My work with the Kucinich campaign is concluded

[WilliamPitt]

For Immediate Release: February 18, 2004

Kucinich Campaign Thanks William Rivers Pitt

The Dennis Kucinich for President campaign extends its thanks to William Rivers Pitt for his work with the campaign in the last several weeks. Mr. Pitt will be returning to his duties at truthout.org after joining the campaign temporarily to assist in preparing the media staff for the push towards the Super Tuesday primaries.

"It was a whirlwind tour," said Mr. Pitt, "and one I am grateful for having been a part of. I knew coming in that I would only be with the campaign for a short while, but now that my work for Congressman Kucinich is over, I'm going to miss being a part of all this. You can't imagine what a privilege it was to assist with this movement. You can't imagine what a privilege it was to work with the extraordinary people who make up this campaign."

"Will Pitt is a professional of the highest caliber," said Congressman Kucinich. "His time on my campaign helped prepare our team for the work ahead. Now he’ll return to his post at truthout.org, where he’ll continue to help all of us in the progressive movement by speaking out about issues of critical importance such as the madness of the illegal Iraqi war and the deepening crisis we face due to jobs being shipped overseas and a lack of health care for so many Americans."

Mr. Pitt, who took a leave of absence from truthout.org to assist with the campaign, will be returning to his duties as Managing Editor and Lead writer for that publication. As a result of his work with the campaign, press duties will now be divided between Matt Harris and Terre Lundy.

"These people are pros," said Pitt. "This campaign is in great shape for the upcoming primaries. I wish everyone involved all the luck in the world, and I am thankful for having been given the opportunity to do a small part to bring Congressman Kucinich's message to the American people."

[IrateCitizen]

1. Thank you so much, Will, for your part in making a difference

Your service is incredibly appreciated.

:thumbsup:

[hippiechick]

2. Bravo, Bro !

:yourock:


:hippie:

[Desertrose]

3. thanks for ALL your hard work Will

and for putting so much of your heart & soul into Dennis' campaign...
best wishes back at Truthout Will!

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

Peace & hope
DR

[Redneck Socialist]

4. Congratulations Will

Hope you had fun. Campaign work is exhausting but very rewarding. The world of politics looks very different from the inside doesn't it? Very addicting too. I predict that you will be back in the game sooner or later.

[JCMach1]

5. He isn't dropping out I hope....

:(

[WilliamPitt]

7. No chance

My work was temporary, in that I was going to be on board for as long as it took to do what they wanted me to do. It took a lot less time than expected, which is a credit to the media crew. But Dennis ain't going nowhere.

[AP]

11. "Dennis ain't going nowhere"???

[WilliamPitt]

16. You know what I mean

He isn't leaving the race.

[arcane1]

37. that's because he KICKS TOTAL ASS!!!

:yourock:


this had to be a very enlightening and rewarding experience, not to mention good resume material :D

kudos, Will! :toast:

[bobthedrummer]

6. Thanks so much for helping in Wisconsin!

:hi:

[MuseRider]

8. Thank you Will

for all your hard work.

[benburch]

9. Thank you so much!

Your service to the cause is greatly appreciated!

I hope we get to meet again in DC, Will, this time for the inauguration of a Democratic President!

-Ben Burch
White Rose Society Webmaster
http://www.WhiteRoseSociety.org/

[jmatthan]

10. My kudos to you Will

I only hope those who follow you will be able to take the tremendous opportunity that now lies ahead and capture the entire spectrum of people who stood solidly against the Iraq War.

The world pf peacelovers is behind Dennis Kucinich and I am sure all of us are truly grateful for the tremendous effort put in by you on his behalf.

Jacob Matthan
Oulu, Finland

[Khephra]

12. Those are some excellent plugs for Truthout

:-)

[VelmaD]

13. Well done

The hard work you put into the campaign hasn't gone unappreciated. :hug:

[eileen_d]

14. Think Drudge will pick this up?

;) Just teasing. Sounds like you did some great work.

[hlthe2b]

15. Good for you, Will, but a question

Now that your official duties to the DK campaign are over, do you still have "split loyalties?" Do you now have the "freedom" to pledge your loyalties to a specific candidate (which, I assume is Kerry, while I'm sure you retain major respect for DK)? I'm just curious how this works, since most of us have never worked in high profile campaigns and are curious about the professional/ethical balance where one might develop "split loyalties."

Would you now consider work for the Kerry campaign, if asked?

Congrats on your recent "tour of duty," Will. I'm sure it was a great experience and beneficial to the DK campaign as well.

[WilliamPitt]

20. I've never hidden my respect for Kerry

nor will I back away from my support for Kucinich. Frankly, I pledge my support to both, and to whomever comes out as the nominee. I have always been ABB, always will be ABB. I see no inconsistency in this.

As for working for the Kerry campaign, the answer is an unqualified no. I am excited to get back to truthout. I've done my work in the process, and now I'm back to observing and analyzing the process...and putting the fine point of my pen squarely between Bush's eyes.

[MuseRider]

29. That is a fine place

for the fine point of your pen Will Pitt. Thank you.

[diamondsoul]

34. Thank you, Will.

I so hoped you might stay on a while longer, but I'm grateful for all your help. You're a wonderful human being with your head and heart in the right places.

:pals: :loveya:

[The Magistrate]

17. Well Done, Mr. Pitt!

May the road rise to meet you, Sir!

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[meegbear]

18. Welcome back Will

Are you planning on writing a book on your experiences during the campaign?

[Raven]

19. I'm glad you're back in the land of the sane, now

I have a little list of chores for you to do....:-)

[VelmaD]

21. *snort*

Back in the land of the sane? As if. Hee.

[diamondsoul]

36. Mom or no, that's COOOOLD, Raven!

Ya big meanie!:P

[Rainbowreflect]

22. Thanks Will.

[madmax]

23. You're a good man, Will Pitt

:hi:

[rhite5]

24. Thank you, Will.

I am glad you had an opportunity to work with Dennis. He is an extraordinary man. I hope the groundwork you did for him in the Super Tuesday states pays off!

[NashVegas]

25. I'm Shocked! Shocked, I Tell You!

Really.

[VOX]

26. Thanks, Will, for your service in backing this fine man...

DK represents the best of the Democratic Party's ideals, and he has helped to frame the dialogue and debate over the last year.

We have not seen the last of Congressman Kucinich.

Best to you -- :toast:

[Tinoire]

27. Thank you Will for your fine work!

And a big :hug: to you!

[PDittie]

28. You da man

Looking forward to your usual rapier-like GOP skewering over at to

[Lydia Leftcoast]

30. Thanks, Will

I suppose this means you WON'T be in Minnesota on Saturday? Too bad. There are lots of active DUers here.

Anyway, as they say in Japan when someone has completed a job:"Gokurôsama deshita," or "It was your honorable hard work."

[Adelante]

31. Nice job, Will

In every respect. :thumbsup:

[WarNoMore]

32. Thank you ever so much, Will.

Would give anything to have been in your shoes with the campaign.

[HFishbine]

33. Did I miss something?

Was the assignment initially described as to "temporarily to assist in preparing the media staff for the push towards the Super Tuesday primaries," or is this a new rationale?

[WilliamPitt]

35. That was the assumption from the get-go

but wasn't discussed publicly. The reason for that is pretty simple: We thought the work would take more time than it actually did, and we didn't want there to be a sense of flux that wasn't actually there.

It may seem sudden, but it isn't. The difference between the public face of a campaign and the backstage stuff is the difference between night and day. This is true of any campaign.

[_Wayne_]

38. Cool

The web just isn't the same without weekly articles from William Pitt (best dam political editorialist around)

[WilliamPitt]

39. Kick

[liberalnurse]

40. Did Will get the" ax "??????

Oh my stars......My heart goes out to ya Will. You can do better.... You have posted some insightful articles.

[WilliamPitt]

41. No ax

:)

[corporatewhore]

42. Thank will for the good work

:yourock:

[Paulie]

43. I don't know if you had any input on the website

but there are now daily updates, fresh stories every day, video to download. I don't feel the need to send people to the issues pages to skip the weak front page. I'm now checking it daily to make sure I don't miss anything! :D

Thanks Will, for whatever you did! :D Glad you're returning to your old job, Raven won't have to worry. ;) :hug:

[Paragon]

44. Now Dennis can ask you out on a date

...without fearing sexual harassment litigation. :silly:

[DemBones DemBones]

50. What makes you think Dennis wants to

ask Will out on a date? Is there evidence that either of them has ever dated other men? Or are you just doing a Drudge here?

[Paragon]

61. It's called a joke

Sense of humor -- look into it.

[Mairead]

45. Will, why doesn't that sound authentic or wholesome to me?

You never mentioned that you were only going to be in it for a couple weeks, so what's the deal? Perhaps that's merely my paranoia doing pushups, but it doesn't sound good to me.

[WilliamPitt]

46. Your paranoia is doing pushups

:)

The temporary nature of the gig was known between myself and the campaign from the word go, but wasn't discussed publicly. The reason for that is pretty simple: We thought the work would take more time than it actually did, and we didn't want there to be a sense of flux that wasn't actually there.

It may seem sudden, but it isn't. The difference between the public face of a campaign and the backstage stuff is the difference between night and day. This is true of any campaign.

[King Coal]

47. Congrats to Mr. Pitt

Now, he can go back to having the salt picked off his pretzels and getting his socks purchased for him.:toast:

[Mairead]

65. Well, okay, if you say it then I suppose I have to believe it, but

it still doesn't make any damn sense to me. I mean, he doesn't need you to go all-stops-out for the remaining primaries? He's not going to need you in the runup to November if we get him the nom?

Any road, best thanks for your efforts!

[Tinoire]

77. He did to me when I PMd to congratulate him.

said it would be a short sabbatical from truthout to get a, b, c, & d done. He did them well but damn Will! I was astonished at how quickly you got it done. You must do that stuff in your sleep! Either that or Raven helps you lol.

[MaineDem]

48. Well done, Will

What a great - but short - ride. An opportunity one doesn't get every day.

You've done great work and I know TO and its readers are glad to have you back.

[atre]

49. Will

I wish you would have done more to promote him... rather than promoting Kerry.

[WilliamPitt]

53. Yeah, I'm so fucking ashamed.

It was a shame that all I did was this:

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_021004.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020904b.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020904.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020804a.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020804.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020704b.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020704a.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020704.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020604a.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020604.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020404b.php

http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_020404a.php

...and this...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=287270

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=354611

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=337064

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=328636

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=322526

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=309312

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=320452

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=301094

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=304250

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=304245

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=295480

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=290941

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=287446

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=287440

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=280241

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=287043

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=258011

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=235402

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=238362

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=174288

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=141815

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=136472

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=136784

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=118156

...plus giving 23 hours a day to the campaign while on board to do 5,000 things you'll never hear about because you're on the outside looking in.

Fucking shame on me. :eyes:

[WilliamPitt]

59. Oh, almost forgot

http://kucinich.us/DennisKucinichWasRight.pdf

[VolcanoJen]

82. Thanks for the links, Will!

I enjoyed reading through your work for Dennis again.

:-)

Thank you one more time, from the bottom of my heart, for your service to Rep. Kucinich. It may have been a short ride, but it was really exciting having a DUer on the "inside" to us sideline-watchers.

:D

[Desertrose]

54. huh?

:wtf:
what are you talking about?

Will was totally fantastic in everything he did for DK!! He worked his sweet little ass off for Dennis...and was appreciated by all!
sheesh :eyes: get with the program,dude.


DR

[asthmaticeog]

51. Thanks, Will

Thanks for working so hard for my Cleveland homeboy!

[revcarol]

52. Thank you for your service to the nation and the world!!

You brought out the best in us by bringing a great candidate to the fore.

NOW GET BACK TO WORK!!

[Forkboy]

55. Thank you Will

This DK fan really appreciates your efforts :toast:

[dpbrown]

56. Thanks, Will

I've appreciated the work you've done for Dennis.

Dan Brown
Saint Paul, Minnesota

[Name removed]

57. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rucky]

58. Well Done, Will

even all the things I have no idea that you did...

[tmwat]

60. Thanks Will. Too bad though...

...was hoping you were on the campaign for the long haul.

So, who's the next Press Secty??

[blondeatlast]

62. Thanks for your efforts, Will. I'm still holding out for DK!

Let's get him a spot at the convention!

[Name removed]

63. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[no name no slogan]

64. Thanks Will!

I'm sorry to hear you're leaving the campaign-- I'm kind of close to signing on to help with the website. I was hoping we'd get to work together, but it was not meant to be.

You've done a fine job, Will. I'm VERY glad for the work you've done for DK.

In the words of The Magistrate, "LET'S GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

:toast:

[Robb]

66. One more victim of the jobless recovery...

:D

[Cheesehead]

67. Thanks for all of your effort, man

Anybody who has ever met D.K. knows that all he needs is a fair shake from the media in getting his message out to the mass audience. He is so good and right and righteous I have to hope that his best and most effective days as a legislator are still ahead. We know that we can count on him (and you, too) to cover our backs when we need it. Please keep fighting the good fight.

[Zomby Woof]

68. Thanks Will!!!!

What a fantastic experience. I definitely owe you a shot of your favorite scotch. :toast:


Go DeeKay!


On edit: Ought to make that a bottle. :-)

[Desertrose]

70. Hey Zombyson- we should have a DU-AZ gathering

wouldn't that be cool? and Will could come.....

lots of evil DUers in Zona!
:evilgrin:


:hug:
Dmomma

[Zomby Woof]

79. I keep hoping so!

We're about evenly divided between northern and southern AZ. Shall we flip a coin? :evilgrin:

:hug:

[no name no slogan]

80. If you do one in late March (around the 20th)

let me know! I may be down in the area visiting my dad for his 61st birthday party. I'm unemployed for now, but if I'm working by then I may be making the trip.

ANY excuse to get out of Minnesota in a winter works!
:D

[goodhue]

69. Thanks for your work! And a question . . .

It strikes me that the next thirteen days are the most important yet, so I hope your departure leaves the campaign press relations in good shape. By the way, I'd be most curious on your take on Sunday's debate and the issue of potential exclusion of Kucinich. Is exclusion likely and how might it play out? Thanks again.

[WilliamPitt]

73. They are in fine shape for the next 13 days

which was basically the purpose for my joining up. As for the debate, that was still in the wind when I left. Check and see who is sponsoring it; they should have a list of criteria.

[goodhue]

83. debate is sponsored by LWVUS

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS), a nonpartisan political organization, has announced their sponsorship of a televised live debate among the leading Democratic candidates for President of the United States, on Sunday, February 22, 2004, in Los Angeles.

* * *

All major Democratic candidates will be invited to participate, subject to their meeting criteria established by the LWVUS. This is the first Presidential primary debate the League of Women Voters of the United States has sponsored since 1992.

http://interactive.lwv.org/News/News.cfm?ID=912&c=1

Indeed as you point out their criteria would seem to control. Rumor is that they are using 10% cutoff and DK's showing in WI falls below. If they exclude, then presumable DK press relations would make an issue of it. Might this issue play to DK's advantage in CA?

[WilliamPitt]

84. DK got 15% in Maine

so that takes care of that. My favorite criteria is the 3% in a national poll one. Pardon my arse, but isn't that within the margin of error?

If The League bars Dennis, all hell is going to break loose in California. Bank it.

[G_j]

71. one more big thank you! n/t

[SinkingInTheRain]

72. Thanks Will. I hope you stay on and don't help the Kerry/Bush regime

We need Kucinich and Dean to join up and get the progressives fired up to defeat Kerry/Bush.

[WilliamPitt]

74. I've never heard of the Kerry/Bush regime

:eyes:

[SinkingInTheRain]

81. Ignorance is bliss I guess.

The Kerry/Bush regime are one and the same. Sure there are minor differences between them but both will rule the same. We need change in AMerica an Kerry does not offer much more than Bush.

Dean and Kucinich are where we need to focus our efforts. We have until November to do it so let's get on it!

[VolcanoJen]

75. Thank you, Will!

:D

[buddhamama]

76. Thank You, Mr.Pitt for making a difference

in this campaign and in our fragile Nation.

Truth to Power-- continue to speak it. :toast:

[DemExpat]

78. Great job, Will!

Keep up the good work for us all.

:kick:
DemEx

[edzontar]

85. My kudos to whoever was responisble for this excellent decision

I too have been troubled by my perception of split-loyalties in this case, and would now feel much more comfortable supporting Dennis Kucinich when it comes time to vote in my local primary.

[RogueTrooper]

86. Good Work Fella

but it will good to have you back knocking out copy for truthout. Your most recent article was fantastic.