Toronto Mayor Rob Ford wins Keith Olbermann's 'Worst Person in the World'

 

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has been a lightning rod of controversy since he took over as mayor about a year ago. But an encounter with CBC's "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" captured him in a way that burst out past the city limits of Canada's largest city.

The "confrontation" with actress Mary Walsh (as Marg Delahunty) from the political satire program, while offbeat, wasn't what got Ford in trouble, which led to Keith Olbermann's proclaiming Ford as the "Worst Person in the World" on Friday.

Olbermann's segment on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" is serious news presented as satire. These are not literally the "worst persons," but a way to showcase people that do stupid and offensive things.

After the encounter with the comic actress, Ford went into his home and called 911. Frustrated that the police weren't getting there fast enough (again because of a comedy program), his second call to the police was laced with profanities and allegely an unkind b-word toward women.

The alleged quote: "You … bitches! Don't you fucking know? I'm Rob fucking Ford, the mayor of this city!"

Olbermann went from a story from England before this story, but pointed out that this was international. Unfortunately, Olbermann read Ford's statement in a stereotypical Canadian accent.

Ford is not the first politician to be confused by Mary Walsh's antics. Olbermann should also know that Walsh confronted Sarah Palin and Christine O'Donnell. Unlike Palin and O'Donnell, Ford should have an idea as a Canadian politician about "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" and the CBC. We know doubt either is true. Anybody who is seriously scared of Delahunty/Walsh should really rethink a number of issues in one's life.

Olbermann came back on Monday and thanked Canada for its reaction to the story, noting several media accounts from Canada that mentioned Olbermann's award, naming several specific media outlets. He seemed genuinely appreciative about the generous reaction from Canada for giving Ford the award.

Olbermann gave Ford the bronze award (3rd worst person) on Monday because Ford's supporters claimed the 911 tape would vindicate Ford, clearing him of charges of using the b-word and Ford's claim that his daughter was scared and could be heard in the background during the 911 call. Yet Ford hasn't called for the release of the tape that would theoretically absolve him of most of the blame.

"This Hour Has 22 Minutes" airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. local time (9 p.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador) on CBC-TV. "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on Current TV.

Comments

[CQ]

Ford was in Mexico representing his city as the next Pan Am host this weekend. Our chief of police, appointed by the mayor's left-wing predecessor, already gave a quick public statement as to the contents of the two calls. Ford had called back after a delayed response.
And, btw, Canada was singled out in a terrorist 'call to arms' this past week as well; they had misspelled Ottawa.
Sun News Network's Ezra Levant made an imitation skit last night regarding semi-retired Mary Walsh's unannounced, costumed, pouncing upon Ford's private home, from an unmarked car.

Rick Mercer, btw, whose show preceeds 22 Minutes, called out gays in the public realm last week. Fat Chance at the CBC.
http://classicquarters.blogspot.com/2011/10/mercer-at-microphone.html

[Selah Beth]

In Mayor Ford's defence, it was dark, and 22 Minutes more or less ambushed him. Having seen the show and Mary Walsh on it, I fully believe that it seemed antagonistic and can understand how it might bring about his reaction, especially if his children were present. If a person is confronted in an antagonistic way on their own property they have every right to react by calling the cops.
And no Ford never said bitches.

[Chad]

I watched the segment again. From what I saw it seemed light out like morning but maybe early in the morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjD4tD5-mnA

I've seen Mary Walsh deal with Sarah Palin and Christine O'Donnell, and Walsh did come across as obnoxious. Though Walsh seemed more obnoxious with Palin and O'Donnell than with Ford.

I didn't see his daughter. Whatever you might think of Ford, children are a different matter.

Ford looked like he panicked when he didn't need to do so. And as I pointed out, Rob Ford has been around for awhile; he should know about 22 Minutes.

When Walsh talked to Doug Ford, the mayor's brother, he seemed to get that it was a joke. Rob didn't. The fact that Rob Ford doesn't talk with the media is why Walsh went there in the first place, and his reaction showed that he doesn't react well when even approached.

All he had to do was get in the car and drive off, and the hoopla wouldn't have happened. And if he is screaming at dispatchers, regardless of what he said, he has some deep issues.

Ford would have had a lot more sympathy if he hadn't overreacted to Walsh or the dispatcher. I will admit that Walsh's tactics aren't the most ideal, and it would have been better to deal with Ford off his property.

If the 911 tape proves his daughter was frightened (and not by Daddy's overreaction), I would see this in a different light. And if Ford didn't use the language in question, again, a different light.

Ford would be better off learning some media skills and talking more with the media.

[CQ]

You're right about the morning daylight timing. Otherwise give it up on this faux story. Mayor Ford most probably knew exactly who it was (after a quick second of attack) - he still needed to get on with his day. Which begins with being able to freely get into his own vehicle on his own driveway.