On seeing Kucinich in NC Today:

[G_j]

First of all, we've had about three days of chilly rainy weather.
At about 10:30 or so when Dennis started speaking the sun had finally come out and it's been a beautiful day. Instead of stepping up onto the stage, he walked out front and stood in the sunlight and said "there is something about stepping into the light". Of course he was off to a good start.

I won't try to quote him or go over all the details of his speech, but the quality of his ideas and presentation stood out for me. I've seen him on TV and heard him interviewed on Democracy Now, but observing his interaction with his audience close hand was very inspiring. He's a 'heart' person and people respond in that way.
I'm guessing there was about a thousand people there and he connected very well with them. Friends there commented that he was saying exactly what they think and feel about this country and what it needs. His passionate talk about the importance of peace, non-violence and conflict resolution had some people, including myself, in tears.

There is no way to deny after hearing him speak that his remaining in the race through the convention is crucial for the soul and heart of the Democratic party. I'm more convinced than ever about that. (BTW, a couple weeks ago he picked up 5 more delegates in Alaska.)
He was very clear on the steps that need to be taken in Iraq. It is not a pipe dream but a rational and workable approach.

Kucinich also struck a chord when he spoke about the environment and addressed specifically how Asheville is surrounded by natural beauty but suffers some of the worst air pollution in the country.
He spoke passionately about solar and wind power. "Some people say I'm tilting at windmills, I say we need windmills"

He's for the decriminalization of marijuana.
Is working to repeal the PATRIOT act.
You can read about his policies at his website..

The Q&A session was very good. He was asked about being vegan, the evolution of his stand on abortion, GMO foods, Afghanistan, racism, hemp and a number of other things. He took the time to answer the questions in depth. The audience was obviously thrilled with him and people were quite energized with lots of big smiles all around.
In short, I had high expectations but he surpassed them with his presentation and clarity.

April 17 is the Dem caucus here, if you are in NC please consider voting for DK!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. I voted for him in the CA primary

My pragmatism doesn't negate my commitment to liberal ideals. I am glad Kucinich is doing what he is doing.

Glad to hear your account.

[G_j]

2. thanks nsma

it's important to keep vital ideas alive in the 'big tent'
Of course you know I'll also be supporting Kerry at the same time as urging him to seriously consider some of Dennis's positions.

[rbnyc]

11. You rule! (nt)

[Desertrose]

3. hurray for DK and hurray you got to see him *live*

He is quite something in person , isn't he?? He really does connect on a heart level with everyone who has an open heart- they just *get him* ....

I wish that more people could *get* it....his ideas are just so sound and practical and yet there are still people who say he is out of touch...hate to say it but Dennis is not the one out of touch....

His ideas can make a positive difference in the world...in my life...I wish I could say the same about the "chosen" one.....

I share DK's vision for waht I hope for the world......

Anyhow G_j...thanks for this thread...sounds like a good turnout there...wahoooo!!!!
:bounce:

Peace & :loveya:
DR

[G_j]

4. someone read a poem before Dennis came on

in which she said something to the effect of,
Some say Dennis is radical
Well he is as radical as the bill of rights.
civil rights or clean air.

No, he's not 'out of touch'.
Actually I think he is very well balanced and grounded, more so than most people one gets to meet in a lifetime.

peace & :loveya: !! G_j

[LWolf]

5. There is nothing and no one,

IMO, like Dennis in person. If every voter had gotten to hear him live, I think he would have swept America off her feet. I agree that his presence is vital to the heart and soul of the democratic party; he had my vote here in CA, and will have my support as long as he needs it.

[goodhue]

6. Thanks for the great report!

He is amzing in person. Its hard to fully convey to those who have not seen DK on the stump the extent to which he connects with his audience. Hopefully the local press in NC will give him some ink.

[G_j]

7. coverage in today's paper

*** seems I was over enthusiastic on my crowd estimate, but I still believe there were than 500 ppl there. :-)



http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/regional/52690

You wouldn't know Kucinich is last in the polls
By Dale Neal, Staff ReporterApril 3, 2004 10:56 p.m.
ASHEVILLE - The race for the Democratic presidential nomination may be over, but Dennis Kucinich isn't giving up his campaign yet.

The diminutive Democrat didn't take the stage Saturday morning when he arrived at City-County Plaza during a weekend sweep through North Carolina. Instead, he took the microphone and walked into the street, eye to eye with a welcoming crowd of some 500 people.

"Sen. Kerry has enough votes to win the nomination, so what are you doing, Dennis?" he asked then answered the obvious question first. "Yeah I can count."

"The direction of the Democratic nomination has been settled, but the direction of the Democratic Party is still to be decided," Kucinich told his supporters.

The Asheville rally was an effort to encourage his voters for the April 17 Democratic caucuses in North Carolina, according to Gayatri Lee, a Kucinich campaign organizer in Asheville. The more votes and delegates Kucinich can muster in the remaining primaries and caucuses will give him leverage at the Boston convention in shaping the Democratic Party platform, she said.

..more..

[KoKo]

8. I just got back from his rally in Carrboro, NC! Looked like maybe 500

people were there. The "Raging Grannies" and another group sung and Mayor of Carboro declared it "Dennis Kucinich Day!"

He gave an excellent speech and took Q&A's. I particularly liked his mentioning of how the "Media Airwaves belong to the People" and how they no longer are the peoples to use.

He talked about how "machines are running us" and we are not "in tune with the earth" and must get back to that. We must get back to living in harmony with neature by using non-polluting energy sources.

He discussed the mess in Iraq and again stressed that we need to get the UN in and that we are breeding terror when all we focus on is War. He talked about his "Peace Office" he would set up in his administration so we can focus on Peace instead of War.

He discussed his health care plan and commented on the "Medicare Prescription Fraud Bill." He took time to answer questions and didn't sound like your typical "spinning politician."

I'm glad he still in the race. He's a voice we need and it was wonderful to see him.

Several booths were there for signing people up to vote, Patriot Act Petition folks who were collecting more signatures, and the NC Patriots for Peace and NC Kucinich. It was taped and recorded by ABC Channel 11/Eyewitness news.

Go Dennis!

[KoKo]

9. BTW! Our local ABC Affiliate gave Dennis and Us great coverage here

in the Triangle.

What's really interesting is that Fox News has a huge building in Durham and the Fox News truck was NOT there at the Rally. I refuse to watch Fox but since their truck wasn't there, gotta' assume that they ignored it.

Our local Channel 14 News all the Time station gave "minimal" coverage just showing a short one sentence clip and a quickie pan of audience.

So, I give it to my "local ABC" for better coverage.

[G_j]

10. NC loves Dennis!

So glad you got to see him.
I guess you probably had nice weather too. I hope he can pick up some delegates here. Despite the unfair spin he really is very grounded, an excellent speaker and he demonstrates a lot of common sense. Thanks for sharing your report!
peace, G_j

[rbnyc]

12. Thanks so much for that. (nt)