Dark Bilious Vapors

I've already gone on record as to what I think about Harold Ford, Jr. Apparently, I'm not the only Memphian who feels that way. Polar Donkey reports:

Today, Howard Dean came to Memphis and spoke to Democratic activists. Both Tennessee Chairman Bob Tuke and Dean made good speeches that were received as red meat for the activists. Its no secret the majority of Democrats are hungry for leaders that will fight and take on the mantle of being the opposition party. Fortunately, both Tuke and Dean are fighters that want to rebuild the party from the grassroots up.

Two things happened that were of particular note at the speech. The first was the difference in reaction towards the two Democratic candidates for US Senate. Dean began speaking about the Senate race and Rosiland Kurita supporters enthusiastically yelled out their candidates name. Dean happily acknowledged them and Kurita and diplomatically also mentioned how the party had another capable candidate in Harold Ford. What happened was quite telling. Stone Cold Silence at the mention of Ford. The silence was so deafening that it actually put Dean in a slightly awkward position. I don't think he was expecting such a muted response to Ford's name from a room full of Democratic activists in Ford's hometown.

The second incident dealt with the mentioning of Bredesen's name. After addressing the Senate Race, Dean moved onto the Governor's Race and how we need to support Bredesen. The saying of Bredesen's name actually evoked boos from a few in the crowd and then moaning from almost everyone else. It seems there is a reason Bredesen has higher approval ratings from Republicans than Democrats. It was hilarious. Dean actually chuckled and pointed out that Van Hillary was an unacceptable option in 2002 and only more of same could be expected from any republican candidate in 2006.

Len on 01.18.06 @ 09:52 AM CST