Canada PoliticsTwitterverse reacts to latest Rob Ford revelations
Once again, Rob Ford made Twitter explode.
On Wednesday, as explained by Yahoo's Matthew Coutts here, media reports revealed new details and images of Ford smoking from what appears to be a crack pipe and a separate incident where he makes vulgar and sexist comments about mayoral candidate Karen Stintz. The news stories led Ford to issue a statement claiming that he will temporarily step down from office to seek treatment.
[ Related: Mayor Rob Ford urged to resign after new ‘crack’ video and drunken audio send him seeking treatment ]
In huge numbers, politicos, media and the general public took to social media to share their thoughts. This tweet and image by Steve Ladurantaye shows the spike in Twitter traffic.
Anyone want to guess what time the Rob Ford news broke on Twitter? pic.twitter.com/JE3k0DVoUD
— Steve Ladurantaye (@sladurantaye) May 1, 2014
So who was tweeting?
Here's a bit of an overview.
U.S. talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who has spent months mocking, poking-fun and parodying him took a more conciliatory tone on Wednesday evening.
All jokes aside, I hope @TOMayorFord really does get the help he obviously needs. — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) May 1, 2014
Some of Ford's council colleagues weren't as kind. Councillor Josh Matlow shared his thoughts in a series of Tweets:
Rob Ford must resign. Now. — Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) May 1, 2014
I wish Rob Ford well dealing with his substance abuse problems. But his bigoted comments & vile remarks about Karen Stintz are inexcusable. — Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) May 1, 2014
Toronto's had enough deception, enough denial and enough lies. Our city deserves more! Toronto deserves dignity, honesty and respect #TOpoli — Jaye Robinson (@JayeRobinson) May 1, 2014
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam isn't convinced that Ford will come back a changed man:
Ford might rehabilitate his health but 30 days isn't going to cure his racism, misogyny, homophobia & chronic tendencies to break the law. — Kristyn Wong-Tam 黃慧文 (@kristynwongtam) May 1, 2014
Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath started off in a conciliatory tone:
Taking a break to deal with his health issues takes courage. I wish him and his family well. — Andrea Horwath (@andreahorwath) May 1, 2014
But after facing some social media backlash for looking past his comments, Horwath clarified her thoughts on Thursday morning.
Rob Fords comments are offensive and hurtful. I hope rehab will be his first step towards taking responsibility for his words and actions. — Andrea Horwath (@andreahorwath) May 1, 2014
And, of course, some in the media got their digs in
After Rob Ford's profane rant in Jan., I asked Doug if Rob doesn't need help. Doug: "Help for what? The only person that needs help is you."
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) May 1, 2014
Rob Ford and an exploding whale in the same week? These are the lonely days that hurt Jay Leno most. — Dan Speerin (@danspeerin) May 1, 2014
If you still support Rob Ford perhaps YOU need an intervention. #topoli
— Steve V (@FarAndWide) May 1, 2014
Sure, Rob Ford is a sexist, racist, drunk-driving crack addicted alcoholic with rage issues who associates with criminals but... um... — Emmett Macfarlane (@EmmMacfarlane) May 1, 2014
It’s understandable that Rob Ford would be enraged by Bieber asking him if he had any crack to smoke because that is so not what he’s about.
— Andrew Coyne (@acoyne) May 1, 2014
EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: Rob Ford successfully enters rehab. pic.twitter.com/pJ7N6u2zc2
— scottfeschuk (@scottfeschuk) May 1, 2014
This story is also getting a lot of international attention and thus a lot of international tweets.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he's "ready to take a break" to seek help for substance abuse http://t.co/GeCT4uoZPa
— New York Post (@nypost) May 1, 2014
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford "acknowledges he has a substance abuse problem", says his lawyer http://t.co/qv5rcYQ5l0 pic.twitter.com/VzmtYHAZm6 — BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) May 1, 2014
From BBC to Gawker, latest Rob Ford news making headlines in on news and gossip websites around the world. #topoli pic.twitter.com/ePwGsiYPpC
— Simon Ostler (@SimonOstler) May 1, 2014
There's likely more to come.
As of 10:30 a.m. EST, #RobFord is still the top trending hashtag in Canada, and number eight in the United States.
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)
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