This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

This Is What The Heart Of Ford Nation Looks Like (PHOTOS)

PHOTOS: This Is What The Heart Of Ford Nation Looks Like
CP

Rob Ford can make one heck of an entrance.

Toronto’s embattled mayor entered the room at his re-election campaign kickoff party on Thursday with bag-pipers in front and ardent supporters shouting “Ford more years!” by his side – drowning out the last verses of “Eye of the Tiger” that played before his arrival.

Organizers rented a convention hall located on the outskirts of the city near the airport, luring supporters with free t-shirts and "Ford Nation" flags for the first 1,000 people, according to the Toronto Sun. Apparently, they had a difficult time filling it up to capacity.

Ford has been a fixture in national and international media since he admitted to smoking crack cocaine in November. It’s a series of personal problems that the mayor used to humanize himself with his supporters.

“There's been some rocky moments over the past year. I have experienced how none of us can go through life without making mistakes,” Ford said to a crowd of supporters.

“The people of Toronto know that I am just like them.”

Here’s a look at the people behind Ford Nation:

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette
People are silhouetted as they attend Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's re-election campaign launch on April 17. His main rivals — Olivia Chow, John Tory, Karen Stintz and David Soknacki — have already started their bids for the job. Ford was stripped of most of his powers after he admitted to having smoked crack cocaine.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
A man holds Rob Ford bobblehead dolls as the mayor launches his re-election campaign in Toronto on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Volunteer Mary Elenacruz, 12, wears Ford Nation signs as the mayor launches his campaign in Toronto on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
People are silhouetted against an old fire truck as they attend Rob Ford's re-election campaign launch in Toronto on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
A woman walks past an old City of Toronto fire truck as Mayor Rob Ford gets ready to launch his campaign on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
A Rob Ford supporter poses for photos as the mayor gets ready to launch his re-election campaign in Toronto on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Rob Ford supporters arrive as Toronto's mayor gets ready to launch his campaign on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Volunteers sign supporters in for Rob Ford's re-election campaign launch on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
People buy Rob Ford bobbleheads as he launches his re-election campaign on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Mayor Rob Ford, right, smiles as he wears a headdress given to him by supporter Harry Malaui, left, as he attends his campaign launch in Toronto on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto mayor Rob Ford speaks to supporters during his re-election campaign launch on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto mayor Rob Ford speaks to supporters during his re-election campaign launch on April 17.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto mayor Rob Ford reacts as he speaks to his supporters during his re-election campaign launch on April 17.

Also on HuffPost

A Brief History Of Rob Ford Apologies

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.