Is Obama A Big Boost For Ford ?

Barack Obama came to Memphis today, in support of Harold Ford Jr., in his bid for the U.S. Senate. The excitement level was equal to that of a concert, as opposed to a campaign rally. If they could build up excitement like that all over the state,we would have been looking at two future young Black Senators. To speak in Memphis, was like preaching to the choir. Fords level of support here, was strong whether he came here or not. He is the closest thing we have, to a native son. He had the people of Memphis before he started. It will help him in Memphis though, with the undecided vote. Just not with the rest of Tennessee. Where he's going to need it most. I didn't support Harold Jr. as a Congressman, but maybe as a Senator I would. Let me explain the difference as I see it, in my opinion.

As Congressman of the 9th district, I didn't really think he earned it. I didn't have much of a complaint about his performance. As a matter of fact, he's been pretty productive. It was more of a personal gripe, I had with him. When I think about it,in hindsight. I was hating the player, not the game. He was given a congressional seat on a silver spoon, but that's wasn't his fault. That instead was his blessing. He has done his job good enough, to be repeatedly elected. A total of four times, and he would win again if he ran. One thing I didn't like was the fact. He said one thing, and did another. At least according, to his voting record. Often I agreed with his positions, but the message didn't always get back to the district. I considered this to be sneaky politics. He would tell the people of Memphis anything they want to hear, to continue getting their votes. His popularity has grown among whites, through his voting record. He has been courting the conservative vote, all the time. He just never admitted it openly.

As a Senator the scope changes, he is at the second level of power in the chain of command. He joins a more elite group of politicians. For Harold Ford Jr. to win, would be advantageous for the city of Memphis. He would be able to serve his constituents, on a whole different level. As Senator he will need more of a presence in Washington D.C., than he will in Memphis. In my opinion, that's the major difference in the positions. Which the young Congressman Harold Ford Jr., already has acquired. He isn't new to the game, he is a veteran of congress. With ten years experience. He served as an aide prior to that. He has been groomed for the Senators job. He has been given the label of a moderate liberal, often leaning to the conservative side. I understand why he takes the position he takes. It's the only way he can get elected. To claim to be conservative in the 9th district, would amount to political suicide. It's okay to vote that way, just don't say it. As a Senator I think he would be less constrained, and pressured to cater to party politics.

This was the first time I ever saw Harold Ford Jr. upstaged, by any politician in Memphis. There wasn't this level of excitement, for the presidential candidates.They at one time were both rising stars, on the political horizon. Needless to say Obama's took off. Not that Ford has been stagnant, just not as successful as Obama. No one else seems to remember, but I think that's where Harold Ford Jr. fell off. He endorsed the wrong candidate, for the Democratic nomination for president. His flame has been flickering every since. The people were more excited about Barack Obama than they were about Harold Ford Jr., but he isn't running for office. After seeing the two together, it's obvious who's the more charismatic. If they can create the magic in somewhere other than Memphis, they may be on to something.