Could Kucinich beat Bush?

[Mass_Liberal]

Thats my million dollar question. What do you guys think?

[GOPBasher]

1. I wish, but I don't think so, unfortunately.

[still_one]

2. Kucinich who???

[Killarney]

3. Absolutely not, unfortunately.

[californiahippie]

87. yep, nice thought though

[enki23]

4. did you adjust that million dollars for inflation?

that particular question has been asked quite a few times by now.

[Mass_Liberal]

8. ok sorry

thats my utterly worthless question. :)

[tinanator]

5. No one could do it as easily

None are better positioned. Anyone who feels otherwise should at least elaborate on what scenario they envision? Of course, if you havent experienced Kucinich, you should probably reserve judgement.

[redqueen]

6. Most easily.

He has integrity. There is nothing at all that you can cook up or spin to fight that. Nothing.

[ChiefJoseph]

80. Please

His shameless flip-flop on abortion proves that he's not as pure-hearted as many of his acolytes think. The man will clearly shift his positions for the sake of political expediency.

[eridani]

88. Definition of 'flip-flop'

Changing your mind gradually, and once, is not a flip-flop. Flip-flop means you keep changing for different audiences. Not applicable here.

[Fargin Ice Hole]

7. Even if he had the opportunity, Corporate media wouldn't report it.

[Mass_Liberal]

12. heheheh

ok, if American's could choose between Bush and a better-reported Kucinich, who would they vote for?

[mmonk]

9. He would need to be introduced to the public

since, well, you know, the LACK OF COVERAGE thing.

[corporatewhore]

10. he has been elected in ohio w/the support of reagen dems he also can unite

old school conservatives and liberals over free trade (nobody likes their job going away)and the PATRIOT ACT how do i know well iworked hand in hand with them to get an anti patriot act res passed here in austin and i have a few oldschool conservatives and two libertarians in my local kucinich 4 pres group.He can actually challenge bush I knew those wmds were fake he appeals to oldschool conservatives liberal dems libertarians socialsts reagan dems greens and hell even my anarchist friends like him

[mohc]

11. Possible, but not probable

If a major scandal were to blow up, say one of truly impeachable standards, Kucinich could win. Then again Chomsky could beat Bush in that situation. But in a competitive race, I do not believe Kucinich would win.

[tinanator]

18. well, since we have had several but they go unpunished or mentioned

DOnt you think we best just proceed to putting an honest man in the White HOUSE?

[DuctapeFatwa]

13. That's up to Diebold, now isn't it? (nt)

[andym]

14. No,

No,
But it would be a great campaign. K would get ridiculed by most of the press, but he would get alot of his ideas into the public's eye.

[stopthegop]

15. well...so far he has not won

among partisan Democrats in any caucus or primary...GE would be magintudes more difficult

[Mairead]

26. So far he has had functionally ZERO major press coverage

Did you read the article about the Democratic activist in Maine who knew nothing about him. She's in her mid-60s, a life-long Dem activist, and she knew nothing about his policies because of the media blackout. She knew more about Al Sharpton's!!

Once she'd heard Dennis speak, she immediately started to wonder, and ask, why we're not hearing about him. And she voted for him in the caucus.

[corporatewhore]

16. whoappeals tooldschoolcons liberaldems greens and libertarians

Kooch!!! thats who!!!!!!!!!!

[cheezus]

17. On a level playing field, absolutely

but the playing field is, of course, very far from level

[childslibrarian]

19. No

He's a great guy, but no. And I agree with everything he says. But it is the TV and the image..Sorry

[GreenArrow]

20. with an educated populace, capable of unbiased, critical thought

yes, Dennis'd rip him a new one. Given the current circumstances, probably not. Be an compelling battle though; thruth versus lies, dark versus light, good versus evil. Wouldn't reflect well on our country if Dennis lost.

[Zardeenah]

21. Absolutely

Anyone who says no because of the media image...have you *seen* Bush on TV?

When people see Dennis, they support Dennis, and people want what he has to offer. A well reported Kucinich campaign would blow Bush out of the water. Dennis has the integrity to poke holes in all of Bush's baloney policies....and has NO corporate sponsors. No strings. He's in it for you & me, and I think people will respond to that.

Susan

[Tinoire]

22. Absolutely. Which is why Kucinich is being deliberately marginalized

Kucinich is the best choice for beating Bush because he offers the clearest alternative and addresses the nation's real problems with more than lip service or inept fumbling of issues.

There is not one candidate in the race, save maybe for Clark (and yes I have always thought this even if I am very weary of Clark) who is able to grasp the ENTIRE picture to see what needs to be adjusted and where.

When Kucinich talks about being anti any war save a defensive one, he makes moral and economic sense that would genuinely interest most Americans. When he discusses the Pentagon budget & occupation for instance, he is the only one who has clearly linked it to other evils directly affecting every man, woman and child in this society,

Kucinich is much more than random, disjoined sound-bites what change with the wind and that's what America is looking for. It's what America would vote for & what would motivate a lot of poor, disenfranchised, dregs of society to get excited and vote. I am of course talking about the dregs that would rock the establishment's comfortable 1st & 2nd class passenger only boat which is precisely why the establishment will do everything within its power to snuff out the message.

They can try. Kucinich's numbers will keep growing. There's nothing the establishment can do to stop the grass-roots exposure of his message. Our job as supporters is to fight the DLC/DNC/RNC establishment & get that message out. We are doing it. And as of this moment on will be watching the various caucuses with a hawkish, jaundiced eye. Certain goings-on don't seem very... kosher.

If "they" steal another election, it will be out of our cold, dead fingers- it won't be without a fight.


Kucinich can beat Bush in his sleep.



"Compassionate Conservatism"

vs

Real Compassion


It's a no brainer.

[Kanary]

42. Another dreg for Kucinich here

I think the only thing that would prevent Dennis from being elected over Bush would be whether he can have the opportunity to actually speak directly to the voters, and present his ideas. Not soundbite ads, and not being grilled by a rigth-wing talking head, but a venue to actually speak his ideas.

Without that, it would take all of us going door to door with literature, and talking to people directly.

Because once Dennis cuts through all the junk about "liberal" "centrist" "conservative", it becomes clear to even the most hardened that Dennis has ALL citizens in mind, and will do his utmost for every single person.

Even us dregs.

Kanary

[Mairead]

70. And yet another dreg here

Well said, Kanary! 'Dennis has ALL citizens in mind, and will do his utmost for every single person'

And so what if we do have to schlep literature door to door? It's the lo-budget DK way!

[nannah]

64. I agree!!!

I think his media white out is driven by fear that if he becomes visible and his ideas are in front of people, he will win. As Will Pitt wrote, he ran 3rd in WA and Maine, and his name was not posted by many in the national press. Making him invisible feels like a purposeful campaign.

When I am talking with people about Kucinich and they say, "who is he?", I offer a brief overview of his history, telling them about his battle with electric companies in Ohio, and identify his stand on issues of mutual interest. Then I ask them if they don't think it is odd that the "liberal" media would ignore so progressive a candidate.

[Terwilliger]

23. head to head, yes

[Mairead]

24. The odds are at least 2:1, going on past performance

He estimates he has stood for election --primaries and generals-- about 30 times so far.

He has won about 20 of those (I say 'about' in each case because I'm quoting from the Q&A session at the Afghani restaurant in Oakland in early November. He gave those numbers offhandedly (Will, could you find out quickly do you think? That's an excellent press-secretary-ish issue))

Let's say for the sake of argument that those numbers are exact. That means he won 20, lost 10. On past form, that means the odds are 2:1 that he can take Smirk.

Those seem like rather good odds, to me. Particularly since these elections were for a variety of positions at the big-city, big-state, and federal level--he's not a one-trick pony. Add to that the fact that all these wins were in a rather conservative area, and many were against an incumbent. And (I'm sure I'm making him sound like a ginsu knife) at least 3 of those wins were upsets against Republican incumbents not expected to lose. (In 1993, he was one of only 3 Dems in the nation to buck the GOP tide and take a state-senate seat from a GOP incumbent--it got the attention of Clinton, Gore, and the DNC establishment.)

As we know from having watched him do everything from putting up the BBV evidence on his website to saying on national TV that Bush lied, the guy is totally fearless and he's on our side.

He's the only one who has actually proved he'll take one for the People he works for.

He's proven himself frugal over and over again, which attracts trad conservatives who want to see services for every tax dollar.

He's not trying to get by on blue smoke and mirrors: he tells us upfront the changes he plans to deliver, if we'll help. What we see is what we'll get. And they're all things that people really want, too. Good healthcare. Education. Jobs. Value for money. Peace and an end to terrorist attacks. Respect in the world again.

Every one of his political opponents have said the same thing of him: he succeeds because he takes care of the People he works for better than anyone else does. He never gives up, never lets people down, never sells out.

So yes, I think that even if Smirk had a decent record to point to, Dennis would stand a fine chance against him. As it is, Dennis should be able to obliterate him. Landslide. Avalanche. The sound of ten thousand tons of express-delivery 'back to Crawford' messages.

Dennis Kucinich. Finally a President for the People.

[Mairead]

37. DK has WON MORE ELECTIONS than any of the other 4 candidates!

I looked up his political biography. It mentions

• 14 general elections
• 6 wins standing as the challenger
• 11 wins overall
• 5 different classes of office: big-city legislative, functional manager, big-city chief executive, big-state senate, and big-state MC.

Not too scabby! Kerry doesn't come close (DA for 2 terms; one-term LtGov, and 4 terms as Senator; i.e. 3 successes as challenger) Nor does Dean (2 terms in the Vt. House; 1 election as LtGov; 5 terms as Governor; i.e., 2 successes as challenger) or Edwards (1 term Senator; ergo 1 success as challenger)

[corporatewhore]

41. all in a state such as OHIO not a lib haven like mass

[MuseRider]

40. Great post Mairead!

YES he could, easily. When it comes down to it people want their government to be theirs, to work FOR them and that is just what he provides.

[Tinoire]

49. Excellent points for a clear case! n/t

[no name no slogan]

25. Like a GONG

He's the complete opposite of that lying, draft-dodging, warmongering, reverse Robin Hood.

He's got the best positions on the issues, and is about as squeeky clean as a politician can get. If he's changed his positions, he explains them, and what made him change-- he doesn't waffle around and say he "can't recall" being that way.

He's intelligent, honest, straight-talking and can relate to the average American in a way an Ivy League-education professional ever could. He's right up from the streets, and hasn't forgotten where he came from, either.

He's the best damn candidate we've ran for President in DECADES. He has a vision, he inspires people, and he's truly a pain in the status quo's ass. THAT's why people are afraid of him.

HOW MUCH CHANGE ARE YOU READY FOR?

[Casablanca]

35. "HOW MUCH CHANGE ARE YOU READY FOR?"

Love it! :) Deadly accurate.

[Cuban_Liberal]

27. No. n/t

[efront]

28. Nope.

nm

[nancyharris]

29. Not only would he win

He might just be the only Democratic candidate that can win. It is highly doubtful that Senator Kerry can win on anti-Bush / anti-Republican platform. Eventually he will have to take some stand on issues and present a clear vision for America. There is no indication that he (or anyone other than Congressman Kucinich) can do that.

[hippiegranny]

30. maybe if we were a european country

but not in america. unfortunately.

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[rucky]

48. Well Said, GovelBot!

who endoreses Kucinich, BTW

[jamesinca]

32. I think he could

I have some crumbs between the sofa cushions that could beat Bush, and I know Kucinich is better than a sofa crumb, even on his worst day.

[Casablanca]

33. Yes, if he was tall like Reagan and had a voice like James E. Jones ...

That's the inconvenient truth about many people (and one that most won't admit) - they just can't support anyone that doesn't have the physical stature to be the Prez.

That truth is a statement about them, not DK, and it's not a particularly complimentary one.

I suspect that Rove and many people in the media are heaving a sigh of relief that DK isn't doing as well in the primaries. Because if they had to take on what he says, rather than how he "comes across", they'd be slaughtered.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

73. More average people look like Dennis than look like

Ronald Reagan or sound like James Earl Jones.

If he's so unappealing, why do the media consistently ignore him? People who get a chance to meet him and hear him give his full presentation in person are 95% blown away.

I think that the disaffected blue collar types would find his personal biography and his ideas compelling. The suburban McMansion dwellers who were part of high school high society might see him as the geek they used to enjoy beating up on, but I think less shallow people would identify with his vision.

[RichV]

34. not a chance

Sorry DK supporters. I just don't think your guy could appeal to voters.

[Mairead]

38. Perhaps you should revisit that assumption? He's already won

more elections than ANY of the other four candidates!

[RichV]

39. I think it was obvious I meant nationwide

He can win his district over and over until he dies, I'd imagine. And yes, I realize he won local office within that district too. But that doesn't translate into national appeal.

[Mairead]

45. The problem with your thesis is that none of the others have done as well

Kerry has won only in (mostly eastern) Mass, Dean only in tiny Vermont, and Edwards only in North Carolina.

And it's no good trying to point at the current primary numbers because (a) it's not over, (b) the voting is Essence of Tactical, and (c) the playing field is being manipulated to a fare-thee-well. Primary wins not only do not guarantee general wins, but at least one (and I think actually more) spectacular primary win was followed by an equally spectacular crash-and-burn in the general.

[RichV]

89. Just keep repeating that mantra if it makes you feel better

Of your (a) through (c) above, none of them have anything to do with DK's ability to beat Bush. That's the question here. And, fwiw, he won't win a primary either.

Kucinich would be another '64 Goldwater or '84 Mondale. His ideology is simply too far from the public mood's center to garner a winning electoral vote. He is not where the country is right now. He is, however, where his supporters are right now. He's a good man and a principled public servant, but there's no sense arguing he can beat Bush in 2004 barring some unforeseen happening that's harmful to W.

Dismiss the current primary numbers if you want, but recognize the guy has been in low single digits among even Dems alone the entire primary season. But you knew that already. I've personally only met one person (a Green) that even takes him seriously as a candidate, and she was just as far left as DK if not further. Primary wins obviously don't equal general election wins, but if you don't win primaries you don't get to participate in the general election. Of course. Kucinich is simply too far to the left to be a legitimate contender for the presidency or even his own party's nomination. I'm amazed some people here don't recognize that. I'm not slamming DK, just recognizing where things stand in the here and now. Supporting him out of principle and support for his beliefs makes sense to me, supporting him because you think he's going to pull off the nomination and then win is unrealistic.

And what do you mean none of the others have done as well as DK? Two of them you named have won statewide office (Kerry multiple times), something DK has never done. He had won more than General Clark or Rev. Sharpton, for sure.

Yes, he's got backbone and a vision. I just don't see any way in which his backbone and his particular vision result in an electoral victory over Bush. Please don't take this as an attack, as I don't intend it to be one. Just calling it like I see it.

[Mairead]

90. Your whole 'response' is nothing but your unsupported opinion

You might feel an internal sense of conviction that it doesn't matter--or even that it isn't true--that DK's primary showings are due to shockingly-obvious bias in press coverage, or that Kerry's Senate wins in Massachusetts--a little more than half the size of Ohio and much less diverse both ethnically and (thank heavens!) politically--indicate that he will somehow be 'more able' to beat Bush than DK, but your internal conviction doesn't make it so. You need to offer something more grounded than handwaved declarations that ignore contradictory evidence.

[genius]

36. Absolutely. The publicity of the nomination is all he needs. He's right

on everything and to see him is to be convinced.

[Mairead]

43. bump for DK, who has WON MORE ELECTIONS than any of the others

[eridani]

62. Fersure!

Unless Diebold messes things up.

[YouMustBeKiddingMe]

44. Not a chance

[ByRillYAN]

46. He can, and will

beat bush. As dem nominy, he would atleast get better coverage than he is gtting now, and there's a little thing called televised debates. in those, i KNOW that he would get his his message across and trump bush in every issue. to think he can't win is hard to believe unless you don't actually know dk.

[goodhue]

47. easily

[dweller]

50. Hide and watch

the heart has no bounds, but that the mind will constrain itself in doubt.

i'm not worried.
dp

[lams712]

51. I REALLY want it to happen but,

I think the media would unfairly twist a lot of his positions, etc.

[goodhue]

53. the media would try

But Kucinich's unwavering dedication to the truth would expose the media contortions. He would not play their rain deer games. It would be an emperor wears no clothes kind of thing that would be a real watershed for the country.

[rucky]

52. The Million Dollar Question is - Who Wouldn't Vote For Him?

Well, Bush supporters - but we already know that.

Are there any ABKooch movements around that we don't know about?

[LWolf]

54. Yes.

First of all, any of our crop of primary candidates can beat bush. He is eminently beatable. He has nothing positive to stand on, and a path of destruction behind him.

Second, Dennis Kucinich regularly beats republicans.

Third, voters who hear him like what they hear. Voters who get to know him love what they find.

Should the democrats nominate him, Dennis Kucinich WILL beat George W. Bush.

[brainshrub]

55. yes

I'm not supporting Kucinich b/c I don't think he wouldn't win against Bush... I'm not supporting him b/c he won't get the nomination.

[ByRillYAN]

59. Its reasoning like that that is why

he isn't doing as well in the primaries is he should. the primaries are not about support someone who you think will win the primary, they're about support the candidate who you think is the best. you say that you think he can beat bush, do you like his policies, are their any candidate whose policies you like more, if not, then why don't you support him?

[redqueen]

74. Whaaaa?

You're not supporting him in the primaries because you think he won't win the primaries?

Without the support of everyone who agrees with him, what else would you expect?

What the hell's going on around here?!

[DisgustedTX]

56. I've made one devout BUSHIE believe, but won't vote for him.

I've been blasting a few of my more annoying co-workers with simple print stories (which are few & far between) about Kucinich and one remarked to me today:

"It's a shame. He's the most forthright and honest of the entire lot. He seems like a genuinely good person who actually cares about THIS country as much as the rest of the world."

Very telling, but too little too late.

[arewethereyet]

57. in a word, no

[hippywife]

58. But of course

Here's how the GE debate would go if anyone but DK was up against Bush:

(Insert your favorite candidate here): "Mr. Bush, you took us to war based on lies. Iraq had no WMD's."

(Bush): "But you voted for the IWR." or "You acknowledged that you thought they did, too."

(Your favorite candidate): "Ummmm."


Non-rightwingers are set to vote ABB in the GE anyway. Why not give them a man who saw thru the smoke and mirrors a full year before the war started. Who wasn't afraid to start calling out this "unelected pResident and his undisclosed Vice pResident." Who hasn't let up on them for a minute.

He has this leverage because he was right. When it was time for cooler heads to prevail, he just said "NO!!" He wasn't motivated by the fear they were pedaling. He never caved or gave credence to one iota of their agenda.

Because he was right:

http://www.kucinich.us/kucinichright.php


Anyone who thinks he can't mop the floor with Bush in a one-on-one debate, hasn't heard him speak:

www.kucinichwatch.com

[Miramar]

60. definitely!!!

[snoochie]

61. Easily

Most people know nothing about him. Or they know what they were sold, which is stuff like the Muny Light story (corporate propoganda version), and how he's single and a vegan.

If average Americans heard about his record and his platform and message (most importantly the truth about NAFTA and the WTO), it would be Morning in America for Democrats.

[gate of the sun]

63. Of course he can

he can easily best bush.....something most people on DU deny. Truth and Honesty can prevail from time to time...Dennis I believe could leave Bush looking like an idiot at the debates. Dennis could leave bush looking like a loser.I believe that the hopes of people for a better world....a kinder world and an easier one could very easily give him the Presidency......

[ThirdWheelLegend]

65. Yes easily... Imagine a real choice, a real alternative..

When presented with the truth and DK's positions everyone I have ever talked to likes Dennis K. Imagine actually going to the polls and having a choice for a great candidate, instead of the usual 'not as bad' as the other guy 'choice'.

TWL

[vision]

66. Yes give him a chance to talk to America

and I think you would be surprised at the response.

Many of the things that he stands for the average person thinks is right. At least that is my experience. Everyday I hear people bemoaning nothing being made in USA for one thing. I also hear people complaign about medical bills, etc.

He is right on the issues but has been blocked.

"THE TREES"

There is unrest in the forest,
There is trouble with the trees,
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas.

The trouble with the maples,
(And they're quite convinced the're right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light.
But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made.
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade.

There is trouble in the forest,
And the creatures all have fled,
As the maples scream `Oppression`
And the oaks, just shake their heads

So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights.
"The oaks are just too greedy;
We will make them give us light."
Now there's no more oak oppression,
For they passed a noble law,
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe, and saw.

---Rush

[Doomsayer13]

67. No way

Bush would drag out his "Dennis the Menace" record as Cleaveland Mayor, the right would paint him as a new-age nut and it'd be all over. The Smear Machine wouldn't even give the guy a chance.

[ThirdWheelLegend]

68. Wrong on the Cleveland thing.....

The city actually AWARDED Kucinich in 1998 for his decision to not sell the public utility to private interests. Not sure how that would be used against him. Once the facts are known, it is clear that Dennis was right. He has saved the citizens of Cleveland over 200 million dollars on their electric bills.

TWL

[Piperay]

69. No, he can't win

Democratic primaries so beating chimp wouldn't be very likely. I really like Kucinich but he just hasn't caught fire.

[Mairead]

71. Hasn't caught fire? Try starting a fire in a vacuum. You can even use a

blowtorch if you like.

DK's campaign has been ruthlessly deprived of oxygen by the corporate media. Why? Because his whole history, beginning with his election as a Cleveland legislator, has been one of upsetting 'the business community' by stopping socialism for the wealthy. His whole career has been one of putting public resources to work for working people rather than the owners.

[youngred]

72. Despite the protestations of all here I think he could

He has a very strong record and platform. The media couldn't totally ignore him were the he candidate and with his message finally getting out and exposing Bush in the way only he does...well He could beat Bush

[Nadienne]

75. If he can't, then this country's not worth it.

and I'm moving to Canada.

[redqueen]

77. Same here

I don't expect 'president kerry' to work on election reform. I'll be joining you in a country where liberals aren't beaten down with a stick and forced to vote for pro-war candidates.

[jmoss]

76. DK will make a Great Senator, or Cabinet Member in 05'

..What do you think?

[Desertrose]

78. Yes, I truly do...and I think he could do it the best of any dem

at this point.

Kerry will get smeared...same as Dean...Edwards-I think thats not too likely either.

I honestly think Dennis is the only one who CAN go up against Bush & win.

Too damn bad no one will support the clearest choice we have ....
makes no sense if people really do want a change from bush...no sense at all...

Peace & hope with Kucinich
DR

[Stuckinthebush]

79. No chance

The GOP would eat him alive as a wild-eyed liberal. They would make an issue of his looks. They would make an issue of his being single.

The public would buy it all. No way.

[ByRillYAN]

84. Dennis would just use

that to his advantange. He has done that at debates before, where all they talk about is money and endorsments. when it comes to DK's turn to speak, he has before and will do when remarks such as those are made, point out that those opposing him aren't talking about the real issues. they aren't talk about tax reform or getting back our jobs or NAFTA or health care. just frivulous stuff. anyways dk beat * in the looks department any day of the week.

[truizm]

81. Absolutely

[govegan]

82. Of course.

And he would win going away, as we say.

[goodhue]

83. How Kucinich Beats Bush

If any Democrat has a history of attracting swing voters and "Reagan Democrats" in winning elections against better-funded Republican opponents, it is Dennis Kucinich. He has repeatedly defeated entrenched incumbents. He beat a Republican incumbent for mayor in 1977, for state senator in 1994 (overcoming the national right-wing tide) and for Congress in 1996.

His Congressional district includes the suburb of Parma, Ohio, described as "one of the original homes of the Reagan Democrats." An Ohio daily calls it a "conservative Democratic district," which he carried by 74% in 2002. Being a success there may be a better predictor of national success than holding statewide office in a liberal stronghold like Vermont or Massachusetts.

Kucinich is a winner because he builds Wellstone-like grassroots campaigns against bigger-spending opponents. He is a winner because of his blue collar roots and populism, reflected in his battles for heartland voters against unfair, corporate-friendly trade deals.

He is an unabashed progressive who wins because swing voters who don't agree with him on every issue still see him as a fighter for their interests, as someone who will put the interests of workers and middle-class consumers ahead of big-money interests. No Democrat is better positioned in 2004 to attract 'Reagan Democrats' and swing voters with a frontal attack on how Bush policies hurt them and favor the rich.

Republicans use "wedge" issues to pry away traditionally-Democratic white working class voters -- a tactic that has not succeeded against Kucinich. In '96, for example, Republicans used his support of gay rights as a wedge, and he stood firm and triumphed.

On the other side of the spectrum, no other candidate can attract disaffected voters, 3rd party voters and Ralph Nader supporters to the Democratic column like Kucinich. Across the country, Nader 2000 voters and Green Party sympathizers are joining his campaign, as are other 3rd party supporters.

It's been a long while since progressives and the Democratic base have been so motivated, and so angry -- over manipulation and deceit that began in the 2000 election and continued through the Iraq war (now finally catching up with the Bush team). No candidate can better tap into and mobilize the anger of the Democratic base than Kucinich, who has never wavered in his opposition, who has courageously led the way in exposing war manipulation, and who speaks with passion to the big issues that animate Democratic and progressive activists.

Kucinich has been a winner in a swing district in the swing state of Ohio. And Ohio has 20 electoral votes. It is the state that is key to national victory; only two candidates in the 20th century won the presidency without carrying Ohio.

Al Gore lost Ohio in 2000 despite the Herculean efforts of Kucinich, as vividly described by journalist James Ridgeway in an article written days before the election: "Kucinich is a shoo-in, but hauling Gore along will be a daunting task. Shuttling back and forth from Washington, Kucinich has put together an old-fashioned canvassing operation throughout Cleveland and its suburbs that is one of the largest such efforts in the nation. By election day, 400 to 500 people will be on the streets...

"Day after day, members of the laborers, electricians, plumbers, and steelworkers unions crowd into Kucinich's tiny office on Lorain Avenue, piling signs into the backs of cars and pickups before hitting the neighborhoods. The general approach is for volunteers to use Kucinich's name to get a foot in the door, then ask for support for a Democratic judge before uttering the vice president's name."

Kucinich's best efforts couldn't win Ohio for Gore in 2000, but Kucinich can win Ohio himself if he is the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate. And in presidential politics, as Bush-strategist Karl Rove knows well: As Ohio goes, so goes the nation.

http://www.kucinich.us/electable.php

[Endangered Specie]

85. Bush would win more states than Reagan in 1984.

[tobius]

86. he would lose head to head against Sharpton n/t