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Why is Dennis Kucinich still in the race?

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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:08 AM
Original message
Why is Dennis Kucinich still in the race?
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Mika Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:10 AM
Response to Original message
1. Thanks, Will
Thanks for putting those resources together. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Cheesehead Donating Member (344 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:18 AM
Response to Original message
2. Kucinich is the only candidate with cogent, consistent positions
on every issue. He never plays politics with his positions or waffles under pressure. He is the only choice for anyone who venerates Wellstone or "Fighting Bob" and wants to work to achieve a real Progressive government in America.

Thank you for your efforts to increase public awareness of a real hero.

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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:24 AM
Response to Reply #2
5. He did this great thing at Town Hall in Seattle the other night
He was talking about the other candidates' positions on various domestic issues, in the context of corporate cash and donations, etc. He put the mic down, made everyone be quiet, and spread his arms out to the side. He turned, very slowly, in a complete circle until he again faced the audience.

"No strings attached!" he yelled. The roof came off the joint.
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diamondsoul Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:22 AM
Response to Reply #5
22. BWAHAHAHA!
I LOVE it! New slogan-

Dennis Kucinich, the no strings candidate!
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cosmicdot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:27 AM
Response to Reply #5
40. now, that's a 'news' clip to be seen in all local markets
"no strings attached" with the crowd going wild



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NoPasaran Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:49 PM
Response to Reply #5
58. As seen in "To Have and Have Not"
Classy movie to steal from.
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redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:45 PM
Response to Reply #58
73. Thanks!
I'll be sure to look that one up!
:)
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liberalnurse Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:24 AM
Response to Original message
3. Kucinich, Graham and Dean really got the
momentum started for the now leading democrats....Dennis has elevated his recognition status among democrats.....His positions are worthy and essential for the country. Now all he needs to do is sell it..... He just doesn't come across as with power. He has my attention and support but he reminds me of my priest. Maybe Will can help him find his space of message empowerment. He really needs to sell these issues....
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IrateCitizen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:10 AM
Response to Reply #3
17. I'd offer one correction to your statement...
He really needs to sell these issues....

I don't think so. I think that WE really need to sell these issues. What Dennis is calling for is not a cult of personality with him at the head (perhaps why you don't see him as having "power" -- but a renewal of democracy, a movement that has its real power in the people across this land.

Check out this passage from a recent speech by Bernie Sanders, "We Are The Majority":

But to do this, we have to understand that politics is not just an anti-war demonstration. It's not just coming out on a given day to express concerns about the environment, or racism, or whatever the single issue may be. Politics is a 365-day-a-year struggle. We have to have the courage to knock on doors even if some people may disagree with us. We've got to get on the telephone and start making calls. We have to be in touch with our local radio and television stations and the local newspaper. And when we do that, there is no doubt in my mind that not only will we win the next election, but we will create an America that Bob La Follette would be very proud of.

You can read the rest here: http://www.progressive.org/feb04/sand0204.html

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Kanary Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:01 AM
Response to Reply #17
33. It *IS* up to us
You make a very important point, Irate.... we've had a lot of cult of the personality, and while there are gains to be had, the danger is that we sit back and wait for our "leader" to lead us. One of the great contributions Dennis is making is putting that power squarely in OUR hands. We can always lose leaders for one reason or another.... if we are carrying the ball, we will still have the power. I think that those of us who lived through the assassinations know this at a gut level.

Thank you for making that important point.

Our government is not a spectator sport!

Kanary
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G_j Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:49 AM
Response to Reply #17
47. how right you are! n/t
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no name no slogan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #17
59. It's MUCH bigger than him
He just so happens to be the most visible figure right now, but the movement itself is about ALL of us.

Dennis is one of the few politicians I've ever known (Paul Wellstone being the other) who is NOT concerned about amassing power, or leading others, etc. He's more concerned about doing what's right for PEOPLE.

The Movement will be around long after this election, whether the Dems win or not. It will only get stronger. And like the drop of water on the rock, we will eventually break through.

:toast:
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LWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:24 AM
Response to Original message
4. That's right.
We could say the same to answer this one:

Why are we still working for, donating to, and voting for Dennis Kucinich? Why won't we just fall in line?
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Shoedogg Donating Member (515 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:26 AM
Response to Original message
6. And, if you sign up for E-mails from the website...
...you might get an audio postcard from William Rivers Pitt! :D
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Kanary Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:47 AM
Response to Reply #6
28. Questions about the emails
I have held back from signing up for emails for one simple reason.... in so much today, giving your email addy is the first step in receiving increased spam. I'm assuming that Dennis has more integrity than to sell email addys, but..... has anyone experienced more problems from having signed up?

I just have all the spam at this point that I can handle.

Kanary
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tinanator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:30 AM
Response to Reply #28
43. open a seperate hotmail account
I am getting no spam/junk on my hotmail account although I post the addy in various places. Probably just luck this time, but I have had my ISP box stuffed from time to time with spoof attack returns, and somebody obviously let my secret shame out because everyone in the world is trying to enlarge me. In no way do I imagine giving out your email to Kucinich will contribute to those sorts of problems.
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Desertrose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:46 PM
Response to Reply #28
57. I have no additional spam from the campaign
I have lots of spam from other stuff but I am about 99.99% sure it is not related to DK!


I'd say go for it....lots of good inof in the email updates....:)


Peace
DR
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MuseRider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:32 AM
Response to Original message
7. Thanks Mr. Press Secretary!
I still get such a kick out of that!

I do not know how all of you take this. I am so up and down emotionally that I can hardly stand myself. Keep it up, work it DK. Turn around and around for the audience. I love this guy.
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roughsatori Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:47 AM
Response to Original message
8. Thank you and KICK NT
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Mairead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #8
88. yab
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Karmadillo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:50 AM
Response to Original message
9. These links are just a bunch of
good stuff. Any chance DK might be able to pull off a surprise in Maine?
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:55 AM
Response to Reply #9
12. Stay tuned
:)
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justinpower Donating Member (132 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:51 AM
Response to Original message
10. Hey Will
Are you gonna be in NW Ohio Wednesday, if so I am getting all geeked up about DKs visit.
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NashVegas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:53 AM
Original message
Because Dean Is
Edited on Fri Feb-06-04 10:19 AM by Crisco
I expect to see Kucinich drop out as soon as it becomes evident he's no longer needed to attack Dean from the left.
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:56 AM
Response to Original message
13. Right
Kucinich is part of the conspiracy against Dean. He's the left pincer for the DLC.

Or not. :eyes:
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corporatewhore Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:00 AM
Response to Reply #13
15. Yep that is why he took part in the battle of seattle marchingside by side
with union members and activists againstthe wto and big corporations
all part of his secret plot (its those pointy ears that give him away)
:eyes:
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charlie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:58 AM
Response to Original message
14. Kucinich as stalking horse
That's a new one. Points for originality.

If Dean drops out and Kucinich continues, you'll publicly disavow that codswallop, then?
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NashVegas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #14
16. Sure
And if Dennis does follow, will you say it's not?
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:12 AM
Response to Reply #16
18. Since there's no evidence whatsoever to support your claim
it must, therefore, be true.

Or not. :eyes:
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NashVegas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:30 AM
Response to Reply #18
24. Not Much, No
Just that Dennis inexplicably remains in the race even though he only recently captured more than 1% of a primary's/caucus's voters, while 3 others, 2 of whom fared far better, already accepted the inevitable.

"But Dennis has a message ..."

A message that returns would seem to indicate he's preaching to the choir. And even then - surely more than 1% realize NAFTA was a bad deal, and other points of contention Dennis raises - there are parts of the choir still voting elsewhere.

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IrateCitizen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:35 AM
Response to Reply #24
26. And without Dennis's message in the race...
... do you honestly think that the "front-runners" would be taking as much of a populist bent as they currently are? Do you think that they would actually be acknowledging the major faults with "free" trade as it currently exists, without him pounding the issue in every debate?

Don't underestimate Dennis's impact as being limited solely to the number of votes he has received. Most of those who voted for him are those who do their OWN research on the issues, rather than rely on the media to tell them where the candidates stand (a media that has virtually ignored him). He's a trailblazer on progressive themes, leading the way so that other more "mainstream" candidates are then forced to tack a bit more toward progressive populism.
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Mairead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:30 AM
Response to Reply #16
25. Oh dear. I chuckled at your original post because I thought you
were joking and had sucked everyone in. But you were serious, weren't you.

Believe me, Dennis Kucinich is not standing for election as part of any plot against Dean. He's doing it for us, not against Dean or anyone else, and he's not going to drop out nor are we going to stop supporting him. He's in it to improve the USA for working people, and we're backing him for the same good reason.

As candidates with the high-powered campaigns sputter and pull out, there are going to be a lot of people at loose ends. I hope some of them will experience epiphany and come support the one candidate who cannot be silenced, or intimidated, or bamboozled, and who is always 100% on our side, no divided loyalties.

Vote for the eyes that see through the lies. You'll be glad you did.
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no name no slogan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:54 PM
Response to Reply #25
61. SHHH!!! Icksnay on the Otplay against Eanday
Don't talk so much!!! You know what the DLC and PNAC said about our little *ahem* "plan", right???

:crazy: :silly: :hi:
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blm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:30 AM
Response to Original message
23. Imagine if antiwar liberals had supported a REAL antiwar liberal instead
Edited on Fri Feb-06-04 10:30 AM by blm
of expending all that energy and $$$$$ on a FAUX antiwar liberal. Kucinich had the heart, the foundation and the honesty in his message to carry it further than the corporatist centrist Dean.

Imagine.
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Dhalgren Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:51 AM
Response to Original message
29. R-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s!
Edited on Fri Feb-06-04 10:56 AM by Dhalgren
I am surprized at the levels of close-mindedness and lack of information.

This is supposed to be a response to post #16. Not sure what happened.
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corporatewhore Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:53 AM
Response to Original message
11. because proNAFTAWTOGATTIWR slime balls are still in it
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mac2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:28 AM
Response to Reply #11
41. Yes...because Dennis is....
Edited on Fri Feb-06-04 11:32 AM by mac2
Dennis supporters are keeping in the race because:

They oppose WTO (who are about to destroy democracy and our nationhood with open borders for the World Union..Americas), Faith-based give away to thugs in religious groups of pubic tax dollars, pre-emptive war, bad food, water, and air, the destruction of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, rampant corporate de-regulation and lack of accountability, taking away woman's rights, high cost of heath care (should be for all citizens..and would be cheaper), monopolies and "Crony Capitalism"...etc.

Not since President Grant (railroad profiteers beginning with Lincoln)has there been so many thugs in our government. They are oil profiteers today.

In three years, this President have taken us from a surplus healthy country to one of fear, debt, and war. It is time for a big change by a Progressive government...not more of the same. We are not going forward into the 21st Century as we wanted for a better world but back to the 13th Century of feudalism and tyranny...constant wars.

Good luck Will.
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Lydia Leftcoast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:14 AM
Response to Original message
19. Hey, Will!
Are you going to be in Minneapolis/St. Paul later this month?

I'm signed up for the dinner on the evening of Feb. 21 (no, I'm not a lawyer, but one of our local volunteers is, and he sold tickets to a bunch of us.)
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Stuckinthebush Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:16 AM
Response to Original message
20. Man...I'm out of the loop!
I received an e-mail today from an activist friend of mine. She is not a DUer (as far as I can tell). She said that Kucinich is her progressive candidate of choice, and she was excited that the editor of truthout.org, Mr. William Rivers Pitt, is the new Press Secretary.

What????!!! I'm a DUaholic, and she knew this before me!

OK...when did this happen? I thought you were a Kerry guy! Wow...I need to come to this forum more often to keep up!

:D

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curse10 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:19 AM
Response to Original message
21. Thanks Will
great links. I, for one, think DK should stay in the race as long as possible. He brings things to the table that the other candidates, even the one I primarily support, is to scared to even mention.
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redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:41 AM
Response to Original message
27. So many reasons
Because he knows America needs him.

Because he believes his cause is just.

Because he sure isn't dropping in the polls! :)

Because we want him to.

Because he keeps the other candidates more honest.

Because he provides the best scare tactic against the machine we could ever hope or pray for.

Because he has moral courage, and the integrity to stand up and say so, regardless of what that does to his 'electability' factor.

Because he believes that change is possible, and he believes in hope.

:loveya:
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Armstead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:52 AM
Response to Original message
30. Whatever else happens...
At the very least, Kucinich deserves a prime time centerpiece speech at the convention.

At the very least....
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deutsey Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 10:54 AM
Response to Reply #30
31. I agree, but I wouldn't hold my breath
:evilfrown:
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charlie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:15 AM
Response to Reply #30
37. I wish...
But I doubt it'll happen. I'm sure the party mandarins remember Pat Buchanan ripping the cover off the Republicans' "mainstream" image.
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blondeatlast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 05:12 PM
Response to Reply #30
83. AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY-effing-MMMMEEEEEEEENNNNN!
I'm hanging in for DK if only for that; but he deserves far, far, more.
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Dhalgren Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:01 AM
Response to Original message
32. Denniss' determination to stay in the race to the end
is validation of the strength and honesty of his campaign. He isn't in this for the his own agrandizement, he isn't in this to get his name onto the list of American Presidents (that's not that honorable a list, anyway), he's in this to change America for the good. To show the way towards what this country could be and ought to be. I will support Dennis Kucinich from now on - regardless of the outcome of tis campaign.
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Nederland Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:02 AM
Response to Original message
34. Hey Will
Where did Dennis come down on the Afghanistan war? Is it accurate to call him a pacifist?
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redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:05 AM
Response to Reply #34
35. Pacifists can believe in self-defense, too. n/t
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IrateCitizen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:11 AM
Response to Reply #34
36. He was against a military campaign...
... and thought that the response to 9/11 should have been much more along the lines of an international police effort.

http://www.politics1.com/kucinich.htm

He certainly stood out as one of the only members of Congress to have criticized the US bombing campaign against Afghanistan -- arguing the US response to 9/11 should have something like a police action, not a war.
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Terwilliger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:33 AM
Response to Reply #36
44. IOW, a "pacifist"
Remember, you have to bomb somebody at least once to avoid the "peacenik" label :eyes:
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mac2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:45 AM
Response to Reply #34
46. Dennis on Afghani War
He opposed the Afghani war pleading for investigations of 9/11 first.

True...they don't know who attacked us and the won't let us investigate it. It's secret information. Just sit down and shut up...hand over your money!!!

Dennis wanted inspections, negotiations, and all investigations before attacking a country that might not have attack us. Remember WWII was supposed to be our last war..we formed the UN for a more peaceful-world. George Washington wanted a Department of Peace. It's not a new concept...but to war loving Americans, it's silly? Americans wanted us to attack any Arab nation...didn't make a difference who. What kind of thinking was that?

We destroyed two countries and disrupted the whole Middle East..world to get two men and a few so called terrorists. Now, we find out they didn't have WMD to attack us. Millions around the world knew that!!

Who knows who attacked us? We have suspicions that our own government was involved or allowed it to happen to bring us to war. They had their reasons prior to 9/11...it was oil and profiteering.

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truizm Donating Member (327 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 12:00 PM
Response to Reply #46
48. Never knew Washington wanted a Deptartment of Peace
Maybe Dennis should start saying: ~I want to fulfill George Washington's dream for a Department of Peace...Like Dean (and now Kerry) with Truman and healthcare.
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Mairead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:42 PM
Response to Reply #48
55. um, actually the Geo. Washington bit is a misreading, as far as I can tell
Makes a nice story, but I've not been able to find anything to confirm it or even indicate that it might be vaguely true.
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charlie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:51 PM
Response to Reply #55
60. Maybe... check this out
(letter to John Hancock)

There are four things, which I humbly conceive are essential to the well being, I may even venture to say, to the existence of the United States, as an Independent Power--

* 1st An indissoluble Union of the States under one federal Head.

* 2dly A sacred regard to public Justice.

* 3dly The adoption of a proper Peace Establishment, and

* 4thly The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the People of the United States, which will induce them to forgit their local prejudices and policies, to make those mutual concessions which are requisite to the general prosperity, and in some instances, to sacrafice their individual advantages to the interest of the Community.

These are the Pillars on which the glorious Fabrick of our Independency and National Character must be supported--Liberty is the Basis, and whoever should dare to sap the foundation or overturn the Structure, under whatever specious pretexts he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest execration, and the severest punishment which can be inflicted by his injured Country.

http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/constitution/1784/hancock.html
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Mairead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 02:46 PM
Response to Reply #60
66. Yes, that's what I found too -- but if you go read his letters,
in particular his 'Sentiments on a Peace Establishment' (http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/a1_8_12s6.html), you learn that what he's really talking about is a peacetime military establishment. It was very disheartening to me; he's been made such an icon that I really hoped he had seen the future need. But he was a child of his time and class, and couldn't.
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charlie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:13 PM
Response to Reply #66
69. Oy, didn't see that
It's just a blueprint for our current Dept of Defense. Sigh.
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iowapeacechief Donating Member (331 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 02:39 PM
Response to Reply #55
65. Agreed. Don't credit Washington for DoP origin.
George Washington is of limited usefulness to the DoP cause. I'd love to recite the story about his having introduced a DoP bill (as one pro-DoP website claims), except I don't believe it. My web searches for "proper peace establishment" turn up only references to GW's recommendations for providing for military defense.

I've found no evidence that Washington was even aware of the Peace Office proposal by Benjamin Rush (also attributed to Benjamin Banneker), let alone supported it. I suspect this is modern-day wishful thinking.

One authoritative discussion of DoP origins is a letter to Rep. Kucinich from the FCNL (Friends Committee on National Legislation). See http://www.fcnl.org/issues/int/sup/pea_kucinich.htm . FCNL folks know the history of peace proposals firsthand (since WWII), so I commend this to all who want to join Dennis et al in pursuing the dream.

We can also point to JFK's contribution to the vision. Exhibit A would be his June 10, 1963, commencement speech at American University, "The Strategy of Peace" http://www.american.edu/media/speeches/Kennedy.htm . JFK's speech writer, Ted Sorensen, who was its main author, called it "the finest speech of his presidency" when he spoke from the same podium 40 years later http://www.american.edu/media/speeches/Sorensen.htm.
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Zomby Woof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:18 AM
Response to Original message
38. because he tells the DK troof!
:bounce:
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cosmicdot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:20 AM
Response to Original message
39. "no strings attached!"..."no strings attached!" ... "no strings attached!"
It's the ideal position to offer in contrast to



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tobys Donating Member (60 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:30 AM
Response to Original message
42. Kucinich all the way
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kentuck Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 11:35 AM
Response to Original message
45. As in psychology, there is a reality curve in politics which we all....
fall inside the curve or outside the curve. It is the reality that we are programmed, propagandized, brainwashed, whatever you wish to call it, to believe only certain things are possible within the political realm. If you deviate on the outside bounds of that curve, people tend to dismiss you as "unrealistic". In my opinion, this is what has happened to DK. It seems the best we can hope for from his campaign is to move that "curve" so that people are more willing to accept new ideas as realistic in the future...
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tinanator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 12:47 PM
Response to Reply #45
51. the victims of this sort of psy-op, opinion science, advertising campaign
are the "centrist" democrats who bought and sold, or simply absorbed the DLC campaign against Nader as the responsible party for 2000. The failure of the American people (mea culpa) to refuse the interference of the SCOTUS and Bush familia skullduggery lead us directly to Phase I of their long term plan, aka Operation Northwoods, which preceeded and provided cover for their short term goals of invading Afghanistan and Iraq. My point here, again, is that Republican voters are very receptive and accepting of Kucinich's platform. The problem facing the Kucinich campaign vis a vis "the reality curve" is "centrist" Democrats, who cannot come to grips with their actual politics and more importantly the politics and needs of their fellow citizens. This is what happens when the Superbowl mentality is substituted for political awareness and solidarity. Yay, team.
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Nadienne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:27 PM
Response to Reply #51
53. And if not for Kucinich
the likes of me would never have paid much attention... would have never known...

Yay, team, indeed.
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 12:40 PM
Response to Original message
49. Kick
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Lydia Leftcoast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 12:43 PM
Response to Reply #49
50. Once again, Hey Will!
See my post #19. :-)
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Mairead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 04:18 PM
Response to Reply #49
78. yab
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revcarol Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 12:47 PM
Response to Original message
52. I thought this was one of those "Drop out ,Dennis" threads.
Some of us pledged that everytime there was a "drop out, Dennis" thread, we would contribute $5.00 to his campaign.At the time there were FOUR of those goofy threads.

Oh, well, I'll contribute $5.00 anyway.

Good going, Will Pitt. Keep the hope alive!!
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CWebster Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:29 PM
Response to Original message
54. I don't know...
to hit Howard Dean from the Left while he gives the rest of the Centrists a pass...when he isn't playing footsie with them?
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IrateCitizen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 02:16 PM
Response to Reply #54
62. CWebster -- is there ANYBODY out there acceptable to you?
I'm just wondering, when you speak of someone with Dennis Kucinich's record as "playing footsie" with the rest of the Centrists.

:wtf:
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CWebster Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 02:36 PM
Response to Reply #62
64. Heh-heh
Was wondering when that would kick in.
"Playing footsie" would be so cavalier with supporters that directing them to Edwards camp, his "friend" with barely a second thought, would violate the very reason his supporters prefer him to begin with.

I like Dean and haven't wavered from that position, Irate citizen.
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no name no slogan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:24 PM
Response to Reply #64
70. Wha?
Let me debunk this myth: DK supporters are NOT single-issue voters. True, most of us did oppose the IWR, and continue to do so. But for most of us (even the diehard peace protestors), IWR is just one issue of many that are just as important.

DK is the ONLY candidate who is now advocating the removal of US control from IRAQ ASAP. Dean's position is indistinguishable with the others now, so he's no different from Kerry/Clark/Edwards in that respect. I actually know one local DK activist who left Dean's campaign because of his pro-occupation stance-- one that advocates a continued military presence in a region where we are NOT particularly welcome.

Furthermore, Dean's economic positions are hardly compatable with what DK is advocating. Dean is an admitted fiscal conservative, more concerned with deficits than providing universal single-payer healthcare, living wages and a full-employment economy. Edwards' economics are more liberal than Dean's, and are closer to DK's, too.

So please, stop characterizing DK supporters as single-issue voters. If that were the case, Dennis never would have entered the race in the first place, as he didn't declare until Feb 2003, when the war was a foregone conclusion.
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blondeatlast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 05:17 PM
Response to Reply #54
84. What, exactly (citations please, I'm a librarian) is centrist about
Dennis Kucinich?

No right wing sites, like you gave us yesterday! Of course, that would be impossible--absolutely impossible.
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mot78 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 01:44 PM
Response to Original message
56. I don't support DK but I'm glad he's still running
He and Sharpton can go after * more agressively than Kerry, because they won't be attacked by the media. They can also bring issues up that the major candidates won't touch.
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Desertrose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 02:29 PM
Response to Original message
63. because Dennis is our best best hope...
Edited on Fri Feb-06-04 02:30 PM by Desertrose
and he promised he would stay in...








Peace
DR
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RetroLounge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:03 PM
Response to Original message
67. DK is still running?
Hadn't noticed...
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Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:05 PM
Response to Reply #67
68. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
Desertrose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:46 PM
Response to Reply #67
74. Dennis sure is...you must be too busy
looking for Howard Dean these days...

:eyes:

DR
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mdmc Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:25 PM
Response to Original message
71. DK runs to rep special interests that have been abandoned by
the Dems.
DK special interests are working class rights and criminal justice reform.

Now, a question for the DK campaign; How do you keep your supporters from voting for a third party if you are not the nominee? Can this be done while ignoring the Kucinich influence within the democratic platform, or will it require changes to the democratic party's positions?

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blondeatlast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 05:20 PM
Response to Reply #71
85. If I must, I'll even vote Dean November 2nd; ANYTHING slightly left
is better than what we have now.
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genius Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:44 PM
Response to Original message
72. BEcause he's the best.
Why would I vote for someone I didn't agree with in the primary when I could vote for Dennis?
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Cleita Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:50 PM
Response to Original message
75. Question?
Would he really have a chance to be the candidate? If Dean can't cut the mustard, I certainly would prefer Kucinich to Kerry, Edwards or Clark. If it's true (in my mind anyway) that I think Kerry and Edwards picked up Gephardt and Lieberman votes, which is why they are doing better these days, would Kucinich pick up Dean votes or vice versa? Would these votes make either of them the candidate?
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mdmc Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 03:55 PM
Response to Reply #75
76. I wish, but no
Kucinich or Dean can still win the second spot, a shot to unseat Kerry. This would require momentum, effectively beating Clark and Edwards for the honor. Once this becomes a two candidate primary race, once again, anything will be possible.

Dean or Kucinich can still win it, but they need momentum.
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Nadienne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 04:08 PM
Response to Reply #75
77. If Kucinich calls it quits
I will just hang back, chill out, discredit Bush whenever possible, and support the nominee.

'Course, I'm an Iowan; my next vote will be in November. And it seems a bit late in the game for me to get pumped up about a maybe-contendor that I don't believe in 100%. I'll devote all my effort to criticizing Bush...
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Mairead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 04:41 PM
Response to Reply #75
79. "Would he really have a chance to be the candidate?"
Edited on Fri Feb-06-04 04:42 PM by Mairead
Actually, Cleita...and I'm not saying this out of mindless loyalty, honestly...DK's gravitational pull will increase as the square or perhaps even the cube of the support he has. If he starts looking at all 'real', people will start moving to him.

My thought-experiment sanity test for that claim is to try to think of people I know or have heard of who really don't worry about how much tax they pay or what they get back for it. Who aren't worried about whether their job is going to vanish one day, or how they're going to pay for Susie's operation, or what will happen to Mum and Dad now that they're well up in age, or how they'll be able to bear it if their Joey comes back from Iraq shell-shocked and crazy like the Parsons's boy, or worse all torn to bits like Billy down the street, they say he'll never be free of pain or able to live on his own again.

I think people do care deeply about tissue issues like those, and they're trying to do the best they can to get someone into office who will ALSO care. But they're so used to not getting their needs met that they compromise themselves upfront. Preemptive surrender!

But give them what looks like a real chance, and they're not so stupid that they'll turn it down. I can't believe that they would, anyhow; it flies in the face of all my training.

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twilight Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 04:48 PM
Response to Original message
80. DK is still in the race because ...
Because we did not authorize the invasion of Iraq.
We did not authorize the invasion of Iran.
We did not authorize the invasion of North Korea.
We did not authorize the bombing of civilians in Afghanistan.
We did not authorize permanent detainees in Guantanamo Bay.
We did not authorize the withdrawal from the Geneva Convention.
We did not authorize military tribunals suspending due process and habeas corpus.
We did not authorize assassination squads.
We did not authorize the resurrection of COINTELPRO.
We did not authorize the repeal of the Bill of Rights.
We did not authorize the revocation of the Constitution.
We did not authorize national identity cards.
We did not authorize the eye of Big Brother to peer from cameras throughout our cities.
We did not authorize an eye for an eye.
Nor did we ask that the blood of innocent people, who perished on September 11, be avenged with the blood of innocent villagers in Afghanistan.
We did not authorize the administration to wage war anytime, anywhere, anyhow it pleases.
We did not authorize war without end.
We did not authorize a permanent war economy.

- Dennis J. Kucinich, "A Prayer for America" (2003)





:dem: :kick: :kick: :kick:
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ThirdWheelLegend Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 04:10 PM
Response to Reply #80
92. Actually that was delivered 2002, 2 years ago next week.
Amazig isn't it. While we argue who is best against Bush. Or who is the anti-bush. Dennis Kucinich delivered this speech before he was considering a candidacy. This is almost TWO years ago now. We want someone who TRULY speaks for the people? Well we have him, it's Dennis Kucinich.

TWL
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LWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Feb-08-04 09:07 AM
Response to Reply #92
98. We have him,
and I'm going to show my appreciation all the way to the convention and beyond.
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iowapeacechief Donating Member (331 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 04:51 PM
Response to Original message
81. How big a launch did Dennis need from Iowa?
Will, your thread got me wondering about the perceptions of those who've claimed they would support Dennis if only he had a chance. Just how big did Dennis need to place in Iowa and New Hampshire to have avoided the invisibility and dismissal he's suffering now?

As an Iowa supporter, it seems to me his support here was much stronger than the official 1 percent (of county convention delegates) that got reported from the caucuses. Most people seem not to understand that he needed at least 15 percent in a precinct to be counted there at all.

So I am wondering how he would be perceived now if, for example, he had been seen to have won 10 percent statewide. That's what he had in my precinct before we joined with Edwards supporters (and were counted as zero).

So I started a thread at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=282088
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John_H Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 05:06 PM
Response to Original message
82. I'll buy this until Michigan and Wisconsin
If Dennis is still in single digits after the voters of every region have had their say--the farm belt, the rust belt, the South, New England, and the West--he should get out.

If he continues to maintain that he still has a shot after that he's either lying to his supporters or off his rocker.

I think he's positioned himself to have a serious shot at serving the party and the country as Wellstone's replacement in the Senate (no small duty, that), but continuing a presidential campaign based on an argument that is flatly untrue would make me seriously doubt his character.
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blondeatlast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 05:22 PM
Response to Reply #82
86. He needs to be heard at the convention--that's why he'll stay.
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TexasSissy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 05:26 PM
Response to Original message
87. Ego.
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Terwilliger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-06-04 09:52 PM
Response to Reply #87
89. *GASP*
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buddhamama Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 04:22 PM
Response to Reply #87
93. how original
never heard that before :eyes:

i'm sure you have an ego yourself TexasSissy. we all do, some more than others though, obviously.

the ego thing always makes me laugh.

Dennis has humility, also.

He is dedicated to the People of this Country and has done a faithful, and at times thankless job, Representing all of us. He represents humanity at its finest, and i, for one, am glad He is still Representing.

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ThirdWheelLegend Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 04:33 AM
Response to Original message
90. Kucinich is my President.
TWL
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TheBigDemo Donating Member (190 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 05:21 AM
Response to Original message
91. Kucinich stands for. . .
Negotiation with the world
Opportunity for All

Caring for our future
Health Care for everyone
Acceptance of Minorities
New Alliances
Change in Washington
Education Reform

and that spells, no chance :( .

James K.
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revcarol Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 04:30 PM
Response to Reply #91
94. Nice to see you at DU, Big Demo!!
Welcome.:7

WE are the only ones who MAKE his chance. FUND-RAISING, WORD OF MOUTH, CONTACTING PEOPLE WHO ARE DOWN...Oh, there's so much we CAN do, if we will.
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Fovea Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 05:19 PM
Response to Original message
95. Race... What Race?
It's a movement, man.
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diamondsoul Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Feb-07-04 10:12 PM
Response to Original message
96. Kicking
'cause I saw another Kucinich should drop out thread, I have a head/chest cold from hell, and I am not up to even trying to respond. :P
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ThirdWheelLegend Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Feb-08-04 03:09 AM
Response to Reply #96
97. hope you feel better!
Hey I can kick and well wish in one shot!

GO DK!

TWL
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