I have a new appreciation for Dennis Kucinich

I've always liked the guy and never thought that he should drop out of the race but now I see that he's really putting a huge amount of effort into ultimately helping Kerry. Kucinich is basically the anti-Nader. He is saying to Greens, Progressives, and other third party members: Look, you can complain about imperialistic foreign policy, tax cuts for the rich, free trade, and corporate corruption or you can join the democratic party and actually help do something about it. Kucinich is saying that if the left moves back into the democratic party then Kerry will realize that he has a strong base that supports him and he will have the ability to be a more liberal president. I only wish the mainstream media wouldn't ignore him, so that he could get his message out to a larger group of people.

I couldn't have said it better.

the reason that a lot of people have gone over to Nader, the Greens, the Progressives, etc. is because they've become increasingly doubtful that the Democratic party is, at least at the presidential level, going to do all that much about the issues you mention. It's not as if they weren't concerned with such issues at least as much as, if not more than, typical Democrats are - and many would return in a heartbeat if Kerry and the party leadership gave them more reason for optimism.

And of course regardless of what party they're in and how they vote in November, should Kerry be elected and actually address their concerns well, there'd be no mistaking the outpouring of support for his administration.

I'm glad that Dennis is keeping the conversation going within the party about such issues, and his presence will likely keep some Democrats within the fold until the convention who would otherwise bolt. Whether they stay after that point will largely depend on what happens at the convention, I suspect.

- bill

eom

I want to ask, and this is in earnest, and not smartassy, what was the problem that you didn't hear us saying that before?

I'm really curious what is different now.

Kanary

I really like John Kerry and I've supported him since last September. I think he's a great guy and will make a great president. Are there some more liberal stances that I wish he would (or had the ability) to take. HELL YES! It's not that I've disliked Kucinich or his cause, but when I saw him speak of Faux last night (I had it on because I lost my remote and was too lazy to change the channel with my hands) everything he said just made perfect sense, even though asshole Hannity and his lackey Colmes wouldn't take him seriously. Kucinich said what he had to say in a way that wasn't negative toward Kerry and I guess what I realized, was how much his campaign can really help Kerry win in November and be able to make better decissions for America when he is in the white house. I guess I just had to hear the words from the man himself before it really clicked, that's all.

Yes, it does make a big difference to hear him for yourself!

And, I'll tell you a bit of a secret... if you actually have the blessed opportunity to Hear Him In Person... Do It!

I know that people gush about their chosen candidates, but.... I'll tell you something. I've been at this since my dirtyhippiecommiepinkobum days, and I've worked for many candidates, but I've NEVER seen anyone remotely like Dennis. When people say there is something special about him, that's not just "gush". The man is unique, and I'm really not sure why he's a politician........ I really don't know how he can keep the insightful and definitely intrigrity part of himself so fully synthesized with the politician side of himself. When he was here, I found myself trying to figure that out.

Even though I've listened to and read all his speeches I could get my hands on, so that nothing he said really came as a surprise to me, I had a very interesting experience. After I left and got home, and all the next day, I felt such a deep sense of peace that it was unsettling. Even DU didn't upset that peace. ^_^ I have to honestly say I've never experienced that before.

I've been to many an election night gathering, and been psyched by candidates, and left buoyed up, but... never this kind of deep peace.

Considering that the room was 200 plus people, and everyone I've talked to said they were amazed to feel the same thing, isn't it a bit startling that one man could infuse a group in that way? I mean, excited and buoyed, yes... that happens a lot. But, deep peace?

But I digress.... ^_^

The man is pushing himself relentlessly (I mean, even Kerry took a vacation!), and it's in order to serve the Democratic Party. There have been a few who see that, but he and so many of us supporters have taken a real beating here. It has hurt many of us deeply, and caused wounds to the Party. So, I'm glad that now some are starting to see what he's doing, and some of what we saw all along.

The man is working his butt off for this Party. He's working relentlessly for PEOPLE. Once you witness him looking into people's eyes as they are asking him questions, you see the deep soul in this man. He cares so much that he can not NOT keep working for them.

I'm very glad that you see now his contribution. I will also hope that when you send Kerry a donation, that you will send a bit to Dennis, just in acknowledgement of what his is giving his time, energy, and heart to... the Party.

Thanks!

:hi:

Kanary

Unfortunately I'm not going to have a job till this summer and might not get paid till after the convention. Should I get a little spare cash I will send to Dennis as well as Kerry. I wrote him a letter saying basically everything I said here. I told him that I hope he will be elected to higher office some day so that he will have more power and ability to get his message accross.

And, I guess I wasn't even directing my request to you personally. I know there are a lot of lurkers, and I just wanted to suggest that when people, in their enthusiasm, donate to Kerry, that they share a bit of that with Dennis. He is fighting the good fight for the Party!

Some of us *can't* donate, and that's how it is. We just do what we can. You're doing a lot for Dennis by your post here, and writing to him, and talking with others about him. All of that adds up.

Thanks for your efforts!

Kanary

I'm a college student so my extra money is somewhat limited. But if I can spare a few bucks I have no problem giving to a worthy cause.

A live meeting seems to have this universal effect, doesn't it?

I can add one more to the fold. My mom is going to see him speak in Bend tomorrow.

She is a long time dem; a huge, unwavering Clinton fan, and she liked JE in the primaries. She's listened to me talk about Dennis, and said things like, "Wow, that's nice." While moving on to more "interesting" people. When I heard he was going to be in OR, I emailed his schedule to her and told her she wouldn't be disappointed; then let it go, so as not to nag. She's disappointed with Kerry. Not in comparison to *, of course, but he just doesn't "move her to any enthusiasm."

Yesterday we were chatting on the phone, and she announced that she was going to hear him speak on Monday. I congratulated her, and the conversation moved on. Then she started talking about some issue; I don't remember...and spouting Gandhi quotes at me. I fired back, "Guess who was the recipient of the 2003 Gandhi Peace Award?" Silence when I told her. She's in for a treat tomorrow, and we'll have one more vote for Dennis in the bag. She asked me why he is still running, and was thrilled to know that someone is working from within the party to shape direction.

What Dennis needs is crowds of people who aren't familiar with him, to experience that "magic", rather than us "choir members". :)

But, that doesn't stop me from wanting to see him if I could. He does wonders for my morale, and badly sagging as it is, I certainly would take the opportunity.

I'll be thinking of her tomorrow, and of Dennis, and hope to hear a report from you!

Kanary

I don't expect to hear until Tuesday morning; it's an evening meeting, and I won't be home until late tomorrow. But I hear ya; I went to meet Dennis twice, and could have just kept showing up again and again. There's nothing like reinforcing resolve, and recognizing the good that he, and his supporters, are offering the country.

I was on the floor at the 1990 MN DFL convention where Paul gave his first acceptance speach, after he won the Senate endorsement in an upset against a better-financed opponent. I worked my ass off for him in 1990, too, and we won by a squeeker.

He was my inspiration to become a Democrat in the late 80s, when he helped a bunch of college students oust the most right-wing legislator in Minnesota's history.

I've also seen Dennis speak, twice, and even had the pleasure of being part of the entertainment at a rally of his. I've talked to him personally, about the issues, and have watched him interact with everybody from elected officials to the guy who's been living off wind power for the last 15 years, completely off the main power grid.

And I have to say, I've been more inspired by Dennis and his ragtag group of supporters than I have been by Paul Wellstone. Maybe it's because I witnessed one of the most remarkable events at a Congressional District convention yesterday, but he truly cares about people, and is more interested in substance and the message than the messenger.

There's a lot of Kucitizens who feel the same way. I myself am very glad that Kerry is coming around to the position that Dennis has advocated for over a year (hell, even BUSH is now, too!), and sincerely hope that he agrees to allow the UN to take over control of the country-- financial, security, resources, politics, etc. As long as the US is perceived as an occupying army by Iraqis, we will not have "stability" in Iraq.

I'm glad that you had the chance to see, meet, and speak to Dennis. He truly is a remarkable politician, and a brave soul who's not afraid to stand up and fight, and not afraid to be a human being first, and a politician second.

:D

I may not be from Minnesota but Paul grew up very near here.

how they managed to make Hannity look all pink and healthy, and gave Dennis a greenish tint?

Wasn't that ever-so-clever?

Kanary, who is sometimes green, too..... especially around right-wingers..... :)

But Hannity looked like his usual asshole self.

But what I heard Kerry say..He respects D.K., but does not agree with him..Lack of back bone on Kerry's part...Well, I agree with Kucinich and not Kerry in regards to Iraq, healthcare, trade.
After the convention, i expect it will be time for us to again be ignored as Kerry turns right. After all, his 'cabinet' is filled with free traders such as Rubin, etc.

I think John Kerry has had a one thing on his mind for the past two years. Becoming president and beating Bush (well, with a little break for beating Howard Dean). I think that Kerry has taken the course of do whatever it takes to win the election. I'm not going to say that that's the course he shouldn't be taking since I know how important it is that Bush doesn't get another four years, but I think that in order for Kerry to have the ability to make better use of his presidency, we need a strong democratic support base.

We've been here longer than the Rockefeller Republicans that are now in control, and they are hell-bent on kicking the rest of us out.

On Meet the Press today Kerry gave unequivocal "Yes" answers to Tim Russert's questions about supporting Bush endorsement of Sharon's land grab of the West Bank (Sharon Plan) and his "targeted" assassination policy.

No way in Hell that the Left will find itself supporting the war criminal Sharon.

When we are protesting war under Kerry, imagine the screaming going on here at DU.

We played right into their hands.

I don't even want to think about it.

Kanary

Kerry as president..We progressive Democrats have our work cut out for us...The House Democrats did not go along with Clinton's trade sell out or Bush's war. Thanks to Dennis Kucinich or his progressive predicissors.Such as David Bonior...
Kerry sells us out?!? I have my Democratic leader to follow.You choose yours, I will choose mine. Different president,same fight.!
With hope,at least we will be able to talk to Kerry.Maybe not?
If so, I am sure the majority of House Democrats will be behind Kucinich, not Kerry.

It'll be a bit like how it is now, in that the president won't represent what I stand for.

I'll vote him in, then I'll hold his feet to the fire on the important things he doesn't care about (NCLB, for example).

It means four more hard years for progressives. Then, if we're lucky, four less-hard years. Maybe.

If we elect Kerry, and he makes no movement to the left while he's in office, the Democratic party has lost me.

" I'll vote him in, then I'll hold his feet to the fire on the important things he doesn't care about (NCLB, for example)."

That's exactly it! You see, if all the Kerry supporters would just say that, then I would feel so much better. If they would just LISTEN to my concerns, care about it, and promise to be in my corner, then I wouldn't be feeling so marginalized... and just plain scared.

Blasting me and calling me a freeper because I am actually afraid for my own survival is no better than dealing with all the heartless people I've come across on the other side of the political spectrum. It just hurts more, because these are the people who profess to "care".

Thanks for writing that.... it really does help to hear, and makes me feel so not alone.

Kanary

really admire the hell out of Dennis and like his platform. I dont think youre a freeper honest, you're concerned about the direction of our country like all of us. Personally I am glad Kucinich stayed in the race, and there are for sure times when I wish he was the nominee.

and I think that's true for a lot of leftist/progressive Democrats, too.

When Kerry wins, we still won't have a single-payer universal healthcare system. We may not have relinquished control of Iraq. We won't have a cabinet-level Department of Peace. NAFTA and the WTO will still be there, and we still won't have a full-employment economy.

I myself plan to keep on talking the talk, and walking the walk, until the rest of the country and our politicians come to their senses and see the logic and necessity of our positions.

Even though I'll vote for Kerry, I'll keep his feet to the fire!

"We're talking about the essential mission of government -- and John Kerry is going to need a lot of help. He may not be able to say the things he needs to say, so we need to say the things that must be said. We need to present the issues. We need to set the priorities of our party, and we need to set a direction for the Democratic Party, so when people come in November they’ll be lining up outside the polls." -- Dennis Kucinich in speech to PUSH Coalition.

This is the problem. We are always encouraged to compromise. Vote for the nominee...if you support him, he will listen to you in office...a vote for the candidate you agree with is like a (R) vote...your candidate is good, but is not electable...and so on and so on ad nauseum.

I am going to vote for Kerry...but I will be holding my nose as I do so...

I just wonder...if all of us who are doing so would together vote for somebody who stands for what we believe, maybe we could get some actual respect in the next election. How else are we ever going to change the party? It still seems like the republicrat party to me.

Before you flame me...I said I am voting for Kerry...but, when are all of us who are compromising going to actually stand up for what we believe?

Sorry...just a little musing here...never mind.

Our letting Kerry know we disagree and he has to earn our vote and respect our views, I think we are doing the Democratic party a favor.If we do not, four more years, the Democratic will be in disdain and another Nader challenge in order.
Let alone no progress for our Nation.
In a positive light..Just like Dennis Kucinich has all along.
Should Kerry push The Fast Track for a Central American Free Trade Area - as he has voted; it will be Seattle all over again. Let alone a revolt in the House...Thank you Dennis for your fight.

he has to earn our vote and respect our views is a very true statement. If he for a minute believes that he automatically has my vote, then he'll sh!t all over me. I don't play that.

At least as an independent anyway.

I say his run will have an honest effect upon Kerry.
I trust Nader more when it comes to trade issues as opposed to Kerry.Kerry needs to face a challenge on trade.Iraq also..Maybe he will learn something and get a little more backbone, so that he might energize America and give it hope.

again. "Electable." that's the problem...as long as we say everybody good is unelectable, we won't ever get anybody who is electable. I think it is the right wing media shoving their candidate down our throats and then expecting loyalty. Who do they give the press to??? Mr. Electable. What do their so-called pundits say? He's the most electable. What about the polls? Is this candidate electable?

Electable...((ralphing all over the floor))

It is not the people..It is pundits who tell us how to think.
We are way under the influence of who is electable as defined by the corporate media..That and special money which buys our elections.. Who is electable is often not what we need but what the bought and paid for media demand.
If we had a 'fairness rule' and true open debate presented fairly without being filtered through media mouthpieces, elebtablity would be a far different matter.

is the reason I support making all campaign contributions, 527s, etc. illegal. Have equal funding for all candidates. If you want to contribute to a common fund, fine. If not, fine. But that way all candidates get the opportunity to have their voices heard, not just those whose campaigns are bought and paid for by fat cats, special interests, etc. Why do I want to hear what the Insurance Company candidate says above what the people's candidate says?

I voted for Dennis Kucinich in my primary.

I haven't compromised; I'm still supporting him with time and $$.

In November, it's not a matter of compromise. I no longer expect a choice at that point, other than choosing not to vote. At that point, it is Kerry or Bush. It won't be a compromise to spend a vote to defeat Bush. Unfortunately, there won't be a choice on the ballot that would allow me to vote for a candidate I think represents me. If there were, there would be no compromise. That candidate would get my vote.

so the party can have a soul. He is a true humanitarian.

kerry will do no such thing, and would not do any such thing if every leftist in the country voted for him. swing voters, centrist and otherwise, are worth double. so long as the potential defectors to republicans are *half* as numerous as potential defectors to third-party candidates, they will be courted preferentially during the general election campaign.

the one way greens and other leftists could have any chance to even the score would be to credibly threaten to vote for the republican candidate. to make that credible, they'd actually have to do so in significant numbers a time or two. though attempting to sabotage the democratic party in crucial swing states might also work to some extent. you don't get attention until there are consequences for not giving it to you. and... for the angry sorts... that's no more "holding the democratic party hostage" than what the swing voters are doing. don't like it? don't do it. i'm not. but it's pragmatic. it's what would have to be done.

in part because there are so many voters on the right whom Kerry has no chance of winning no matter how far in their direction he moves.

Furthermore, swing voters are by and large not ideological voters, or even necessarily issue voters: they're largely disengaged voters who aren't quite sufficiently apathetic not to vote at all (because if they were at all engaged, they wouldn't be swing voters in the first place, especially this year).

The more that Kerry looks like Bush, the less they'll pay attention to anything but how they 'feel' about the two. And in that contest, it's not clear that Kerry will be a winner.

- bill

At this point he's doing nothing to help the Democrats. I think he's functioning sort of as, if anything, a running mate for Nader.

I said here a long time ago that Kucinich would do an Alan Keyes and in fact he is.

at the campus greens convention which is where i first heard him.

I don't believe in two-party politics.

And I highly doubt that the left moving into the Dem party (not "back" into, many of us were never there in the first place) will haul the party back to the left. It doesn't want to be left anymore; it wants to be moderate. Which would be fine if the left had somewhere else to go with the same kind of $ and clout as the DNC and Repubs have.

Ah, me. Still waiting for some major election reform around here to resolve these issues.