Rod 2.0:Beta

Attention Iowa Democrats: Please Organize a Search Party for DLC Chairman Harold Ford. Thank You!

Our first post of the new year at The Huffington Post.

In the hours leading up to Thursday night, every Democratic pundit, activist and campaign operative worth his or her blue pinstripes is expected to bring something to the non-stop virtual gangbang of news coverage on television and the internet. Well, almost every Democrat, that is. There is one major player whose presence (and voice) remains strangely absent from the debate around the nomination.

Democratic Leadership Council Chairman Harold Ford.

More HAROLD FORD
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More HUFFINGTON POST

Giuliani Hires Producer of the Race-Baiting, "Bimbo" Ad

The same team that created the notorious ad for the Republican National Committee against Rep. Harold Ford in his 2006 bid for the Senate—depicting a partially-clothed blonde telling Ford to "Call Me"—will now tailor a new image for Republican presidential front-runner Rudy Giuliani.

Heath Thompson will serve as the lead creative consultant to the candidate. Thompson is a partner in Dallas-based Scott Howell & Company. Howell—close associate of Karl Rove—was the lead producer on the infamous spot. Watch it here.

The ad was denounced by civil rights groups and many Democrats called the ad blatantly racist; Republicans defended it as satire of Ford's record. The RNC later asked television stations to pull the spot. Regardless of its intent, the ad became a nationwide lightning rod for progressives who were concerned about the messaging and the GOP's history of race-baiting.

Heath Thompson is seen as a "rising star in the media world" and has "extensive experience" in South Carolina, one of the critical early primary states where Giuliani hopes to revise his image as a pro-gay, pro-choice New Yorker.

Giuliani Decides on Media Team [WaPo]

You May Want to Read ...
Good for the Democrats, Bad for Gays [Wash Blade]
Harold Ford to Chair the DLC [R20]
McCain Hires Producer of Racist Bimbo Ad [R20]
How Low Will They Go? [R20]
More Racist Ads Target Ford [R20]
Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad [R20]
Repub Party Accepts Money from Gay Porn [R20]
Mr. Mehlman, You've Given So Many Confusing Answers About Your Sexuality" [R20]
Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex [R20]
"I Like Football and I Like Girls" [R20]

Obama to the DLC?

Is media darling and presidential contender Barack Obama re-positioning himself within the Democratic Party?

In a Washington Post interview, Harold Ford, the new chairman of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council, says Illinois' junior senator has expressed interest in "find[ing] ways he could work with the DLC." Ford describes Obama as a "personal friend" and says they talk regularly.

So far, the DLC has not expressed an official preference on the Democratic presidential candidates. Unofficially—maybe not.

By the by, Ford says he will not be attending this year's Playboy Party at the Super Bowl, probably because his love of "girls and football" got him into so much trouble the last time around.

You May Want to Read ...

Good for the Democrats, Bad for Gays (Wash Blade) Harold Ford to Chair the DLC (Rod 2.0) McCain Hires Producer of Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0) More Racist Ads Target Ford (Rod 2.0) Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) Repub Party Accepts Money from Gay Porn (Rod 2.0) Mr. Mehlman, You've Given So Many Confusing Answers About Your Sexuality" (Rod 2.0) "I Love This Country" (Rod 2.0) Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex (Rod 2.0) "I Like Football and I Like Girls" (Rod 2.0) Video of CNN Comparing Obama to Axis of Evil (Rod 2.0) CNN Compares Barack Obama to Ahmadinejad (Rod 2.0) "Pastor, Would You Let a White Supremacist Speak at Your Church?" (Rod 2.0) Hillary vs Obama (Rod 2.0) Where There is Smoke, There Is ... (Rod 2.0) "Christians" Opposed to Obama (Rod 2.0) Far-Right Not Interested in Disease (Rod 2.0) Far-Right Not Interested in Disease Pt 2 (Rod 2.0) "Draft Obama" TV Ads (Rod 2.0) Obama Strikes a Pose (Rod 2.0) Obama '08? (Rod 2.0)

News: Harold Ford, Gay in the Heartland, Giuliani's Record

· As predicted, former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford Jr. has formally accepted the high-profile chairmanship of the Democratic Leadership Council, the centrist policy group that launched Bill Clinton to national stardom and the presidency. Prominent gay Democrats want Ford to re-affirm the DLC's opposition to ballot measures against domestic-partnership benefits, civil unions and other rights for gay men and lesbians. Our Washington Blade op-ed here.

· The WashBlade examines lgbt politicians who have won substantial victories in so-called "Red States." Particular emphasis is placed upon Patricia Todd, Alabama's first openly gay legislator whose election was marked by charges of homophobia and racism, and, Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth who says a divisive Republican opponent "tried to get black ministers to oppose him, but they ended up supporting him" because of his great track record with seniors, families and job development.

· Coming soon from City Hall: An official New York City condom.

· The new buzz on Rudy Giuliani's campaign: Instead of running from his pro-gay and -choice record, he will embrace it.

Harold Ford: Good for the Democrats, Bad for Gays

That's the title of our op-ed in the latest Washington Blade.

There's also a little bit more on some Harold Ford-related presidential gossip that is gaining some currency across the Beltway. Check out the piece so you can say you read it there first. We're excited, this is our first piece in the op-ed pages there. In the coming weeks, look for more of our commentary at the Blade and Southern Voice.

Good for Dems, Bad for Gays (Washington Blade)

Some Background...

Harold Ford to Chair the DLC (Rod 2.0) McCain Hires Producer of Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0) Harold Ford vs Bob Corker (Rod 2.0) More Racist Ads Target Ford (Rod 2.0) Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) Repub Party Accepts Money from Gay Porn (Rod 2.0) Mr. Mehlman, You've Given So Many Confusing Answers About Your Sexuality" (Rod 2.0) "I Love This Country" (Rod 2.0) Only on Fox: We All Look Alike (Rod 2.0) Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex (Rod 2.0) "I Like Football and I Like Girls" (Rod 2.0)

Harold Ford to Chair the DLC

Not as hot as the latest Britney Spears and Kevin Federline rumors, but here's today's hottest political dish:

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is stepping down as chairman of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council and will be replaced by former Rep. Harold Ford Jr. of Memphis—who just lost the closest Senate race in Tennessee history. The DLC is the influential think tank founded to cultivate "New Democrats" to national platforms, particularly at the presidential level.

The official version behind the resignation: Vilsack said he was following a precedent set by former President Bill Clinton by leaving his DLC post to focus on his presidential campaign. The un-official and more likely version: The DLC is already writing off Vilsack's hopes of winning the White House in 2008 in favor of backing Hillary Clinton, also on the group's Leadership Team. "I assume there will be an effort to help Senator Clinton's campaign, and I would support such an effort," Ford writes in a memo leaked to Radar.

Some gay groups are calling foul, citing Ford's record as one of "only a small minority of Democrats who voted" for the proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

What a coincidence. Ford addresses this in the current issue of Blueprint, saying "most voters understood that our positions were squarely in the mainstream of Tennessee voters" and social issues were used to divert attention from Iraq. Not familiar with Blueprint? It's the official publication of the Democratic Leadership Council.

DLC Taps Ford as Next Chair (Radar)

Ford Expected To Chair DLC (ABC 24)

Gay Dems Concerned with DLC Offer (PRN)

Ideas, Not Ideology (Blueprint)

Gays Concerned with DLC Offer to Ford (PRN)

More Harold Ford:

McCain Hires Producer of Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0) Harold Ford vs Bob Corker (Rod 2.0) More Racist Ads Target Ford (Rod 2.0) Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) Repub Party Accepts Money from Gay Porn (Rod 2.0) Mr. Mehlman, You've Given So Many Confusing Answers About Your Sexuality" (Rod 2.0) "I Love This Country" (Rod 2.0) Only on Fox: We All Look Alike (Rod 2.0) Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex (Rod 2.0) "I Like Football and I Like Girls" (Rod 2.0)

McCain Hires Producer of Racist Bimbo Ad as Campaign Manager

That infamous racist attack ad against Rep. Harold Ford Jr. is just one of many recent accomplishments by Republican Party operative Terry Nelson. That little stunt got him fired from consulting to Wal-Mart. Nelson was also named in the recent robocall scandal in New Hampshire and was an un-indicted co-conspirator in the Tom Delay money-laundering scandal.

So, why would Sen. John McCain, the supposed "straight talker" and "maverick", hire an ethically-challenged political hack to manage his 2008 presidential campaign? And why did Washington Post political columnist Chris Cillizza and McCain groupie make absolutely no mention of Nelson's troubling history when reporting the announcement?

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a great answer last week when asked about the likely presidential campaign by the senator from Arizona. "Is it McCain from the 'Straight-Talk Express' or the guy that went to Liberty University?"

McCain Picks Campaign Chief (ABC News)

Vote Theft, Robocalls, and Terry Nelson (AlterNet)

McCain Hires Lawbreaker as Manager (My DD)

McCain Continues to Win Over Bush Insiders (WaPo)

More John McCain, Harold Ford and Terry Nelson:

How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0) Harold Ford vs Bob Corker (Rod 2.0) More Racist Ads Target Ford (Rod 2.0) Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) McCain Flip Flops on Roe v Wade (Rod 2.0) McCain Flip-Flops on Gay Rights (Rod 2.0) McCain Wants More Troops (Rod 2.0) "I Love This Country" (Rod 2.0) Only on Fox: We All Look Alike (Rod 2.0) Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex (Rod 2.0) "I Like Football and I Like Girls" (Rod 2.0)

Democrats Want Howard Dean Out ... and Harold Ford In

Hate to say "we told you so", but, "we told you so" because now it's front page in today's New York Times: DNC Chairman Howard Dean is being targeted ... by Democrats. The man to replace him is Harold Ford—unless CNN hires him first.

Here's why: Some top Dems are none-too-pleased with Dean's stubborn commitment to his "50-state" strategy—building organizations in states where Dems were not competitive—and holding out funds that cost the party several pickup opportunities. Sen.Chuck Schumer of New York and Rep. Rahm Emanuel from Illinois were the top architects of the Democratic takeover of Congress and bitterly fought Dean over funding and strategy. Schumer and Rahm's approach was more tactical —identifying attractive candidates and vulnerable GOP seats, although not all Dems are singing Rahm's praies.

James Carville, the Clinton strategist who engineered Bill Clinton's '92 win, leads the anti-Dean charge. “It’s pretty clear that the committees work and the D.N.C. works, but they don’t work together,” he says. “And now we’re getting ready to gear up in a presidential year, and I think Harold Ford would be a great chairman."

Right now, probably some gays reading this are probably not too happy about the prospect of Harold Ford running the Democratic National Committee. Grow up. Ford doesn't live in New Jersey and was commenting on a decision that only affected ... people in New Jersey. It's called politics and there was not a single more important issue than the Democrats winning back a majority in the House and Senate this year. Period. We can look forward to some traction on ENDA and hate crimes but gay marriage will be a long, uphill fight ... state by state, maybe with some help from a more liberal Supreme Court in the future. Exactly why we should focus on a Democratic victory in 2008.

What's Next For Ford? CNN Talk Show? (TPM)

Another Layer of Winners and Losers (NYT)

The Truth About Rahm Emanuel (Huff Po)

A Putsch at the DNC (TNR)

Carville Hates Dean (Hotline)

Not a Good Thing for Dems (MY DD)

More Harold Ford and Democratic Paty:

"I Love This Country" (Rod 2.0) Only on Fox: We All Look Alike (Rod 2.0) More Racist Ads Target Ford (Rod 2.0) Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0) Repub Party Accepts Money from Gay Porn (Rod 2.0) Mr. Mehlman, You've Given So Many Confusing Answers About Your Sexuality" (Rod 2.0) How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0) Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex (Rod 2.0) "I Like Football and I Like Girls" (Rod 2.0) How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0) Harold Ford vs Bob Corker (Rod 2.0) Decision 2008 (Rod 2.0) Election Results "Bode Well" for Gays (Rod 2.0) Democrats Sweep Congress (Rod 2.0) Dems Take Most Governorships (Rod 2.0)

Morning in America

"I Love This Country"

Harold Ford Jr. was not successful in his bid to become Tennessee's next Democratic senator, and, the South's first black senator since Reconstruction. The handsome and charismatic politician comes from a prominent political family that challenger Bob Corker had attempted to use against him. Ford often said that his campaign would transcend the tired racial politics of Tennessee's past.

However, race was always the undercurrent in what became the nation's sleaziest political mud fest—especially when that blatantly racist bimbo ad produced by the Republican National Committee hit the airwaves.

"I love this country more than I love this process," Ford said. "As debasing as it can be, sometimes we forget that when politics works, Americans live better and safer lives."

A high-five to Harold Ford. He is a black man who ran for senate in a southern state—a very red, southern state. Ford did not win but ran an incredibly competitive campaign and only lost by a couple percentage points. This was a tall order in a state that is only 17% black and nominally Democratic. Some gays were not excited about Ford's candidacy because he did not support same-sex marriage. True, but he was willing to support federal hate crimes protection and other measures that are important to us. You win some, you lose some. That's what politics is all about.

If anything was obvious from last night, it is what we have been saying since last spring: The Democratic Party's future is in the center.

"Ford Congratulates Corker In Concession" (WKRN)

TN-SEN (CNN)

More Harold Ford Jr:

Only on Fox: We All Look Alike (Rod 2.0)

More Racist Ads Target Ford (Rod 2.0)

Parody of the Racist Bimbo Ad (Rod 2.0)

Repub Party Accepts Money from Gay Porn (Rod 2.0)

Mr. Mehlman, You've Given So Many Confusing Answers About Your Sexuality" (Rod 2.0)

How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0)

Repubs Obsessed with Gays and Sex (Rod 2.0)

"I Like Football and I Like Girls" (Rod 2.0)

How Low Will They Go? (Rod 2.0)

Harold Ford vs Bob Corker (Rod 2.0)