Major Controversies Surrounding Harold Ford Jr.: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Harold Ford Jr..

Harold Eugene Ford Jr. is an American financial managing director, pundit, author, and former U.S. Congressman. He represented Tennessee's 9th congressional district as a Democrat from 1997 to 2007. A member of the prominent Ford political family of Memphis, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Harold Ford Sr., who previously held the same congressional seat. Ford Jr. ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2006. He also served as the last chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

November 1999: Vote on Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act

In November 1999, Harold Ford Jr. voted in favor of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, which repealed much of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933.

October 10, 2002: Vote to Authorize Invasion of Iraq

On October 10, 2002, Harold Ford Jr. was among the House Democrats who voted to authorize the invasion of Iraq.

June 7, 2005: Report on Travel Disclosure

On June 7, 2005, The Washington Times reported that Harold Ford Jr. had taken privately funded trips from 1998 to 2003 without filing travel disclosure forms.

November 2005: House Floor Confrontation

In November 2005, Harold Ford Jr. confronted Jean Schmidt on the House floor after she implied John Murtha was a "coward."

October 2006: Controversial Republican Ads

In October 2006, the Republican Party ran radio and television ads against Harold Ford Jr. that were criticized as racist. These included the "jungle drums" radio spot and the "Playboy party" television ad.

2007: Uncle's Bribery Conviction

In 2007, John N. Ford, Harold Ford Jr.'s uncle, was convicted on federal bribery charges in connection with the Operation Tennessee Waltz scandal.

February 5, 2010: Gillibrand press conference on Ford's bonuses

On February 5, 2010, Gillibrand held a press conference questioning whether Ford, as a Merrill Lynch executive, received taxpayer-backed bonuses from Bank of America due to the federal bailout. She was joined by New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, who endorsed her candidacy.