“Our political system — so bogged down in partisan fighting — is sapping the morale of New Yorkers and preventing government at every level from fulfilling its duty.”
So writes Harold Ford in his farewell address by means of a New York Times Op-Ed published moments ago, which he uses to slam New York’s Democratic Party and party bosses, whom he characterizes as “nervous.” (I’m sure they’re a lot less nervous after this announcement.)
Saying, “[T]oo few in the Democratic Party are really willing to break with orthodoxy to meet these challenges. We need leaders as good as the people they represent — leaders focused on creating jobs, keeping taxes low, helping small businesses and restoring faith in government,” Ford is trying to claim he would have been able to solve new York’s problems.
But Ford claims he would not have been able to raise enough cash once he won the primary challenge against incumbent Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Ford says, “I am a Democrat. But I am an independent Democrat.” By which, given his past record on LGBTQ issues, he mans, “I am a Republican.”
Ford does make a lot of salient points.
“These are tough times.” Check.
New Yorkers “worry about their future, care about their neighbors and hope this storm will pass so they can focus on better days ahead.” Check.
“Voting for health care legislation that imposes billions in new taxes on New Yorkers and restricts federal financing for abortions is not good for the people of this state.” Check. Not necessarily true, but, check.
“New Yorkers are hungry for a new direction in government.” Check.
The one point Ford failed to make is the most important. Harold, we’re just not that into you.
And on a somewhat personal note, as many know my position on last week’s inappropriate theatrics, I’ll say this:
It would be extraordinarily short-sighted and illogical to assume that last week’s actions had anything, or any great degree of effect on Ford’s decision, and dangerous to future plans to do so.
Just because something happened, doesn’t mean the thing that happened before it had anything to do with it.
Congratulations to ALL New Yorkers are warranted. But those taking credit for this may be being presumptuous — at best.