It appears no Rob Ford is safe from the questions, criticism and hate that have flooded Twitter for Toronto’s embattled mayor.
Since the video scandal surrounding Mayor Rob Ford escalated last week, a university lecturer with the same name has been receiving dozens of tweets intended for the polarizing politician.
The upset or angry Twitter users are mistakenly sending their messages to the wrong Ford because they haven’t bothered to confirm the mayor’s Twitter handle before directing their tweets to a man now known as “the other Rob Ford.”
“They’re asking me about what was I doing with a pipe and what was in the pipe and why won’t I just admit to smoking the stuff in the pipe and all this sort of stuff,” said Rob Ford, a Manchester, England resident who is not related to the mayor and has nothing to do with the controversy. "I basically say, 'No, that's not really my lifestyle, I'm afraid."
The mayor’s Twitter handle is @TOMayorFord (Twitter hasn't given it a blue-and-white verification checkmark), while “the other Rob Ford” uses @RobFordMancs.
In an interview with CP24 Breakfast on Monday morning, Ford said the mix-up occurs from time to time but nothing in the past compares with the deluge of tweets sent to him since Toronto police confirmed last week they obtained a video that allegedly shows the mayor using an illicit drug.
Now that people are learning about the Twitter users' gaffe, Rob Ford the university lecturer has been inundated with tweets from apologetic Torontonians, interview requests from media and encouragement to move across the pond and run for mayor of Toronto.
“Everyone’s been very nice about it on there. When I’ve pointed out the mistake they’ve sent me lots of lovely messages and a few of them have suggested I come over and perhaps run for the job myself," Ford said. "I’m not really sure I’m eligible but it’s always nice to be asked.”
Ford’s inclusion is adding a comical twist to the controversy and he has been a good sport about being dragged into it.
As it turns out, Ford is a lecturer in political science who knows “a little bit” about the mayor’s troubles. Manchester Rob Ford has some advice for Toronto Rob Ford.
“To be honest, I don’t think it’s advice he’s necessarily going to what to hear,” Ford said via telephone before an afternoon lecture. “I would suggest he’s probably going to have to resign. I can’t see how you could possibly do a job as an executive when your legitimacy is just shot like this.”
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