Harry Taylor

Public shaming?

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:35:55 -0500

"I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and the grace to be ashamed of yourself."

— Charlotte businessman Harry Taylor, speaking to President Bush during a speech at Central Piedmont Community College in 2006. Taylor has now announced he will run for Congress.

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Bush critic challenging Myrick

bkrueger — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:05:14 -0500

Harry Taylor, Charlotte businessman who publicly scolded President Bush last year, today kicked off a campaign for Congress in North Carolina's 9th District.

Taylor, a Democrat, is the second Democrat to announce a challenge to Republican U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, a former Charlotte mayor elected to Congress in 1994, reports The Charlotte Observer's Jim Morrill. Charlotte businessman Ross Overby also is running.

Taylor, 63, made international headlines last year when Bush took questions after a speech at Central Piedmont Community College. From a balcony, Taylor raised his hand and Bush called on him.

"I have never felt more ashamed of, nor more frightened, by my leadership in Washington, including the presidency," Taylor told the president. "And I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and the grace to be ashamed of yourself."

Raising his hand again

bkrueger — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:46:43 -0400

During an appearance in Charlotte 18 months ago, President Bush may have regretted calling on a man who'd raised his hand in the balcony at Central Piedmont Community College.

"I have never felt more ashamed of, nor more frightened, by my leadership in Washington, including the presidency," Harry Taylor told the president. "And I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and the grace to be ashamed of yourself."

Taylor's public scolding of the president made news around the world. It brought him interviews on network news shows and made him a darling of the liberal blogosphere. He prompted one blog called simply: thankyouharrytaylor.org.

Now the Charlotte businessman plans to run for Congress against Republican Rep. Sue Myrick, reports The Charlotte Observer's Jim Morrrill. Taylor's formal announcement is scheduled for mid-November. But a message from him is posted on the Web site BlueNC.

I am not a politician, nor have I ever sought to become one. But now, I am so seriously concerned about what is happening to our beloved America, I have decided to run for the U.S. Congress. We face a very divisive partisan incumbent who has been a rubber stamp for Bush's policies on such issues as Iraq and children's health care. Success will take enormous effort, and I cannot do it alone. Simply and honestly, I need your help!