I'm really re-thinking Kucinich

[Tab]

Ultimately, I suspect Hillary has the momentum to go to the top, and none of the others do, but I have to say that I have changed from originally dismissing Kucinich as a sideline candidate to being really impressed that he has the cojones to do or say what no one else will.

I understand that one of the benefits of being a second-tier candidate is that you can say what you really want to say, understanding that you wouldn't get elected anyway, and so we need those, but all down the line Dennis has gone in the direction I think we should all go. Ultimately electable? I don't know, but I'm thinking I'd give him a shot in the primaries. My only concern is that he doesn't have the political machine he'll need to fight off the wolves once he gets to be the candidate.

[unpossibles]

1. I think one of his largest hurdles will be the gun thing

well, besides the ridicule the media treats him to, obviously. It's sad that someone who actually says what he means and stands for what he believes is considered a non-contender in this country.

[LoZoccolo]

15. Especially when he himself carried a gun when he was mayor of Cleveland. n/t

[FreeState]

19. Under direction of the police department because the Mafia had a hit out against him N/T

[riqster]

25. And a bulletproof vest, again at the direction of the Police

LoZ is big on facts when it comes to MOR dems, but not in terms of Leftish ones.

[2rth2pwr]

29. But, it goes against everything he promotes

[LakeSamish706]

2. The one thing I believe that Dennis will bring above all else is hold this ...

Administration's feet to the fire... If indeed we do get to both the primaries and finally the GE Kucinich is the guy that would see charges brought and not just let these crooks skate, on there many corruptions.

[gateley]

3. I think Dennis would say what he really believes regardless of what tier he's

inhabiting. I YEARN for a President to tell it like it is and Dennis would do that, as well as get in the face of anyone who plays games.

This is one of the tragedys of the current campaign system. Those with the money are those we see -- we don't get a chance to hear or be exposed to other candidates with whom we might align more closely, and who might be just who we need to help our country now.

If he did become the candidate, I'd think he'd get financial backing to enable him to get the "political machine" up and running.

[Stop Cornyn]

4. K & R

[John Q. Citizen]

5. When you look at Kucinich's record, he has been elected to public office

more times than Hillary, Obama, and Edwards combined

So he must be doing something right.

Bt the way, he also has gotton more of his bills voted out of committe in Congress than Pelosi. If you compare his record from 1997 when Dennis entered the House until present and Pelosi from 1997 (she was a 5 term congress woman in 1997) until present, Dennis has gotten 9 bills voted out of committe to Pelosi's 7.

That's a pretty good record, especially when you remember that Pelosi was minority leader for a couple of years and Speaker for the last eleven months.

Kucinich is an extremely capable candidate and very good at getting things done.

[LoZoccolo]

6. "he has the cojones to do or say what no one else will"

I would argue with this: he knows that he will never have to follow through because he doesn't have the support. In that position, you can say you will do all sorts of things without consequence.

[Chulanowa]

10. So give him support and make him follow through. Duh. (NT)

[hootinholler]

12. Bullshit

Dennis is as Dennis says. He would do as he says, and that scares the right and corporate merka.

-Hoot

[LoZoccolo]

14. He would do as he says.

Easy to say when you're never going to have to do it.

[riqster]

27. Dennis did it when his life was on the line

...literally. He cut off Mafia contracts in Cleveland, and had another 'contract' on his life.

I'd say he walks his talk.

[lazyriver]

22. He's gonna try to impeach Cheney today. Seems to me like

he's already following through with or without his party's support. Consequences for challenging the Dark One could be severe especially when so few of his Democratic colleagues have his back. I respect the hell out of him for that.

[unpossibles]

24. wow. It would seem we're never satisfied with our politicians

Kucinich gets blasted for doing the things that no one else would do - for doing things we'd like to see more in our party do - and what's his reward? Ridicule, the very thing which might give him more support, and which might drive more in the party to have convictions (and not the GOP kind of convictions).

[govegan]

28. juvenile logic at its very best

With that argument, it would follow that anyone who ever espouses a minority position must in fact be engaging in fraud and deception.

Only those in power could ever be proclaiming a valid argument . . . ah, the essence of fascism, the essence of the patronizing elite.

What you are really saying, it would appear, only the mega-wealthy ever state their true principles, especially in the neo-fascist states of america.

How much of the Brooklyn Bridge do you own now?

[FSogol]

7. Dennis is running to push the party further left. n/t

[soothsayer]

8. then bless him!

[Double T]

9. Dennis Kucinich is the best person for the Presidential job,..........

specially at this time in our country. If YOU truly want change, you've got to go with Kucinich.

[peace13]

11. Take a good long look.

And when you are satisfied, as you ultimately will be....Vote Kucinich for President!

[eridani]

13. Well, keep asking for a pony--

--even if you'll eventually accept a kitten. If you put an ad in the paper to sell your used car, and you would like to get $5000 but would settle for $3000, you sure the hell don't lead with the lower number. Supporting Kucinich pushes all the candidates in his direction.

[truedelphi]

20. I like your attitude.

And all my life I have wanted a pony.

They kept giving me shovels at Xmas as a child :-)

[Naturyl]

32. Absolutely right.

I'd love for Kucinich to get the nomination and win, but that isn't the only purpose of supporting him. An equally important purpose is to move the whole debate in his direction.

[bigwillq]

16. Vote for Dennis!

That's what I am planning on doing! :bounce:

[Cha]

17. The thing is..I think

Dennis Kucinich would be acting like he does no matter what tier he's achieved.

[ileus]

18. Hillary has it wrapped up....everyone should step down now.

[eridani]

21. Fuck money-driven coronations

Kucinich will be in it until the end, for those who want to protest that situation.

[polichick]

23. They should step down before a single vote is cast??

Hopefully, you're kidding.

[LWolf]

26. The real difference with DK

is that I don't believe it's his "2nd tier" status that allows him to say what he wants to say. I believe that he talks, and walks, the same regardless of his place on the status scale.

I believe that's REAL leadership.

Ultimately electable? That's entirely up to the electorate. If they cling to established power structures, even knowing that they are corrupt and not likely to accomplish much, then DK won't be elected. If the electorate has the courage to stand for the issues they say are important, to do as citizens what they have called on Congress to do for them, then he is highly electable.

I have that courage, and Dennis Kucinich earns my vote, regardless of how many stand with me.

[lame54]

30. Dennis is for IMPEACHMENT - Go Dennis...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qGwvSwOP7Ow

[dfgrbac]

31. Your concern (and everyone's) should be ...

Who is going to (really) turn our country around from this imperial conquest agenda? Which candidates even publicly admit the problem?

The only one I know of is Mike Gravel. Kucinich is a close second, and maybe Ron Paul on the Republican side.

Either we change direction drastically, or sink.