Is Commerce Dept. Built Ford Tough?

Posted: Friday, February 13, 2009 6:01 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Harold Ford Jr. for Commerce Secretary? It's something a few Democrats around town are pushing and, according to sources, the idea of appointing the former Tennessee Congressman is being given serious thought by folks high up in the Obama administration. [NOTE UPDATE BELOW]

On paper, Ford checks a lot of boxes for a an easy-to-confirm nominee for this post: He's a pro-business Democrat (remember, this is Commerce Secretary so the job is to be a promoter of business); he's a former member of the Congressional Black Caucus (you'll recall this whole kerfuffle over control of the census under a Judd Gregg-led Commerce Dept. was started by complaints from the CBC); and he's a practiced spokesperson on TV (the Geithner rollout this week is a reminder that the administration doesn't have enough solid media savvy members of his team who can sell the administration's policies.).

There is one, potential, gigantic problem: Ford's current place of employment -- Merrill Lynch. Given the current views of Wall Street, Ford's nomination could come under immediate fire and he'd have to disclose exactly what his job was with ML etc. and whether he was one of the 700 million dollar bonus recipients before Merrill completed its sale to Bank of America in late 2008.

***UPDATE: Ford's folks tell me that he never received a bonus in his time at Merrill Lynch nor was he involved in developing or selling anything having to do with mortgage securities. Ford's job was simply business development and advising clients on domestic or int'l issues. Bottom line: no one close to Ford believes he has a Merrill problem.

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Comments

The only car that is built Ford tough is a Dodge Ram and a Hummer.

Tombstone Shadow (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:19 PM)

Ford seems like a good Dem pick. Hope his ML past doesn't bite this idea in the back-side. I like that he's young, and a minority, too. Now, what about HHS??

CdV LA CA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:24 PM)

I'm a fan of Harold Ford,Jr. He got a raw deal in his Senate race, the twit who defeated him is not the sharpest tack in the box...but then it was TN and the race factor played a huge role. Sorry Nashville Fan, by the way I enjoy your posts and admire your passion. Keep up the good work.

So I hope that Harold Ford will be the charm, he is a big supporter of Pres. Obama and would be a good fit. Lets hope too he wasn't at ML for long enough to have any problem with the committees.

Gingerbread Mamma, Jupiter Fl (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:27 PM)

I said I'd never call Obama president because I believe he is led around on a leash by Pelosi.

Ultimately I believe he is her lap dog.

My apologies to Bad Chihuahua and Moon Dawg.

Palomino (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:28 PM)

Well, the Merrill Lynch thing could be a problem but I do love Harold!

Julie, Palm Desert, CA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:29 PM)

Ford would be a GREAT choice. He is intelligent and works well with many different people. He may be just what Commerce has needed!

tammy jo (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:35 PM)

Harold Ford would be a good pick!

Hardball Chris, loved Hardball today! Reminds me why I like it (most of the time). Who was that IODIT,DJ, another Repuke Idiot? And just one more thing (as Rachel would say) Gregg deserves the Shuster Award for Hypocricy!...not the Hardball Award!

Chuck T---You are great at the White House, and if you need 1000000000 for support staff....you can draft us, the folks that love MSNBC, and the POTUS!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:41 PM)

It seems that the Republicans need a permanent segment on SNL like Tina Fey's Palin spots. The GOP is just that - with the emphasis on OLD. The Republicans are behaving the way the Democrats responded to the spending the Bush admin passed. It seems that the Republicans aren't supporting 'everyman/everywoman' in their constituency and want only to protet their OLD BOYS club/network. The Republicans cannot see past their own financial interests.

Nina Lewis, NYC, NY (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:44 PM)

Ford is a corrupt DLC hack....most (politically savvy) Dems don't like him.

Rahmis Atul, Tolleson, Ariz. (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:51 PM)

Harold "Joe Lieberman's BFF" Ford? Oh, barf.

slaney black (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 6:57 PM)

Merrill Lynch? If the President is smart he won't touch this with a ten foot pole. Hasn't he had enough trouble with this kind of thing so far? Sorry Harold.

ColoDem (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:02 PM)

I think Harold Ford would be good, even if he is rich.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:07 PM)

I hope we can KICK HIS TIRES and give a thumbs up.
I, for one, like Harold Ford, Jr. and felt he got a
sleazy deal from the usual suspects with that commercial during his run in TN.
He's been STALLED for too long.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:08 PM)

If Commerce is "Ford Tough", will it need a bailout?

Luke Walker (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:09 PM)

Another Wall Street lobbyist in the Obama cabinet! Where does he find all the room for them? Have clerical order some more lobbyist waiver forms for BHO, he's going to need them.

Monica DeSanto, Williamsburg VA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:12 PM)

(remember, this is Commerce Secretary so the job is to be a promoter of business);

==========

Whereas it's Pelosi's, Reids', and Obama's job to destroy businesses through over taxation and regulation. It's a nice balance if you think about it.

Harry's Ford (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:13 PM)

I don't think the Commerce secretary's job should be promoting business. His job should be supporting and promoting a level and fair playing field for business both in the US and abroad. I don't think we should be spending taxpayer money to subsidize advertising for big business and international corporations; they can do that themselves just fine. We should be assisting small US owned and located businesses in being able to break into foreign markets.

nuanced (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:41 PM)

the Merrill Lynch thing will probably disqualify him. I'm not sure there is a way, in PR terms, to get around working for the private sector then going back to government. I guess the lesson for future elected officals is, if you ever leave office, go open a restaurant or do charity work, but stay the hell away from corporate America, law firms, lobbying outfits, etc.

Peter, San Rafael, CA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:45 PM)

So evidently you still have access to "folks high up in the Obama administration." Earlier you sounded as if you'd been locked in the man-size safe Dick Cheney left behind.

Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:45 PM)

Chuck:

Just watched Chris Matthews give the Hardball Award to Judd Gregg. For a self-declared political expert he seems to miss the obviously breath-taking problems with optics on a regular basis. Matthews babbles about how most "pols" are sheep or lemmings in one sentance and commends a man for choosing to return to the safety of his particular pack/herd of fellow lemmings/sheep in the next.

What is Matthews smoking? First he gives the award to that self-indulgent, ethically challenged senatorial wannabe from Illinois and now this.

And Matthews (who wouldn't know a hardball if it dropped out of his a$$) wonders why Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert love to trash him.

Smack him upside the head will you?

Ian (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:46 PM)

Um, how can I put this diplomatically . . .

I HATE that idea!

I don't want to see Harold Ford, Gov. Phil Bredesen, or any other Tennessee "Democrat" that I did NOT see campaigning for President Obama AT ALL.

They sat back while all types of slurs against both Barack and Michelle Obama were leveled by the Tennessee Republican Party.

Harold Ford got on TV and mindlessly agreed with every dumb thing that came out of Joe Scarborough's mouth.

I unequivacally REJECT and DENOUNCE this idea.

I'd take a REAL Republican first.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 7:47 PM)

All this says is that Democrats are more capable of bi-partisanship than Republicans. And it still does not negate the fact that Bush's tax cuts didn't work.

What I'm struck by is that you righties were all probably for this $1.35T bill. Strange how you get so upset with a mere $800b.

Think about it. The comparison is like comparing apples to oranges. One you take money from taxpayers and the other you give money to the government.

The republicans are very consistent in their voting.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 8:40 PM)

Perhaps Senator Bob Corker will volunteer to introduce Ford at his nominaiton hearing...

Corker is a republican who ran campaign ads against ford with racial and sexual overtones...corker thinks everyone should work for 14 bucks an hour too

Rick, NC (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 8:45 PM)

F.O.R.D.
Fix or Repair Daily

One wonders with his Merrill Lynch connections if he is the right person. Without that connection probably he would be but with it no. At any rate NO MORE REPUBLICANS. They are ingrates.

eagle1776 (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 9:14 PM)

I think this sounds like a pretty good idea. At least he's a Dem. I never knew he worked for Merrill Lynch, I thought he worked for the DLC or something. I guess that's a part-time job? I wished Obama had just picked him in the first place.

Patti Daphne, AL (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:00 PM)

There is one, potential, gigantic problem: Ford's current place of employment -- Merrill Lynch. Given the current views of Wall Street, Ford's nomination could come under immediate fire and he'd have to disclose exactly what his job was with ML etc. and whether he was one of the 700 million dollar bonus recipients before Merrill completed its sale to Bank of America in late 2008.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Potential gigantic problem". Really? You think?

Evil Are The Rich (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 12:36 AM)

He is a crook and has relatives in jail. I don't think this will happen.

Elise (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 1:13 AM)

I think he would make a great Commerce Secretary. Issue thou Merrill Lynch.

andrea, Charlotte, North Carolina (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 1:25 AM)

Yeah, if he received a dime of that money, GAME OVER. May as well go on and stop now. There is no way that Obama needs that hassle, and the repubs will blead him dry.

Qmastertoo (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 2:53 AM)

Pretty blonde girl looking sexily into the screen saying "call me" to the black male Harold Ford...Bob Corker, racist republican, ran this ad...can u imagine what the RNC would do with Ford's nomination?

Bobby Jo, TN (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:21 AM)

Ford Jr is a one of the best young minds I can imagine working under President Obama. His analytical minds is what this administration needs to sell this stimulus to the American people.

I suggest Obama's team do a thorough job inscreening him before presenting him to the public.

Rawlings, Stratford, London (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:57 AM)

If he never got a bonus, doen't that mean he wasn't doing a good job?

Tim H Illinois (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:17 AM)

I think Ford is a moderate and would be a good fit for this position.

Cheryl, WI (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:44 AM)

Merrill does have a NationPoint and First Franklin problem.

Neg Am Option ARM (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:54 AM)

Hi Chuck, seems to me at this point in time its not weather they are democrate or republican but rather commented to the preservation of America as we know it. The long and winding road is in dire need of repair. Thanks for reading, Art

Art (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:13 AM)

I think this is a wonderful idea. I am from TN and think/wish that Harold Ford Jr. had won the Senate election over Corker. The GOP ran terrible ads against him that were unwarranted, imo. Having said that, the Ford family in Memphis has a lot of negative baggage that goes against him as well. He himself seems to be above the fray and he is good friends with Obama. I hope this occurs.

Susie (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:17 AM)

YES. I like ----- a lot !

Janet Carter, Austin, Texas (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:26 AM)

well okay; now we're talking! time to think less of the "this is a spending bill" gop and start bringing along the next generation of sharp and smart dems.

sbv, creswell, oregon (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:34 AM)

Five words for President Obama: PLEASE VET THIS GUY *THOROUGHLY*!

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:36 AM)

That would be an awesome pick. He seems to have so much respect for Obama and he isn't shy on voicing his opinion. DO IT DO IT DO ITT

Mary Jacques Anaconda MT (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:46 AM)

If Ford, who I admire as a spokesperson, is a Merrill employee with major contacts - he should not be in commerce. Too bad, but those are the new rules.

RichardinDelmar (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:57 AM)

Hey, Chuck! Please pass this along:

Dear Pres. Obama,

I would like to apply for the position of Secretary of Commerce.

I have worked in the mortgage banking, health care, retail, education, manufacturing, farming/ranching, and recycling industries.

Please visit http://www.simegen.com/staff/midge/ for a full list of my varied work and educational experience.

There will be some small debt problems in my vetting, and minor legal and educational loan problems in vetting my husband. These can be solved later in the vetting process.

I am registered as a Democrat, but have voted Republican on occasion.

I am unknown in Washington DC, so I will have no conflicts of interest.

I have one extreme advantage over other candidates: I have both served in and been a client of a homeless shelter. This gives me extreme insight into the problems of the middle-income and working-poor classes.

If appointed, I will serve to the best of my ability, and will not renege.

Sincerely,

Marjorie "Midge" Baker

Midge Baker, Prescott, AZ (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 10:16 AM)

Harold Ford would be a great choice,much better pick than the other two.

Wendell Lyons (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 10:37 AM)

Sounds good to me!

Andrea, New York City (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 10:41 AM)

Re: Update

Chuck, another example of why you would be far better off and much more respected if you would report facts and leave out your new found desire to create problems where there are none.The number one thing our military teaches its members is that you have nothing if you do not have integrity. A lesson all should learn.

Steve Lynchburg,VA (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 10:45 AM)

I think the Obama administration should look to someone who has the ability to simply pay their fair share. No more tax dodgers!... http://www.enewsreference.com

eNews Reference (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 10:55 AM)

this would be an absolutely fantastic and very competent nominee.

ace (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 11:12 AM)

Actually....this is a good pick IMO.

Matt, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 11:23 AM)

Alright Harold!!

He has my vote..

Virginia, Washington, D.C. (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 11:36 AM)

Seems that this would be a very good choice. Ford meets the qualifications. He also fills the need for many blacks who feel that more blacks should be in the Cabinet.
On another topic, the President has made no missteps no matter what the media says. His appointments that didn't pan out, the missteps, were on those individuals and not the President.
The President, My President, Cool OB is the man and is doing a superior job, especially when compared to what we had.

Malcohm, St. Louis, MO (Sent Saturday, February 14, 2009 12:39 PM)

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