Senator Scott Brown's plans for a quick endorsement from Irish American boxing legend Micky Ward, whose epic life story was told in the Oscar winning drama The Fighter, was upended on Thursday when Ward learned about the Massachusetts Republican's stand on labor unions and gay marriage.
According to the Boston Globe, Ward had called the paper to endorse the candidate but then called back about a half-hour later to reverse his decision.
"I can’t support Scott Brown," Ward confessed. "I just can’t do it."
The former boxer added: "I found out Scott Brown is anti-union and I’m a Teamster guy. I found out he’s also against gay marriage, and I say if you love someone, you should have the same rights no matter who you are."
On hearing of his decision, Union bosses and national spokespersons for the gay community expressed their delight and gratitude for Ward's support.
As a state senator, Brown opposed gay marriage, but his recent vote to repeal the military’s Don't Ask, Don't Tell ban on gays serving in the armed forces suggested to some his attitude was evolving.
Brown has also recently stated that gay marriage is settled law in Massachusetts, which was a nod the political reality and the difficulty of reversing it. He has stopped short of endorsing marriage equality for gays and is still thought to oppose it, however.
Brown’s Democratic challenger is Elizabeth Warren, who enjoys strong support from some of her party’s traditional labor supporters, and Brown himself is himself a union member.
Ward's decision to withdraw his endorsement caused a flurry of comment but Brown spokeswoman Alleigh Marre attempted to play it down telling the press: "Scott Brown respects Micky Ward and respects his views."
In Massachusetts and nationally, Ward has become a beloved figure known for his skill in the ring and the size of his heart, both of which chronicled in the award winning movie of his life featuring actors Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Oscar winner Melissa Leo.
10 Comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.John_8_32 | May 14, 2013, 08:22 AM EDT
Good on you, Micky Ward! It's apparent that a man in his line of work has no need for false machismo. If you aren't gay, a rational response to the question of gay marriage is either "It's no business of mine" or "Supporting fairness and stable relationships is in everybody's best interest". If your reaction is otherwise, well. . . are you sure about the "not gay" part? One minor nit:it doesn't make sense to talk about "the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ban on gays". What you meant to write was "the military's ban on gays". I shouldn't have to explain this to a professional journalist, but out gays were banned from the military even before the Clinton administration.
Seanmor | Sep 05, 2012, 05:12 PM EDT
I disagree with Scott Brown's opposition to unions, if such be his position, but I support Brown's disapprovel of same-sex marriages, because the laws of nature are obviously violated in such unions. As a former marine, I thank God that avowed homosexuals were forbidden from serving in the military in my day. Since marines are a very cohesive unit, it would be very demoralizing if any normal marine were forced to share a bunk bed, tent or fox- hole with a practicing homosexual. Semper Fidelis!
Eschetic | Sep 01, 2012, 10:46 PM EDT
I can't say that I've ever been a fight fan, but my respect for a man of integrity who can admit when he makes a mistake and correct it is enormous. When he can state his principles as clearly and simply as Mr. Ward has so that all can understand, it is even greater. Here's hoping Senator Brown and his "evolving" position follow the lead of this man of principle about what is right for their constituency and good government.
borefield | Sep 01, 2012, 03:32 PM EDT
More IC stunning news. Get real people, who cares.
jamthecat | Sep 01, 2012, 01:10 PM EDT
Scott Brown may be wealthy and good-looking and smooth as silk, but Mickey Ward has a hundred times more integrity and human decency. when he makes a mistake, he admits it, unlike the Republicans of today (and some Democrats). You go, Mickey!
hollabackgurl | Sep 01, 2012, 12:51 PM EDT
What a legend! It's always encouraging when a man stands up for justice and equality, and real courage means you stand with the oppressed so Ward's a real man.
ProudCanadian | Sep 01, 2012, 12:32 PM EDT
Occassio loved your post it has said it all. When it comes to politics we all have to get with the program and do more research. I'm sure if the American people had done there due diligence Bush wouldn't have made it to the White House the first time let alone the second time. We all know that he will go down in history as possibly the worst President ever. I say good on Mr. Ward for coming to his senses and not backing the Republican and sticking to his values. Thanks again for your post occassio it is nice to read some intelligence on hear once in awhile.
weeknocky | Sep 01, 2012, 11:55 AM EDT
Stunning news! who cares.
occassio | Sep 01, 2012, 11:50 AM EDT
Like so many Americans, Mr. Ward mistakenly may have based his opinion on likeability. However, upon further investigation, he discovered that Mr. Brown’s political and voting track record trumped his likeability index. President Bush had a high likeability index; a marvelous fireside manner; easy, relaxed and comfortable. However,he was, ‘an incurious man’, not an attribute for someone holding the highest office in the land. These elections, whether local or national, require us all to be critical thinkers and not depend upon external attributes. None of us can afford to be incurious. Mr. Ward recognized his mistake and made a correction.
WoundedKnee | Sep 01, 2012, 10:49 AM EDT
The fool here is Ward, who endorsed a candidate he knew nothing about.