I have heard more Ford bashing than I care to admit on this site, especially over the last two days. I want to share something with you all. I support Ford, I am volunteering for Ford. I earnestly hope he is the next Senator from Tn. Now that being said, I despise his positions on gay marriage, abortion, and gun control. He is far too religious for my taste, and his vote in favor of the Military Commissions Act appals me. But I am supporting him, and I will support others like him in the future, if I believe it is for the good of the party.
As evidenced by the last six years under George Bush and his Republican regime, government led by ideological extremists leads to chaos and corruption. A callous lack of concern for the people of this country, and a desire to eradicate ideas and open dialogue. Our party has spent the better part of the last six years on the side lines, marginalized.
As a party, if we begin to embrace some of the more moderate candidates in the south and mid-west, then we can begin to re-build a base of support that more accurately reflects the party as a whole, and the will of the people. This is not about ideology, it is about inclusivity.The sad fact of the matter is that the center has moved right. We can move it back. But we can't accomplish this with exclusionary politics and policies. We have to bring people into the fold and SHOW them that we offer a better way. As democracts, we have the oppurtunity to build a party that is self-correcting. Where differences of opinion are encouraged, if for no other reason, because they encourage the dissemination of new ideas and honest dialogue. I will support a candidate who disagrees with me on issues, if that candidate supports the party. We can not expect to advance a truly progressive agenda without building a framework first. That framework must include people of every race, and from every region.
I support Harold Ford. I also believe that he should be held accountable for his vote in favor of the Military Commissions Act. I disagree with him mightily on some issues, but I hope he is elected. And unless he demonstrates gross negligence, or betrays the party, I hope he is not hounded by other democrats for representing the values of his constituents. Even if some of us disagree with those values.
Change does not occur in a vaccum. It is rarely predictable, graceful, or by design. But I believe in Democrats who say vote for change, and I also believe that they will deliver.