Former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. said Spencer Pratt may have a legitimate path to political success in Los Angeles if Democrats continue failing to address issues such as homelessness, crime and housing affordability.

During a political discussion about California and local politics in Los Angeles, Ford said he reconsidered his earlier criticism of Pratt after reviewing one of Pratt’s recent debates more closely.

“The shine is coming off the California Dream,” Ford said.

Ford acknowledged that he initially underestimated Pratt’s performance during the debate and admitted he changed his opinion after watching it again.

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“I don't disagree with anything Kennedy has said,” Ford said. “I think Spencer Pratt I was wrong.”

“Last week, I went back and watched the debate,” Ford added. “I didn't think he offered as many and you had got, got into it a little bit. I think you were right. I was wrong.”

Ford said Pratt distinguished himself by presenting practical proposals instead of relying on political talking points.

“He offered a lot,” Ford said. “What he's doing is what every politician should do, what are you a Democrat or Republican? Offer real, practical, actionable solutions to actual problems that people are facing.”

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Ford contrasted Pratt’s approach with what he described as the typical Democrat campaign strategy centered on attacking President Trump rather than addressing local issues directly.

“The young lady you just showed in our opening, the city councilman, she's reading from a national playbook that just says, attack Trump and hopefully Democrats,” Ford said. “That's what will excite Democrats.”

Ford argued that while opposition to President Trump may energize some Democrat voters, many residents in Los Angeles are more concerned with everyday quality-of-life issues.

“I'm here to tell you that may be part of it,” Ford said. “But at the end of the day, Angelinos understand that homelessness is a problem.”

“They understand that public safety is a problem,” Ford continued. “They understand that housing is unaffordable for most Californians and most Angelenos.”

Ford said Pratt deserves credit for focusing directly on those concerns rather than engaging strictly in partisan attacks.

“And whether you like this guy or not, whether you think he may be close to Trump or not close to Trump, I give him a lot of credit,” Ford said.

Ford described Pratt’s political style as unusual in modern politics but argued it could resonate with frustrated voters.

“He's tackling this in an unorthodox, unusual way for today's politics, which should be the norm,” Ford said. “He's actually offering answers.”

Ford emphasized that his comments were coming from the perspective of a Democrat who believes voters increasingly want practical solutions rather than ideological messaging.

“I say that as a Democrat,” Ford said.

He also warned Democrat candidates that failing to present credible solutions to local problems could create an opening for Pratt, even in a city that traditionally votes overwhelmingly Democrat.

“So Democrats running this race, if you don't start offering answers, this guy could very well surprise,” Ford said.

Ford noted that he and another commentator, Jesse, previously discussed the possibility that Pratt could become more competitive than many political observers expect.

“Jesse and I agreed last week he could actually win this thing, even though Los Angeles such a heavily Democratic place,” Ford said.

Ford concluded by arguing that voter frustration with unresolved problems in Los Angeles is creating a political environment where unconventional candidates may gain traction.

“Because people are fed up with the answers that are not being given,” Ford said.

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