Doug Ford attacks Tory’s credentials in impromptu news conference

Toronto mayoral candidate Doug Ford continued his offensive against rival John Tory a day after the two clashed in a heated debate, calling him “out of touch” and saying he doesn’t “understand the job of mayor.”

“I want to help John out so I’m willing to take him down to city hall and show him how we get things done. In fact, folks, I’m designating September 26 as ‘Take John Tory to Work Day,'” he announced, pulling out a placard with the date on it.

Tory’s campaign co-chair Bob Richardson was quick to post a comeback on Twitter, calling election day ‘take out the trash day.’

 

(Note: Polls are actually open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Later Wednesday Tory personally responded to Ford’s attack.

“It’s clear that in anticipation of this campaign, and the debates, that Doug Ford went to charm school, and I just would say that it’s not working and he should get his money back,” he said with a smile.

Tory in turn criticized Ford for bowing out of a Wednesday night debate.

“When it comes to the Fords nothing surprises me,” he said. “Including the fact he disappeared today. (Olivia) Chow and I were ready and able and willing to do two debates today and he was nowhere to be seen. Instead he has time to give a press conference hurling insults at people.”

Chow simply added: “That’s Doug Ford.”

When asked if she was being drowned out in the battle between Ford and Tory, Chow said, “I don’t think we are electing entertainers. I don’t go after people personally, I try not to.”

But Ford didn’t pull any punches during his hastily called conference Wednesday.

“John is not prepared to be mayor of Toronto,” he said bluntly. “Folks, this is not the time for on the job training.”

“Last night, John Tory said he’d figure out city hall when he got the job,” Ford said.

“He parachuted in as a PC leader. He was parachuted in this time. Does John Tory understand that in any job you have to do your job? You have to understand city hall, you have to understand how it works. You have to do your time. When you hire somebody and he doesn’t understand city hall, committees, billions of dollars, budgets … again John Tory is one of the chosen few that gets parachuted in because of his last name.”

Ford said Tory’s lack of political knowledge was on display during Tuesday night’s debate when he couldn’t answer which committee handles the city’s purchasing.

He also chided Tory for not knowing how many standing committees there are at city hall.

“I asked John an even easier question. How many standing committees? Five. Well John, you’re wrong again. It’s seven. I know the chairs of each committee,” Ford said.

Ford also addressed the behaviour of some of his supporters during Tuesday’s debate after some allegedly hurled racial and homophobic slurs.

“I don’t condone that whatsoever,” he said. “I don’t who it was, but if they want to talk that way they aren’t a part of (my) campaign.”

Ford ended the conference talking about his brother Mayor Rob Ford.

“I went to see Rob today and he’s in some pain. Chemo’s really giving him a real punch there. He’s a fighter, he’s strong.”

Doug said the cards and well wishes sent to Rob brought tears to the mayor’s eyes.