IT wasn't a North Shore story when Toronto's controversial mayor was accused of inappropriate touching on March 7 by Sarah Thomson, a former mayoralty rival.
Nor was last week's story that there was video footage of a man alleged to be Ford smoking crack cocaine. A compelling tale, but it remained Toronto-centric.
Not any longer. Ford's response to the allegations have made the story not just a national one, but international in scope.
Since calling the allegations "ridiculous" last week, he has refused to talk to the media, delegating his brother, also a Toronto councillor, to do that on his behalf. Thursday Ford summarily fired his chief of staff on the spot after a conversation that apparently included "advice" to the mayor.
One of three scenarios are in play here: it's a case of mistaken identity; it's a frame-up; Ford is smoking crack.
If either of the first two possibilities are true, does it not seem likely that an innocent politician would not just deny and denounce, but would be screaming for the police to get to the truth of the matter?
Ford's continued silence on the matter would be an appropriate response if indeed he has been captured on video. He could not be prosecuted on the basis of a video alone, so hunkering down till the media move on would be common sense.
The problem for all Canadians now is that, innocent or not, Ford has become the target of U.S. comedians. The "bits" are funny, but the laughter has a hollow ring. It's a joke like this that gives citizens a reason not to vote.
