Transcript of the DN report on complaints of 2 Kucinich delegates

[deutsey]

FYI

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/07/27/144247#transcript

AMY GOODMAN: Former Vice President Al Gore speaking last night at the Democratic National Convention. While Gore spoke out against voting for a third-party candidate, some delegates on the floor of the convention explained or complained that the speeches coming from the podium did not reflect a clear enough distinction between policies of President Bush and the platform of John Kerry, particularly on the issue of the occupation of Iraq and civil liberties. The events last night were highly scripted. Everyone in attendance was expected to remain on message and as Gore and other high-profile Democrats spoke, some delegates charged their rights of free expression were being denied. Delegates for former Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich alleged that they had some of their signs and placards confiscated, as well as scarves they wore that identified them as peace delegates. On the floor of the convention as the speeches wrapped up last night, we caught up with two Kucinich delegates from Minneapolis, Donna Kassett and Charles Underwood.

CHARLES UNDERWOOD: I am just very disappointed that had there is no ability to express any hope for peace on the floor of this convention. We’ve had our signs confiscated, we’ve had our scarves for peace – you know – Delegate For Peace, confiscated. We’ve had people that tell us to sit down and be quiet. We’ve got no particular points for peace in the platform. This is becoming an extremely narrow democratic tent. And I’d love nothing better than to get behind a peace candidate for President. A little something, a little bone for us who want peace. And I am not getting any of that. And I am very disappointed. See these people in the lime vests? Those are the Kerry enforcers.

AMY GOODMAN: And what were your kerchiefs… ?

CHARLES UNDERWOOD: The kerchiefs -

DONNA KASSETT: “Delegate for Peace” and “Give Bush the Pink Slip,” which a lot of the delegates are wearing. We are finding a lot of our delegates here– we have common ground on the issues. They want to talk about the war, as well.

AMY GOODMAN: And this is what they told you to put away?

CHARLES UNDERWOOD: Yeah, It’s just that we are off message when we talk about peace. It's that simple.

AMY GOODMAN: As Charles Underwood and Donna Kassett spoke, Charles Underwood, the Kucinich delegate, held up a pink kerchief that said “Give Bush the Pink Slip” He said they were told to put the kerchiefs away.

[redqueen]

1. Interesting how no other Kucinich delegates complained about this

Perhaps they weren't told to put theirs away? I know I saw more than a few on TV. Some shirts, some tied around their hair, etc.

Perhaps they were told to put them away, but ignored it, and figured it was more important to be unified against Bu$h than to nitpick about stuff that's essentially meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

:shrug:

[deutsey]

3. These two were peeved about something

Maybe they bumped heads with someone on the floor and misconstrued it as a coordinated effort to "enforce" party unity?

Honestly, the report is way too brief and deserves follow up.

[redqueen]

4. I disagree... I don't think it needs follow-up

It's too petty and obviously an isolated incident. They can pursue it through the appropriate channels if they're that worked up about it.

[deutsey]

6. I mean, journalistically if it's to be confirmed or diminished

it needs follow up by seeing what other DK delegates experienced.

If no one else had this experience, then it was an isolated incident. If others have the same experience, then there is a larger pattern.

That's what I meant about the report being too brief.

[redqueen]

7. Oh yes I agree

However knowing the Kucitizens I know, I think if this were true we'd have heard all manner of ranting about it by now. :)

Plus you have the fact that there were delegates happily displaying their shirts/kerchiefs...

[deutsey]

9. Yeah, after reading this report, my gut tells me

they probably had an isolated run-in with someone on the floor. Who knows?

More than anything they seem frustrated that the Dem platform doesn't include a plank more reflective of their peace position. Do you know what the platform says about peace issues?

[redqueen]

10. In all likelihood not much.

But they might still be discussing it. :shrug:

I know one thing, this movement he's started has only begun.

:hi:

[deutsey]

11. :-)

:thumbsup:

[emulatorloo]

12. I watched MSNBC coverage Tues nite and there were TONS of Pink Slips

In practically every floor interview I saw there were people happily waving Pink Slips. Just an update.

[supernova]

5. Agreed

that report still doesn't say much. So, it's still between individuals as far as I'm concerned.

[emulatorloo]

2. For what is is worth . . .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2079187#2079281

[donco6]

8. I saw plenty of the pink slips on TV.

???