More Harold Ford on the radio
It seems like once a week, I hear Harold Ford on the local talk radio. This morning, he had an entire hour. He’s really talking the talk. Based on addressing the issues and speaking to the public, he’s beating Bob Corker like like he owes him money.
A few notes in the time I listened:
Harold is all about his Christianity. He said he supported the 10 commandments displays and started some sort of religious caucus in the congress.
He also says the separation of church and state is important.
He chided Corker for his ties to big oil, which is kind of a silly claim. Even the host said that comparing a retailer like Pilot Oil to Exxon/Mobil is not a fair comparison.
He made a claim (and I can’t recall how he worded it exactly) that Corker supported a measure in the senate. I don’t recall Corker ever being a senator.
Blasted Corker for raising taxes as mayor.
Blasted Corker’s ad in the Republican primary stating Hilleary and Bryant voted themselves a pay raise.
Again, called Corker out for not engaging the public or Ford more.
Harold is trying to out-conservative the Republican.
Even though I’ve stated that I’ll likely vote for Corker merely due to Harold Ford’s ties and loyalty to the big government, nanny statists like Schumer, Clinton and Kennedy, Ford is running a better campaign. Corker is losing ground and it’s Corker’s fault.
Update: Dr. Helen and Glenn have a podcast interview with Corker. I’ve not listened to it but they apparently ask him about gun rights. If you’ve listened to it, what does he say about them?
September 12th, 2006 at 11:12 am
Bob Corker lacks depth. I listened to that and just got more and more frustrated. All he knows are the NRSC talking points and can’t get by that. He said he was strong on gun issues, but they fluttered from Helen asked him about specifics. He just doesnt know the issues.
September 12th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Helen asked him about nationwide concealed carry – specifically, would he support legislation that allowed an individual with a permit in one state to carry their gun in another state. Very clear, straight up answer.
He paused. Said, he thoughts so, but didn’t know. Said, he wasn’t prepared for such in depth questions. Then said he would have to look at the issue and get back to them.
She followed it up with a question on legislation preventing the confiscation of firearms in situations such as Katrina. He again gave a weasly answer.
I think Reggie is right. He is all talking points, and barely does that correctly. Whats really so shocking here, is these are the two same answers they asked Ford. You would think he’d be prepared for at least the same questions Ford got.
I don’t think Corker has an original idea in his head.
Of course, that means the party can pretty easily force him to do what it wants – which is pretty much what Ford does anyway (though at least Ford can think for himself and on his feet, even if I would never trust him further than I can throw him)
What the poor people of Tennessee have is essentially a campaign between the two national parties and their agenda. Which do you trust more – Rs or Ds – because push comes to shove, either of these guys will throw your rights down the pooper for the sake of the national organization and its message.
So sad (though from my perspective as a lobbyist, it does make my job a little easier)
September 12th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
eeer, replace “answers” with “questions” a couple of times there (last sentence of first paragraph, middle of fourth paragraph)
September 12th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
I have to wonder why Bryant didn’t expose and exploit these weaknesses in the Primary.
September 12th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
He chided Corker for his ties to big oil, which is kind of a silly claim. Even the host said that comparing a retailer like Pilot Oil to Exxon/Mobil is not a fair comparison.
You don’t think Haslam/Pilot is active in petrobusiness politics? Even if you don’t believe that, there’s this:
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Corker traveled to Washington on Tuesday to collect contributions from political action committees and others, prompting opponents in both political parties to accuse him of hypocrisy.
[..]
Corker’s campaign scheduled a Tuesday evening fund-raiser at the offices of Capitol Decisions*, a lobbying firm. An invitation shows that admission for PAC representatives was $1,000 each, $250 for others attending.
Today, Corker was to attend a “meet and greet” event hosted by an official of the Independent Petroleum Producers Association, which represents domestic oil and natural gas producers in lobbying Washington. Contributions will be accepted but are not required, the invitation indicates.
Countertop: Re. Corker’s fuzziness on the issues, “I’m not that familiar with the issue so I’ll have get back to you” was his response to more than one question during the one GOP primary debate I watched. One of the issues I specifically recall was the North Shore Road project. Regardless of how you feel about it, how could you be from East Tennessee and claim to support our National Parks and never have heard of that?
September 12th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
R. Neal: I agree about his fuzziness. It really does raise a lot of questions. I don’t know him, but know alot of folks from Chattanooga who do and will have to inquire further about it.
Regarding his petrobusiness activities, IPPA is a smaller energy association here in DC. It pales in comparison to the American Petroleum Institute (API) (though they share some of the same goals and members) and is often times at odds with API at the margins (Independents vs the big guys). Pilot Oil is, I believe, also a member of the association (which name escapes me right now – its the Convenience Store Chain association or something) that represents all the fuel retailers and gas stations.
September 12th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
I think Pilot is also involved in some trucking and/or truck stop related associations. I also seem to recall Haslam opposing low-sulfur diesel regulations.
Wait… here it is:
http://epw.senate.gov/107th/has_0615.htm
September 13th, 2006 at 5:50 am
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