I think a Dean/Kucinich ticket would be appealing

[CMT]

Now Kucinich supporters please don't get mad because I put Dean in the top spot, I'm writing this as a Dean supporter who has genuine respect for DK.

I think if Dean does win the nomination that DK would be a logical running mate. Why? because they compliment each other on the war and both have passionate supporters who will work like hell for the ticket. If any ticket on the Democratic side can draw lots of young people(first time voters) and Green supporters--it would be this one.

DK also represents a state we narrowly lost in 2000, and one that we could win in 2004 due to the loss of manufacturing jobs in the state.
DK represents a "Reagan Democrats" district which has many ethnic votes, Catholics, and union members. He has won re-election among this diverse electorate handilly despite being one of the most liberal members of congress.

A Dean/Kucinich ticket would also gurantee that organized labor would work its butt off on behalf of the ticket. Kucinich is tops in speaking about how American jobs have been lost due to NAFTA and would help Dean further evolve in his stand.

In the long run the mess in Iraq may be the most important issue to face the electorate and with DK on the ticket one of the most passionate opponents of the war would join Dean in blasting the administration.

Finally, Dean and Kucinich are not typical politicians and the American people may be receptive to this type of ticket which isn't always consulting handlers about what to say but just saying it and giving the American people a real choice. Maybe that is what we need to do for a change?

Finally I'm not advocating DK for VP with Dean as much as I'm saying that such a move wouldn't be as foolhardy as some think. It might actually shake things up a bit. I don't think 2004 will be a business as usual election year.

[walkon]

1. Agree with everything you said

And I would support that ticket with great enthusiasm!

[jsw_81]

2. Yes, it would be appealing

To about five or six people nationwide.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

3. The Dean campaign has reversed their position on Kucinich, neat huh?

They did there best to ignore him and insult him, and now that Dean has slowed down and is getting into trouble, they are desperate for us Kucinich fans, who were never fooled by Dean's faux-populism, to get on board.

If Dean wins the primary, there is NO WAY IN HELL he would choose Kucinich as VP, because Dean has spent his whole career on the other side.

[Hep]

4. Who is THEY

for crying out loud?

Because of one post? Now you attribute it to all supporters, the campaign?

Slow down!

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

7. they as in Dean staff/supports/fans on DU

Hep, I've been here for a long time. The Dean campaign on DU started off with a nice full frontal attack on Kucinich. I remember when the Deanies were still praising NAFTA and saying that Kucinich's anti-NAFTA platform was nutty - boy how things have changed in the last month or so.

[CMT]

9. don't generalize everyone

here.

[Hep]

11. How so

I'm not desperate for Kucinich support. I've not seen the dean campaign desperate.
What I have seen is a lot of love for DK all along and a lot of hate from DK supporters (in my area) toward Dean.

[pruner]

5. what the hell are you smoking… and where can I get some?

…now that Dean has slowed down and is getting into trouble, they are desperate for us Kucinich fans, who were never fooled by Dean's faux-populism, to get on board.

Dean Expands National Lead of Democratic Presidential Hopefuls; Clark Slips; One in Three Voters Still Unsure, According to New Zogby International Poll

Former Vermont Governor Dr. Howard Dean has expanded his lead over the field of Democratic presidential hopefuls, moving away from a late September tie with retired General Wesley Clark.  Dean now receives 15% from 558 likely Democratic primary voters nationwide, and Clark has slipped slightly to 10%.

Polling was conducted from Zogby International’s Call Center in Utica, November 3 – 5.  The margin of survey error is +/- 4.2 percentage points.  Error margins are higher in sub-groups.

Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt and Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman are tied for third at 9%, slight improvements over September polling.  Massachusetts Senator John Kerry remains at 7%, followed by civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton (4%), and North Carolina Senator John Edwards (3%).  Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich and former Illinois Senator Carol Mosley Braun are tied with 2% each. 

One in three (34%) Democratic primary voters remain undecided on a candidate, down slightly from September undecideds of 43%.

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=755

[robsul82]

12. If that's slowing down...

...let's stomp on the brakes!

About a Dean/DK ticket...no way. No balance, nada.

Later.

RJS

[CMT]

8. I've always said nice things about Kucinich on this board

and like him and doubt I have any clout with the Dean campaign. And from what I've seen on the board today with SEIU and possible AFCME union support as well as strong numbers from NH I don't think Dean is "slowing down"

[w13rd0]

10. You are right...

...that Dean would not choose DK as VP. Desperate for Kucinich fans? I don't think so. If Dean is the nominee, we'd appreciate the support of Kucinich supporters, but desperate isn't the word for it. I respect DK for his opposition to Bush, I just disagree with him on a number of issues. But that's ok too. When many around here (and not only Dean supporters) have called for the less than 3% candidates to drop out, I've pointed out that they bring valued perspectives to the table for discussion.

Also, I don't think that's why Dean would not choose Dennis. I disagree with the assertion in the first place (the other side of what exactly?). Dean would not choose Kucinich because it wouldn't be a wise strategy. I'd love to see a member of the Progressive Majority on the ticket, but Dennis wouldn't be my choice.

[quinnox]

6. This is interesting

I could actually like this, if Dean should win the nomination. But I doubt Dean would choose Kucinich as a practical matter.

[Tinoire]

13. Thank you CMT

Your sentiment, your gesture and your appreciation of DK are much appreciated.

I don't think that Dean and DK agree on enough to make this happen because Dean is too much to the right of DK (not populist enough) but it would be an acceptable match-up.

As a Leftist, I would prefer to see DK in the POTUS slot of course ;)

Peace and thanks

[Mairead]

14. I'll echo Tinoire, CMT: thank you

it was a goodhearted thing to say, even though unlikely to be realised.