is just the right thing to do," says Morgan, whose campaign has formed an LGBT campaign committee. "We've let the religious right marshall this debate," he adds. "But to me, this is simply about relationships -- I support same-sex marriage and everyone's right to have their own relationships respected."

Morgan's sentiments are hardly surprising considering his unique background. While many of his cousins -- and 15 half-siblings -- were at prep school like Harold, Jr., "I grew up poor, I dropped out of high school and got some help by people who believed in me," says Morgan who ultimately finished high school before enrolling in Howard and eventually completing graduate school at Columbia University. "I know what it's like to feel like an outsider. I was the 'light-skinned' kid in an all-Black neighborhood, I did not have a father, I was wedged between groups."

Today, Morgan hopes to channel that earlier sense of isolation into unifying Harlem as he challenges Rangel for New York City's coveted 15th Congressional District.

Interesting. I wonder if he will campaign on the behalf of his cousin? Or will they be at odds?

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What could be Trouble for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand?

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has made serious headway in LGBT rights for NY and the nation. However, she may have to fight to keep her position as Senator.

Why you may ask? Well, as I like to believe she's safe, that may not be the case. My Ex-husband, Harold Ford Jr. could come from nowhere and still win.

I will present some points I've learned from the previous weeks.

• Gov. Patterson's support doesn't carry much weight as it used to. After the gay marriage debacle, folks are not so sure of his choices (He appointed Gillibrand).
• Her background ain't that cute either. Before she was appointed Senator, her LGBT ratings were low. She only supported civil unions and wouldn't co-sponsor the repeal of DADT. Later, she changed her stances and won praises for that. But one would question, if she could change, why can't Harold Ford Jr.? I only bring this up, because it will be used in the campaign. I bet my LV bag on it.
• She was appointed not elected. And she wasn't the top choice either. Some NY politicians were angry at Patterson for that.
  
• According to this article, 63% New Yorkers said they didn't know enough about her to have an opinion. Meaning, she will need to introduce herself to New York. Many, however are familiar with Ford.
• Many of her supporters are from one group (gays). If she wants to win, she will need to court and I mean court other groups. The 2 she needs the most important tide turners, the labor unions and minorites (these are supposedly Ford's lock downs)
• Gillibrand is considered very liberal, which leave opportunities for a moderate Dem or Independent to step in and shake up the election.

Just my views. Let me know what y'all think.

Harold, this is your life

you're breaking my heart

Real Talk!

I'm treating Harold Ford Jr. like an Ex, I accidentally slept with... twice. I'm ending it.

Harold Ford Jr.: I'm Coming for New York

The man that's stirring up drama is keeping the show on the road.

Harold, in his own words, pleads his case in NY Post. Here are some key pieces:

I am pro-choice -- have always been since I entered politics almost 15 years ago. My cumulative grade with NARAL during 10 years in Congress was right at 80 percent. Any assertions to the contrary are false.

Well, this clip says otherwise.

Not cute, cutie.

And from the moment I arrived in Congress, I supported civil unions. Like New York's senior senator, after listening to and participating in the national conversation about full equality and fairness, I support same-sex marriage.

Okay, you said "you thought about it". But your actions needs to speak, Harold.

Despite what critics say about me, I enjoyed uninterrupted support from organized labor throughout my time in Congress.

This is KEY, this is where he's super strong. If he wins these folks, it's almost over. That's Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's kryptonite.

Again, I'm not defending him. I'm trying to keep an open mind.

Harold is a strange creature because his credentials has both positive and negative aspects. But again, his actions will be the true judge of character.

Interesting Quote: Alan Van Capelle

“I know Harold Ford, Jr. just arrived to New York, but as a native and lifelong resident I know what New York values are and I know a snake oil salesman when I see one. You simply can’t claim to be pro-equality if you’ve twice voted to enshrine discrimination into the U.S. Constitution.”

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The Interesting thing about Harold Ford Jr.

Harold Ford Jr.

Sexy, smart, southerner, politician... Sexy.

Okay, enough of my fantasy stuff; here's the story, Harold may run for Senator of NY.

Meaning, he will (if he decides to) run against Kirsten E. Gillibrand, NY's Golden Lesbian and current Senator. Many have stressed that he has great chance of winning and to be honest, he could win this thing.

But, his voting record could be the 'HALT' for many LGBT folks. For example: He voted yes on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage, against including us in the Hate Crimes Act and voted no on ENDA.

I was deeply hurt when I found out about this, however, that was his stance 6 years ago. At this point, we are not sure of where he stands on these matters today. Now, I'm not completely defending him, I'm just waiting to hear where he is in 2010... People can change.

But some don't think so and have already launched a campaign against him.
Alan van Capelle, Pride Agenda Executive Director said:

“Ford supports a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. In fact, he voted for the Federal Marriage Amendment both times it reached the House floor. He has also gone out of his way to condemn court rulings (New Jersey’s, for example) that called for equal treatment under the law for same-sex couples. During his last year in the House, Ford received a 25 (out of 100) rating on HRC’s Congressional Scorecard.”

Okay, fair points, but again this is from 6 years ago.

I think Harold is a smart man. Smart enough to know that his anti-gay views will not get him elected. But if he still holds those anti-gay views, I can't stand for him.

So the jury is still out of Harold (or at least in my book)

***if you want to see his record, go here

Harold's the Man

Okay, this partly true and partly because I think he's very attractive. But I think, Harold Ford Jr. would be a good Vice President. He's has all the right credentials and savvy to pull it off. He's from my home state of Tennessee, he's ambitious, a hard worker, and a advocate for change. If Obama needs someone, Harold can do it. He's not perfect, but he 's a good man.

Plus, he's a cutie.