This is another of my long shot V.P. possibilities. Do they have merit or don't they? So far, I have done Sen John Breaux of LA and former GA Governor Roy Barnes. Today's subject, Harold Ford.
Harold Ford could bring some serious strengths to the ticket. He's considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. He's from the South. Not only that, he's an African American. It's a gamble, but that could strongly help turnout in a few Southern states where the Democratic party strongly depends on African American turnout. These states would include TN (obviously) also LA, FL, AR and perhaps MO.
However, he does have some negatives. Being an African American could just as much end up being a liability in the South. Unfortunately, there are people who still will not vote for a black candidate. The question will be, as a V.P. candidate, will these folks, who MIGHT swing another way, give a damn if the V.P is black. To me, there is no way to gauge this. It's your classic gamble.
Another possible negative is the fight he had with Pelosi over the Democratic House leadership position. In my eye, he came out looking a whiny moderate pissed that the ultra liberal would soon be the Minority leader. I don't think he handled himself very well while pursuing that title. Probably won't hurt him at all during the campaign, but he did seem a bit arrogant, a bit, "Give it to me b/c I deserve it," attitude. Arrogance is a weakness in politics, right now that weakness belongs to Bush.
What do y'all think? I don't know much about Ford's actions, as i do not live in TN. From what I've gathered, he's a perfectly acceptable Democrat( which some people say Breaux isn't). A Kerry/Ford ticket could be mighty appealing.
Again, this is not an endorsement. This is to generate talk about possible V.P. nominees who don't get mentioned. What do you guys think? Would Harold Ford be good, a disaster, or really not make that much difference?