Why doesn't Kucinich have stronger support in DU?

[penguin7]

There have been many times in my life where I was not following politics, and I would just know the mainstream media version of the candidates. So I can understand why the average Joe off the street has no clue about this presidential primary. But shouldn't the members of this forum be better informed?

I don't understand why Kucinich's support is not more solid in this forum. There is one issue that really matters in this election, health care reform. This is the issue.

Do the people in DU understand the differences between HR 676 and the stand of the rest of the field? If you do not support Kucinich you will not get universal not for profit health care. It is that simple.

I ask those that support other candidates. Do you understand this issue?

[ccpup]

1. I do understand the issue.

I just can't stand the Messenger. Person opinion, of course, but Kucinich doesn't resonate with me and I find it hard to imagine he'll be taken seriously or get the Nomination. Again, my own personal opinion based on what I've seen of him.

[DutchLiberal]

2. Actually, my impression is that a lot of people on DU support Kucinich.

It's just that a lot more people support Edwards. I think they would want to vote for Kucinich, but fear he's "unelectable" and therefore support Edwards, because he's one of the "top three" candidates who poses as a liberal.

[Double T]

3. Dennis Kucinich is the ONLY HOPE for an American Revival.

I support HIM and will work for HIM!!!

[Colobo]

4. Kucinich has no chance of winning the Dem primaries or the GE

Sad, but true.

[Robson]

53. Would Kucinich accept a fund raiser from Wall St billionaires as Hillary has?

Hillary is being boosted by the MSM and that includes Rupert Murdock. She attends fundraisers hosted by the same billionaires such as Ron Perelman that have spent their career cannibalizing good American companies and screwing workers over for profit. These people aren't true Democrats, they just use Democrats and manipulate the Party leadership for their gain and connections.

I can't ever see Kucinich accepting fundraisers hosted by Wall St billionaires such as Perelman looking for influence and to have Hillary become beholden. Hillary is more of the same Bush leadership that will cater to the rich and connected. The only interest she has in the little guy is to get her elected.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/08/04/clintons-real-yearlykos-_n_59168.html

[Greyhound]

102. Unlike the one-term black Senator...

where do you think you live?

[CBHagman]

5. The truth is that I know he will not be the nominee.

I like Kucinich personally and appreciate his stances, but I do not by any stretch of the imagination expect my fellow voters to whisk him into office. The electorate isn't going to do it, and not even the Democratic rank-and-file is going to do it.

[sniffa]

44. but, wiLL you not vote for him because of that?

if you were incLined to vote for him.

[struggle4progress]

78. That's the reason I'm not supporting him: the primary is about winning the general election

not about me saying "Yay!" to the candidate who, whether electable or not, best represents my views

I might change my mind on this point, if the primaries were really about sending coherent voting blocs to the Party Convention: but for a long time, the Convention has been a coronation of an already-chosen candidate

[Dragonbreathp9d]

87. but they're are lots of people who feel just as you do!

if they ALL voted and campaigned for Kucinich, he could win both elections

[ludwigb]

6. Bottom Line: Kucinich Could Never Win the General

Simply because of his appearance and mannerisms.

(I'll get flamed for this, but it's the truth and you know it)

The truth is that however much I admire Kucinich (which is more than all the other candidates save perhaps Obama), I still feel he'd serve his country better by finding a candidate with similar viewpoints that the progressive movement could get behind--someone who is MARKETABLE and APPEALS TO THE YOUTH. Warren Beaty anyone? Even Michael Moore would generate tons more publicity. It probably should be a Hollywood type because the dearth of true progressives in Washington is extreme. Or maybe a charismatic academic?

Kucinich fights the good fight and for that he deserves our votes but I'd like to seem him and other candidates get behind a candidate that could make a real run for the nomination.

[John Q. Citizen]

61. Neither could bush. n/t

[Dragonbreathp9d]

86. He has a better chance than Hillary or Obama

simply because he is not black, a woman, or a Clinton.

you KNOW they'll come out of the woodwork, slithering and slimy, to vote against the two media chosen front runners

[demnan]

7. Kucinch is running to give the left a voice in the party

the more people support him, the more we can tilt the Democratic Party to the left with a show of influence.

Either you get that, or you don't.

[jsamuel]

8. Because Edwards is such a great candidate?

Edwards does offer universal health care that includes non-for-profit for everyone unless they choose a private insurance.

[Clark2008]

14. Since when?

Last I read his proposal didn't get us away from insurance companies.

[jsamuel]

15. you have been informed incorrectly

read this diary:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/7/15/195234/967

There are many bad rumors about John Edwards' health care plan floating around the tubes. It doesn't eliminate insurance companies, but it does "get us away" from them. These rumors have mostly been propagated by supporters of candidates who want single payer. John Edwards' plan is not single payer, but it is dang close.

[penguin7]

16. Does Edwards support HR 676?

And why not?

[jsamuel]

18. I am not aware of his specific disagreements with that bill.

Maybe you should ask him here:
http://www.johnedwards.com/about/contact/form/

Here is more on his plan:
http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/
A whole lot more here:
http://www.johnedwards.com/about/issues/health-care-overview.pdf

Here is a little more info that Elizabeth said on dailykos yesterday:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/8/15/18570/1126

Health care is subsidized for incomes up to $100,000. No one will pay more than 4% of income. And pre-existing conditions will not be subject to restriction or exemption from coverage. John's UHC plan is just what you need.

[penguin7]

22. Why is Michael Moore urging Edwards to support MM's plan?

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

Michael Moore supports Kucinich's health care plan.

[jsamuel]

26. From what I can tell...

MM wants everyone to have "free" UHC for life. Edwards plan gives "free" health care to those who are poor and subsidised health care to those who make under $100,000 a year. Those who make over that have to pay for their health care, but are still covered.

Edwards wants to give people the CHOICE of going with private health insurance, but really pushing the government program which will encourage single payer. MM wants to abolish them.

I don't think Edwards is opposed to regulating the pharmaceuticals, but I am not sure on that one.

[eridani]

57. The "choice" of private insurance amounts to the mass murder of 18,000 people a year

The government program must lose if they have to compete while covering anybody while private insurers are allowed to exclude sick people. Earning over $100K should damned well not give you the "choice" to join a healthier risk pool which is entitled to kill off less healthy risk pools by denying them funds.

[John Q. Citizen]

63. Dennis is the only choice for thinking people. The sheeple always fall for the rest.

[eridani]

68. Remember Adlai Stevenson on that subject?

A supporter once told him "You have the support of all thinking people."

He replied "Unfortunately, I'm going to need a majority."

[John Q. Citizen]

90. Yep, a simular situation.

[Common Sense Party]

100. And if you're not with us, you're against us.

[cleveramerican]

103. just look how that turned out for W

[eridani]

56. Edwards may not realize it, but he is guaranteeing that not-for-profit must fail

If the government takes all comers, and for-profit plans continue to reject actual sick people, the public plan is going to lose simply because of the theft of health care dollars that are diverted to shareholders instead of to health care providers.

[jsamuel]

73. you constantly make the assumption that the healthy will want the private

If the private is killing 18,000 as you say and not giving proper coverage, the rich and healthy will want the government plan.

[eridani]

83. It isn't what the rich and healthy want, it's what the damned insurance companies want!

They'll offer cheaper coverage to the rich and healthy, thus draining money from the total pool of money available for health care.

[jsamuel]

94. the rich don't want cheaper health insurance, they want BETTER health insurance

[eridani]

99. Better insurance means that claims don't get turned down

And that is precisely what private insurers won't do.

[Saturday]

9. Unfortunately in the general election

you have to "look" Presidential. People have to want to have a beer with you. Kucinich doesn't fit that mold. Sad but true.

[DutchLiberal]

38. Kucinich looks ten times as presidential as Clinton, and she is leading the polls now.

Do you think Americans would want to have a beer with her?

[fed-up]

10. he has strong support here-naysayers are just repeating freeper talking points nt

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

11. I support Kucinich

he's a breath of fresh air because he takes his stands and walks his talk. Frankly, some of the other candidates scare me, as I don't see them doing anything except forcing me to take an already stretched paycheck and pay for some private health insurance that will take the money and never ever give me any help if I get sick.

[OregonBlue]

12. I love what Kucinich has to say but I don't believe he can get elected. That's it in a nutshell.

[DutchLiberal]

39. If people vote for him, he can get elected. If people don;t vote for him, he can't.

It's as simple as that.

[MaineDem]

13. We represent, to some extent, the Democratic Party

There are Dems of all colors and stripes, supporting each of the candidates. DK doesn't have support from most Democrats and he doesn't have support from all DUers.

I agree with what's been said above...he can't win the general and I want in the worst way to make sure we do.

[stuartrida]

17. Because he would be a mediocre president

At least that is my opinion. He was a bad mayor, and I have no reason to believe he would be any good in the executive branch.

[DutchLiberal]

40. Why was he a bad major? For standing up to big corporations and saving the city millions of dollars?

In recent years, the city of Cleveland has honored Kucinich for his wise decisions, for being ahead of his time and making the right choice when it was unpopular to do so. Just like he did when he voted against the Iraq War. Is that bad or mediocre to you?

[valerief]

19. I think he's great. nt

[Connie_Corleone]

20. Because I'm not a Kucinich fan. nt

[welshTerrier2]

21. "There is one issue that really matters in this election, health care reform."

If no other candidates enter the race, I'll definitely be voting for the Kuch in the primary.

I couldn't disagree more strongly, however, with the OP statement that health care reform is the one issue that really matters in this election. This is a serious misunderstanding of the problems confronting the country. It's also one of the reasons we fail to make any meaningful progress.

THE issue facing the country is the loss of our democracy. It's all about the ways that money corrupts our political processes. A lousy health care system is a SYMPTOM of the problem and NOT the problem itself.

We will not get health care reform until we restore power in this country to its rightful owners. When I see statements like health care reform being THE issue, I worry that the person making that statement does not see how massive defense spending and wars and our imperialistic foreign policy relate to health care and to education and to infrastructure and to good, representative governance. This, of course, is not intended to detract from health care reform as the life and death critical issue it is. But the path to health care reform lies first with reforming our electoral and legislative institutions. Until we do that, any progress we appear to making will be illusory. Until our government is dedicated to the people instead of the elite monied interests, nothing will change for the better.

Public financing of campaigns, meaning NO PRIVATE MONEY, is an important first step. Some believe it is the ultimate solution. It isn't. Our entire society has been trashed by the ruling elite. Until we all understand that nothing short of real equality for each and every citizen is acceptable, our work will not be finished.

[penguin7]

93. I agree with your post

But when I start getting discouraged about this election, I only have to think about the health care issue to get me motivated again.

So in a sense for me this is a one issue election, since this one issue is so very very important. I know that a vote for Kucinich is a vote for HR 676, leaving Iraq, NAFTA and the WTO. These are things that I am pretty certain will happen if Kucinich is president.

I think fixing the election system would be more difficult and more profound change not as sure. Kucinich is certainly a step in the right direction here also.

[cobalt1999]

23. Because, I don't think he'd be an effective president

Kucinich can have proposals out the whazoo, but without the ability to work with congress, they have no chance of becoming reality. After 8 years of a fundamentalist anti-science wacko in the white house, choosing another candidate that appears to have a tenuous grasp on reality (meaning all the woo-woo stuff), is not very appealing.

[seemslikeadream]

24. Yea like going to war with Iran

[cobalt1999]

25. What is the logical thought process to come to that conclusion?

This should be an interesting path of assumptions...

[seemslikeadream]

27. but without the ability to work with congress,

As U.S. Steps Up Pressure on Iran, Aftereffects Worry Allies
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2956042

Iranians killed by U.S. troops in Iraq
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2955872

Iranian Revolutionary Guards To Be Labeled As Terrorists
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2954028&mesg_id=2954585

DK: "This is nothing more than an attempt to deceive Americans into yet another war
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1594106

Holy Cow! Dems strip language that would require congressional approval to strike Iran!!!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1596590

[cobalt1999]

29. Yes, we both agree the Bush administration sucks.

Link one - "the Bush administration's plans to unilaterally escalate pressure on Iran..."
Link two - "The U.S. Army statement..."
Link three - "The Bush administration is set to label Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization..."
Link four - "The belligerent Bush Administration is using this pending designation..."
Link five - "...particularly incoming Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi"

I suspected it would be an interesting thought process you had, but 4 actions by the Bush admin and one effort lead by Pelosi has lead you to the belief Hillary, Obama, Edwards wants to go to war with Iran. Wow, I'm speechless.


*edited to add all dem candidates*

[seemslikeadream]

30. she voted for war she votes for continued war

[seemslikeadream]

31. the Bush administration sucks

AND WHAT THE HELL IS CONGRESS DOING ABOUT IT?

[cobalt1999]

32. What is congress doing about it?

That's a different question. IMHO, not enough.

However, this started as why I don't support Kucinich. You seem to think anyone else will have us into a war with Iran. I still don't see your logic.

If you are supporting Kucinich because of his opposition to the war in Iraq, fine, that's fair, but to claim Hillary or Obama or Edwards is a path to war with Iran is pushing it. Supporting that assumption with links about the Bush administration, isn't making the case.

I don't support Kucinich but I've thought long and hard on who is my favorite, Gore, and my second favorite, Hillary.

[Hollow Shells]

34. All of the candidates believe

in Woo-Woo stuff, or at least claim to. If it is not bad for other candidates to believe in woo-woo stuff, then why is it bad for Kucinich to believe as well? Seems like people are just trying to invent non-issues to justify their following of their Personality Cults.

[penguin7]

35. A vote for Kucinich is a vote for HR 676,

so if you vote for Kucinich you will have universal not for profit health care. If you do not vote for him, you will not have it. It is that simple.

[polichick]

47. What "woo-woo" stuff??

Hopefully, you don't mean a Dept. of Peace and universal healthcare. Where's the woo-woo part?

[Hollow Shells]

72. Woo-Woo stuff

Kucinich has spiritual beliefs. People are saying that this is silly and therefor do not support him.

[polichick]

106. Any spiritual beliefs can be seen as "woo-woo" stuff...

...that didn't stop the right-wing faux Christians or Mitt Romney ~ it surely shouldn't stop Kucinich.

[stray cat]

28. I don't think he is realistic enough to be a good president

On Bill Mahers show he said he wouldn't go to war for any reason and would leave those decisions to the UN - I like the UN but think they are corrupted as much as anyone so I don't really want the UN governing us.

[DU GrovelBot]

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[penguin7]

37. I gave, I hope this gives Kucinich an extra vote or two.

[DemBones DemBones]

48. Do you support Kucinich, Grovelbot, or are you a corporatist lackey?

Tell the truth now.

[Exultant Democracy]

36. Pragmatism? Even if he could win we would "Get Cartered" once he was in the White House.

[Desertrose]

41. I wish I knew....

well actually...I have some ideas why....

DR

[robcon]

42. Bottom line: Kucinich is not all that smart.

I think the Dept of Peace is the single stupidest policy prescription I've ever heard of in politics, and I'm almost 60 years old.

I'll vote, as usual, for any Democrat - except Kucinich: if he's nominated, I won't vote.

[rjones2818]

46. Really?

I think the Dept of Peace is the single stupidest policy prescription I've ever heard of in politics, and I'm almost 60 years old.

Actually, it's the US Department of Peace and Nonviolence. And it will work both on both international and US issues. It's actually one of the better proposals I've heard from any of the candidates. Here's some info on it: http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/278/23/

Maybe you need to check the battery on your hearing aid!

:evilgrin:

[Ediacara]

108. So what about the Dept of Peace is outside the scope of the Dept of State?

Really.

[puebloknot]

62. My knee-jerk reaction when I first heard of Dennis' Department of Peace....

...was, "That's pretty naive." However, I've learned that inherent in the plans for such a department is trying to intervene in domestic violence, attempting to cut into poverty and what it leads to, as well as trying to use diplomacy over war as a first-blush response to problems.

I'm a WWII vet's daughter, and have many military members in my family. I support a strong military for DEFENSE purposes, but not for wars of aggression.

And...as far out as it seems...I do feel that we humans have to try to find a better way of living on this planet than immediately taking up arms, instead of talking to each other. Some of the greatest philosophical literature of all time embraces the "Love thy neighbor" ethic. None of it has ever been lived up to, but I support Kucinich for his idealism, along with his very practical real-world experience. He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and seems to want to address the issues of real people. Anyone who attains any high office is going to end up rubbing shoulders with the high and the mighty, the "Beautiful People," those with influence seeking to steer political affairs. Dennis seems more grounded than other candidates in the practical matters that must be addressed if we are to survive.

Just because Dennis always tries to turn the conversation away from war and toward peace does not indicate, to me, that he would refuse to protect the country if we *really* were attacked. The right wing has made full use of that theme -- George Bush is the man to *protect* the country against terrorists. He was, from the outset, a warmonger par excellence! We need to turn in another direction.

And, with respect, I'd have to challenge your stated intention of voting for "any Democrat" as not necessarily "all that smart." It's a conundrum and good Democrat (like myself) has to wrestle at this perilous time in our history.

[polichick]

43. k&r

:kick:

[ISUGRADIA]

45. He's not a serious candidate

He's running on his issues not to win. He has no Iowa HQ and has not been making any appearances there. Ditto most of the early states in the process. What is his strategy to win? Votes just don't pop up out of no where.

[DemBones DemBones]

49. Trolls, paid operatives, and others

who support corporatist candidates.

[mikelgb]

50. follow the money:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3452082

[HughMoran]

51. inevitability

He's great.

...snowballs chance in hell though...

[GeorgeGist]

52. Americans aren't ready to vote ....

for a true progressive. Perhaps a Great Depression will by prepare them ... again.

[bonito]

54. If the MSM had the interest of this countries population

The truth would get out there, and then again its the money factor hiding it.

[puebloknot]

55. It's a sad commentary on the "values" of this country, and even...

...the values of "Progressives" that the way Dennis looks, the misperceptions about his personal life, are more important than his very "spot on" message.

I support him. I've worked for him. Perhaps we should all be required to vote with blinders on, and listen to all media presentations for all the candidates with the voices disguised, and just pick a candidate on what he or she proposes to do for the country. I'm dreaming, of course.

In spite of the mistake he made about the war (at least he has apologized), I like Edwards, and can envision an Edwards/Kucinich team in some configuration.

My concern about Edwards is his stance on healthcare. He says, "Do you want the same people that handled New Orleans handling your healthcare?" I haven't thoroughly dissected his plan, but as I understand it, he still allows the insurance companies to have major sway.

As an army brat as a child, I recall going to military clinics and hositals, and it wasn't fancy. But there was some level of medical care without the worry of paying. Kucinich says we are already spending the money to institute a major single-payer healthcare-for-all program, by redirecting the funds and cutting out graft. I do wish Kucinich would stop referring to his plan as "Medicare for all" because I'm *very* concerned about the fate of Medicare in this country. I think that terminology may scare some people off.

I've met Dennis Kucinich and I find him very charming and intelligent. And he's a straight arrow, too. There is *no* feeling that he's on a 30-second delay so he can spin his responses. Neither Winston Churchill nor FDR (their pictures and movie appearances) do a lot for me. I wouldn't pick them out of a catalog based on personal appearance. But they got us through World War II.

I am giving heavy thought to leaving the country over just the issue of healthcare. I do have health insurance at the moment, but I live in constant stress over the month when I can't make the premiun payment, they cancel me (with glee), and then I can't get another insurance plan, or go back to the old one, because I have established PRE-EXISTING CONDITIIONS on my record. America, America, this is the shell game of all time. Why are we not in the streets over this very issue? We're conditioned to feel that our medical problems are a drag on the upstanding inurance companies that make this country what it is (well....), rather than understanding that it is our right as human beings and citizens of the United States to get help when we are ill, or in an accident. We have to be the most gullible collection of citizens ever cobbled together that we've let this go on for this long. None of our Congressional representatives have to worry like this. (Of course, they aren't exactly stepping up to the plate to take care of their own children and grandchildren!)

Of course, there are other major issues, and they'll all roll together to give us a country we don't want to leave, but fear to live in. A part of me says I should not leave, but stay and fight. I don't want to leave. But I have certain personal issues which compel me to think about how my staying here will affect not only me, but my daughter, as well.

And then, there is the matter of the North American Union. I agree with an article about that which says that those fleeing the U.S. might be like the German Jews who "escaped" to Amsterdam, only to have Hitler follow in hot pursuit.

Pardon the stream-of-consciousness musing I've veered into here. The healtcare issue is the one that is causing the most immediate trauma to all of us, but it's the foot in the door to other tyrannies.

In short, :) Dennis Kucinich is the man with a plan to cover all the bases. For those who say they would hold their noses and vote for the Dem, no matter how displeasing, I'd like to suggest putting aside potshots at how Dennis Kucinich looks (and wondering *how* he managed to attract that red-headed babe he's married to), and vote for his platform -- not his personal attributes. We've put up with seven years of having to look at George Bush. Dennis Kucinich is a lot "taller" than George Bush by a mile.

Let me also say that my support in this message for Kucinich and/or Edwards is not a "bashing" of Hillary or Obama. I listen, and I give them both credit on certain issues. I just feel that there are serious deficiencies in both their messages. Anyone who takes on a campaign for the presidency is giving a lot of energy to the country, and contributing to the dialogue!

[bonito]

60. This should be an op in it's self imo

I hope you consider it.:thumbsup:

[puebloknot]

75. Thanks! I'll do it...manana! :) nt

[NewHampster]

58. Dennis who?

Dennis the menace. I love him but be real. He has less than zero chance.

[bonito]

64. Can I post on a hillary thread

That her campaign is bought and paid for by interest other than this countries population.
Have facts will travel.

[NewHampster]

66. This is America

Post anywhere you like.

[puebloknot]

76. Ever heard the story of David and Goliath? :) nt

[Jed Dilligan]

59. If I were an idealist, I wouldn't support this party at all nt

[Oldenuff]

65. Part of the problem

may be that the "party" doesn't really embrace real change.Instead they would prefer to plod along,while the puppeteers pull the strings. (corp america).The last thing that the people who really run things want,is someone who will actually accomplish positive change.

It may also be that some of people on these boards want to win the next election so badly,that they are willing to accept an inferior candidate in order to win.

I don't want to appear mean,but hell...when do we wake up and demand candidates who actually will deliver on issues instead of caving at the sound of a feather hitting the floor?

[Usrename]

67. Actually, DK is the most popular candidate at DU.

Every poll that I can remember seeing here put him way in front of the others. The last one that I can remember, he had like a two- or three-to-one advantage over the next candidate. He's popular here.

[illinoisprogressive]

69. many candidates to chose from. He has interesting ideas.

[OnionPatch]

70. I have to agree with those who say

He can't be elected president. The fact is that we need votes from the middle to win. In order to get more middle voters on our side, we have to change public opinion and educate the voters. They have been so brainwashed that this is going to take time. I feel that until then, someone like Dennis cannot win because he is seen as too left to most Independents. For example, his proposal to outlaw handguns is political suicide. I like Dennis but even I disagree with that one. I'm a pragmatist and our country is in deep, deep trouble. I'm not going to follow my dream politician to doomsday. Vote your heart if you want to. I'm going to vote for the one I like the most who has a chance of winning. Meanwhile, I'll keep working to educate the voters and move public opinion to the left.

[killbotfactory]

71. If you support Kucinich you won't get non-profit healthcare

Kucinich alone will not be able to provide that to us, even if he beats the odds and is elected President. I don't think the US will never get non-profit healthcare, not with the way our government currently works.

[puebloknot]

77. I share your concerns on that one. Take the profit out...

...and a scream of *socialized* medicine goes up. Too many crazies would rather die in a for profit system that gives them *no* help than entertain the idea of a system that helps everybody.

I wonder what that man who threw his sick wife off the balcony because he couldn't pay her medical bills would have to say. Under a sane system, he and she could have had psychological counseling, humane treatment for physical ills, and intervention into their loneliness and desperation.

Someone should do a television series based on the Good Samaritan story, to remind the country of their good Christian values! :sarcasm:

[More Than A Feeling]

74. He hasn't been elected statewide.

If he had tried for the governor's mansion or the senate in Ohio in 2006, or had gone after Voinovich last time he was up, and won, that would have shown he was serious about doing the groundwork necessary to become president. Since he didn't do that, he's just one of 435 congresspersons, and you don't see 433 of them running for president too. The fact of the matter is that being in the House does not qualify one enough to be president. You have to be able to represent an area larger than a congressional district.

[losthills]

79. The real issue is leadership

Dennis is a great guy, but he is not a serious candidate for the presidency of the united states. He cannot and will not do the things that are necesary to mount a serious campaign. He has not built an organization, signed up supporters and raised money. Because he has not done those things, he is not going to get elected to the presidency, no matter how great a guy he is. He is just not a serious candidate, and it's a waste of time even worrying about him.

Because he has already failed the test of leadership...

[Douglas Carpenter]

80. IF anywhere near half the people who agree with Kucinich on the issues sent him a donation he

-- he would become a major top-tier contender very, very fast

Some are supporting Congressman Kucinich because they strongly believe he can win. Others are supporting him because they support his agenda (or at least most of it) and want those issues brought to the center of public debate.

Mr. Kucinich does not have the funding of the top-tier candidates. Corporate lobbyist seeking government favoritism for their special interest won’t be writing their $2300 checks paying for access like they do for other candidates. But small donations DO add up very, very fast. That's how the Dean campaign became a significant force in 2004.

So whether or not you are convinced that Congressman Kucinich could possibly win...if you want the issues only Dennis Kucinich raises brought to the public square, if you believe his message of Strength through Peace is important, that the whole question of corporate control of government is important, that single-payer universal health care is important, if you believe American needs fundamental changes; his campaign needs a lot more money then it has in its coffers now.

IF anywhere near half the people who agree with Congressman Dennis Kucinich on the issues sent him a donation -- he would be a major top-tier contender very, very fast:

Donating through DU/ACT Blue is very fast. It's very easy. Do it now! I did...

link:

http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/12518

---------



Congressman Dennis Kucinich on the issues:

http://www2.kucinich.us/issues

[K8-EEE]

81. "I owe my soul to the company store"

I don't dislike DK but sometimes his behavior is so cringe-inducing. I've never, ever said one negative word about him but since you ASKED I assume you want to know; I simply think he's missing the more superficial aspects he needs to win people over, what I mean is, the dork factor will do him in; he's correct many times but just not persuasive. It's no good if you can't sell it.

It sucks but it's true.

[Recursion]

82. Speaking for myself, I find him irritating

Kind of preachy, uncharismatic, and doctrinaire. It's like he's the guy that all the false complaints about Gore in 2000 were actually about.

Plus I absolutely 100% disagree with his platform of banning civilian ownership of handguns.

[the other one]

84. I thought he was great in Lord of the Rings

Seriously, Kucinich is just plain unimpressive.

I was a Kucinich guy early in the 04 cycle. UNTIL I saw him on the Daily Show. DK was stunningly unimpressive that night. The only issue he seemed to have at the time was Iraq, and his position seemed to be that he could conduct the war better than Bush. I went into the interview excited, and came out the other side in search of a new candidate.

Face it, if a Dem. candidate can't win over the Daily Show crowd, then he has zero chance of winning anything else (except for perhaps a liberal gimme district in his home state).

And let me be completely shallow, but the real reason DK can't win is because to most people he resembles a hobbit. Maybe he should run for ringbearer. Instead of sending him to DC, we should send him to Mordor, for only Kuci Baggins can defeat the Dark Lord! oo oo ah ah oo oo aaahhh...

[Breeze54]

92. Agreed, You are shallow.

Never judge a book by it's cover.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

85. Here here!

k&r

[CTLawGuy]

88. He hasn't proven to me he's a serious candidate

He had no substantial field organization in NH or anywhere else, last time around, and I expect he doesn't this time around;
he hasn't raised much money--we know that you don't need to sell out to raise lots of money, ask Howard Dean and Barack Obama.

I don't know what a "department of peace" is or what it would do.

He just seems to be in there to get his issues out, which is fine, but it's not going to get him tons of support.

[nealmhughes]

89. Why is DK's support more vocal? Because it is unsubsidized. By having to actually perform work or

funding for a candidate, one is forced to get their hands proverbially or perhaps even literally dirty. A subsidized candidate allows one to scream from the mountain tops on the glories of the sudsidizeds' strengths while not having to do more than exercise one's wrists and fingers.

Not fully supporting a candidate in every form is "political masturbation," the same result, but not quite the same intensity of the real deal.

By adopting a candidate hook line and sinker, we are absolved from having to think, to campaign or even do more than post an occasional piece on the invincibility of ________________ (insert name of subsidized candidate here) or perhaps stick a sticker on one's Volvo.

By having one's thinking done for one, and even one's actions done for one, one is assured of nothing of substance happening at the end point. While others play the funding game, others do not play, rather they act.

I, personally, am rather tired of having to have apologetics issued by and for candidates in order to clarify or rectify things they have said or done.

Some play as amateurs and others are dead serious about politics. It is one's choice. I prefer to be very serious, myself, but respect those who wish to be told by the media or a campaign on how they are supposed to think, even though it is skin off my nose in the end.

[tomp]

91. i am a staunch kucinich supporter but...

... your contention that this is a one issue election is patently absurd.

i'll go out on a limb here and say that IF this were a one issue election the one issue would be undoing the damage of bush, inc. and prosecuting them for their crimes.

[porkrind]

95. Simple. Kucinich isn't an "establishment" candidate

The "establishment" (the community of ultra-wealthy individuals and powerful corporations that *really* run the USA) has a pro-business agenda. Politicians are middle-management to the establishment. Aspiring politicians must show they support the establishment's goals if their career is going to go anywhere. Usually this is done by membership in the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Trilateral Commission, etc. For example, Hillary, Obama, and Edwards are CFR members, while Kucinich is not. Similarly, on the right, Ron Paul is not a CFR member, so he will always be marginalized.

Personally, I think Kucinich is the only candidate who makes sense, and who has proven that he supports the people more than the establishment. For this reason, the establishment media will kill his campaign in the same way they killed Howard Dean's campaign. They will tell us over and over again that he isn't "Presidential" material, and even people here at DU will parrot it and believe it.

[CreekDog]

96. Judge candidates on the 3 following things ONLY

1) Their positions
2) The liklihood that their positions are genuine
3) Their ability/the potential for their positions to be implemented

And I think these should be the maxims that the media uses to cover candidates.

Thus, while DK is fine on items 1 and 2, 3 is so doubtful for most things, that makes me want another candidate, whom if they actually believe in the positions they take, would have a better chance of getting them done (that means getting elected and getting things accomplished once elected).

[tomp]

98. why would i care if a candidate can implement ...

...his/her plans if i don't like the plans? ability to implement is only a plus if you like the plan.

[CreekDog]

97. Kucinich is pragmatic and superficial after all

That's why he changed his position on abortion to pro-choice after all those years.

[saracat]

101. Because in order to win you have to be persuasive and make a good impression.

And you have to prove you can raise money.I like Dennis and agree with most of his stances but he is not a prepossessing candidate and he lacks the ability to raise money.He can't even get it from the grassroots. He needs to at least make a respectable showing and so far, he hasn't.I assume, like myself, many on DU don't have money to burn, and we are giving our money and support where we think we have a winner!

[cleveramerican]

104. when he veers into starshine and moonbeam talk.....

he loses ten times more than he gains.

He should get himself a experienced staff of professionals and get rid of the folks advising him now.

[Vidar]

105. Kucinich leads in most of the polls on DU, but the voices for the

corporate candiates are loud & shrill.

[Ediacara]

107. He's right on most of the issues, but he's a bad legislator, bad leader, and just a little nuts

[Desertrose]

110. WTF?

"He's a bad legislator, bad leader, and just a little nuts"


I repeat WTF?

DR

[FlaxieB]

109. Isn't that a silly question. HE HAS NO CHANCE! PEROT LITE.

[Desertrose]

111. I repeat yet again...WTF?

Perot lite??

:crazy:

DR

[FlaxieB]

112. Yes, Perot lite. At least Ross Perot registered some excitement. Unlike this midget.

[Desertrose]

113. Wow FlaxieB...nice.

Welcome to DU.

Can't really say I am looking forward to more of your insults.
:popcorn:

Good luck.

DR

[FlaxieB]

114. I am not insulting him,

i am just being honest. Kucinich is no different than hundreds of politicians who have run for Prez in the past. He is a third tier candidate and he always will be. Yes he may say the right things quoting the Constitution and sayings of past leaders to get his point across but he does not have the appeal to the american public as a solid leader and someone who can influence the world. That's his problem. Candidates like Kucinich, Gavel and others will always remain in this zone. People have to see you as a leader with courage, conviction and a vision, not a sound bite machine. The masses have to believe in you and have faith. When he and others like him bow out of this campaign, his media time will disappear and you will not see/hear from him unless he runs again in 4 years. You know that is true. Just like Ross Perot, their platforms brings attention to themselves, strokes their egos (and they relish in that) but that's it, just self gratifying attention and hopefully more visibility for future speaking engagements for the few hundreds who will listen to them for a "feel good" moment when things are bad. They are like grandparents, people you go to when your parents won't allow you to do want you want so they provide comfort. That's it, so I'm just being realistic and honest about it and you should be too.

Good Luck to you too.:applause: