Former Memphis congressman Harold Ford Jr., now chairman of
the conservative Democratic Leadership Council, was in Nashville Monday morning,
where he, DLC founder Al From, and several prominent Tennessee political figures
announced that the DLC’s “National Conversation” would be held this year in the
Tennessee state capital.
Ford pronounced himself “very pleased” that the event would
be held in Nashville, which was headquarters for his unsuccessful U.S. Senate
run last year. “The
South is a region with enormous opportunity for New Democrats and we look
forward to showcasing our ideas here,” Ford said.
The official DLC release added, “The
National Conversation will provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on some of
the most pressing challenges facing our country, including security, making
America competitive in a global economy, poverty and energy.”
Governor
Phil Bredesen, honorary chair for the event, took part in the announcement, as
did three honorary co-chairs, congressmen Jim Cooper and Lincoln Davis and
Nashville mayor Bill Purcell. The event, which will take place July 28-30 at the
Opryland Hotel, is expected to attract some, if not all, of the active
Democratic candidates for president.
