WATCH: It’s estimated that more than a thousand people came out to support Rob Ford’s bid for re-election. The crowd was larger than any other candidates’ but there were still empty seats. Peter Kim reports.
TORONTO – Mayor Rob Ford and his team threw a large party – complete with recorded music and a live band – for the official launch of his re-election campaign.
The mayor’s campaign manager and brother Doug Ford told the Toronto Sun earlier in the day the event would “make the other campaign launches look like a tea party.”
The Ford brothers spent $4,000 buying a fire truck, Doug said, in order to advertise the mayor’s supposed fiscal responsibility.
(The Toronto Fire Fighters Association sent a press release Thursday afternoon describing the fire truck as “utterly tasteless.” The city is pulling four fire trucks from service on Monday.)
READ MORE: The newest member of Rob Ford’s campaign team? Ben Johnson
The mayor made his way through the crowd along a red carpet to the stage, led by bag-pipers and volunteers carrying campaign signs as people snapped pictures with cellphones.
“Thank you Ford Nation. This is absolutely amazing. But this is just the beginning,” a beaming Ford said to the cheering crowd.
The mayor addressed his personal problems near the beginning of his speech, thanking people he says have been contacting him with words of encouragement and support.
The first 1,000 people to arrive received a T-shirt and flag.
The much-discussed Ford bobbleheads and new foam fingers were also on sale as part of his campaign fundraising efforts.
Ford spoke for about half an hour, saying he would run for the Oct. 27 election on his record by promising more of the same — but did not release a specific platform.
Ford portrayed himself as a representative of average people against elitists and special interest groups.
“The people of Toronto know that I am just like them,” he proclaimed.
“The people of Toronto know that I understand them, that I stand up for them, and I won’t back down when I’m fighting for them.”
After his speech, he walked through the crowd again to the strains of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister.
Earlier in the evening, hundreds lined up for a chance to shake hands with Ford, who arrived early to mingle with members of what is called Ford Nation, chatting and posing for pictures.
John Wright, senior vice-president of Ipsos-Reid, said it will be a “tough road” for Ford to win but he does have a solid base of support.
“He’s going to go into a room tonight and a lot of people will be there to support him. The question is whether or not they actually get out and vote,” Wright said.
He said most polls show the mayor hovering in the mid-20s behind both Olivia Chow and John Tory.
The Toronto mayor made international headlines last year when he admitted to smocking crack cocaine and city council voted to strip him of most of his powers soon after.
Voters head to the polls on Oct. 27.
-With file from Adam Miller of The Canadian Press
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