Baffled by Harold Ford Jr.

I’m completely confused by Harold Ford Jr.’s quest to challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in New York.

The former lawmaker from Tennessee — with no ties in New York state — has been bashing Gillibrand for her ties to the Democratic Party.

And, even more weirdly, for her strong connection to Se4n. Chuck Schumer.

I know that some downstate Dems dislike Gillibrand. They view her as too conservative, too Upstate.

But Ford isn’t “state” at all. And many of his views, on abortion rights and same-sex marriage, are more conservative than Gillibrand’s.

By dragging Schumer into this fight, it’s hard to see how Ford will win much support outside of a few disgruntled enclaves in the City.

For the full knock-down drag-out, go to Politico.

I’ll say again: A lot of politicians have underestimated Gillibrand at their own peril.

When Ford describes her as “a parakeet,” it suggests that he hasn’t yet sorted out the lay of the land.

It’s also worth noting that Gillibrand has followed almost exactly the same political path pioneered by former Senator Hillary Clinton.

After her election, Clinton laid low for a full term, playing the good soldier and the party water-carrier.

Suggesting that Gillibrand — who has yet to win an election in her own right as New York Senator — should be mavericking around in Washington is far-fetched.

The bottom line? All the squabbling is mildly entertaining. But I’ve yet to see how this primary race turns into much of a race at all.