Harold Ford, Jr.

For those who mistakenly believe Harold represents the "new Black leadership" a few items need to be mentioned. Ford, 33 y/o House member running for senate, is a member of the new breed of Black hustlers, or as BC writes : Black Point Man for the Right."

"You have to understand people like George Bush. He's a nice guy. We need to learn from him. Remember what Bill Clinton did: He figured out what Republicans were doing well, and instead of complaining about it, he figured out a way to do it better." – Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. (D-TN)

Men like Ford Jr. began to appear on the scene years ago, although Ford has only been in politics since 1996 when he was elected to the House at age 26, representing the 9th district of Tennessee (Memphis). Ford comes from a politicaly powerful family here in Tennessee.

Ford has sucked up to the rightwing and Bush Jr. for most of his political career, until the recent Dubai Ports deal. Ford needed a stump to stand on for his 2006 senate bid and this was it. Thanks be to Hillary and all those pols rushing to protect us from Arab danger. Some believe Ford could take the senate seat, emptied by Bill Frist retirement. Attacks on Ford's "lavish lifestyle" have been blogged at Fancy Ford. But aren't all pols living lavish on our dime?

Uncle John Ford (state senator) has been an embarrassment : fined for spending campaign money on his daughter's wedding, once shooting at a truck driver through his sun roof, and last year indicted on extortion charges. Another uncle acquitted of extortion charges back in 1993. His daddy, Harold Eugene Sr., was under constant investigation when he served in Congress (1970s), particularly during Republican national administrations. Dad was of the first modern era of Black pols, often confrontational with whites which rallied support from Southern Blacks in the '70s. He was never convicted of anything.

America's political body, afraid Blacks might choose another MLK or MX leader, have instead manufactured, promoted, "groomed" and gave us hustlers like the Ford "dynasty." Julian Bond refers to this type of new Black leader as "Trojan horses." Nothing more than progressive window dressing. And of course, America's political body, in particular the Republicans, now know if you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. Sold.

The success of the current "Ford dynasty" is more proof voters aren't informed, or if they are they don't give a damn. Proof too that of the 50 +/- percent of eligible voters who vote many of them do so on looks and personality. Memphis Blacks will support Harold simply because he's "one of us" who "made it." Even those who know he's just another Black man (albeit light, bright, and damned near white) tap dancing for the white folks show.