It's fairly predictable that Harold Ford will try to remake his image to better appeal to New York Democrats. In fact he's already started to do so, albeit in fairly small steps. Ford made sure to say that if he had his way on the health care bill, the Stupak amendment would be out.
"He wants to improve the health care bill so he can vote for it, addressing the concerns of Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Paterson, so New York gets its fair share, removing anti-abortion language, and protecting more small businesses from mandates," Goldin said.
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This is not a major step because opposing the Stupak amendment does not make someone pro-choice. However the entire statement is a clear pander at New York voters. Not only is Ford supporting the choice lobby here, he's specifically supporting New York interests over a more fiscally conservative bill. But the pro-choice language here is a complete shift in the rhetoric of Harold Ford.
Ford supporters will predictably say that Senator Gillibrand also shifted her rhetoric and her record as a Senator does not match her record as a Congresswoman. While Gillibrand has softened her stance on certain issues, there is nothing inherently inconsistent with her major stances. Senator Gillibrand always stood up for woman's rights and LGBT rights. The change of heart that Harold Ford needs to undergo to be competitive in New York just won't be as convincing. It will be the biggest "change of heart" that New York has even seen. |
