Standing room only and overflow crowd at Kucinich'sVenice Peace Day event

[genius]

The large auditorium was packed with people ready to hear Dennis's message. There were too many applauses and standing ovations to count. All the seats were taken when we arrived. We squeezed in the back. Many people had to listen to the overflow speakers outside. The reaction of the crowd, the look in their faces and eyes, was just the type of reaction Robert Kennedy used to receive.

Dennis's presentation was brilliant. His answers to questions were even better. During the question and answer, I learned why the Latino community is so strongly backing him. He plans to actively work to make sure that individuals who work in this country are treated with the respect they deserve.

His presentation about Bush's space weapons program was witty and humerous and strongly made the point of how ridiculous Bush's plan is.

The people in that room went away knowing whom they would back for President. To see Dennis is to vote for him.

[alexwcovington]

1. Yeah, seeing any of these guys would be amazing.

And I'd vote for any one of them. But Dean's got the motion going around here and I'm on the train!

[sandnsea]

2. Thanks for the report!

I like hearing all these first hand reports and how much people are responding. It's always good to hear!

[Gingersnap]

3. Dennis is not too good to be true!

I was at the Venice event tonight too, sitting in the front, thankfully. I was excited about it, but also a little apprehensive, worried that perhaps my idealism and feelings about the Bush administration were leading me to a candidate that would be "too good to be true," or who, as some on this board have accused, was just saying everything progressives wanted to hear in order to get ahead. I was afraid I'd hear Dennis speak and not feel as enthusiastic about him (I know, I sound cynical, but I'm one of those people who usually hates Oscar nominated movies, etc.).

But I was truly and deeply moved hearing him speak tonight. This will sound hokey to those who haven't seen him in person, but when he entered the room I felt a different energy. Everything genius says is true, the response was amazing, but also there was a tangible almost spiritual feeling of optimism in the air. I was so moved at the end, that with tears in my eyes I pushed to the front as he left and told him that "I've been a voter ever since I could vote, but I have never believed in a politician until you." He looked me in the eye and hugged me. He was so real.

My husband and I both left not only talking about politics, but feeling inspired as people to truly let our lives stand as examples of our beliefs, like Dennis. It is such a gift, whether Dennis wins or loses, to have someone on the national arena standing up for what I believe in and presenting an alternative vision to that which has led our country into betraying our greatest principles in the name of fear.

I'll probably be attacked as idealistic for writing this, but I wanted to let others who are favoring Kucinich, but haven't heard him firsthand, know that he's the real thing.

PEACE.

[hippywife]

4. You're not just being idealistic and

you're not imagining it, Gingersnap! It's for real. My husband and I worked for him and met him at the forum in Stillwater. He is the only candidate that has inspired me and continues to inspire me. I thanked him for the hope as I shook his hand and he pulled my hand back toward himself and said "That's what we're all about...hope." He is as warm and as genuine as I had hoped him to be.

It was his reputation that first interested me, his stand on the issues that won me over, and his continued commitment to serve his country in everyway he is able that keeps me energized. He doesn't want to win the election just to attain the office but to work the good that the people need and that other Democrats, including Clinton, have so shamefully ignored. He's not a politician, he's a servant of the people.

I'm so glad you got to meet him and actually have that contact with him, Ginger!! :)

[juajen]

5. Sigh

I wish he would come to Louisiana.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

10. I agree

Hearing him in person is an amazing experience. He not only has the right ideas, but he can relate to people, whether individually or in a crowd.

Here's one little incident from his St. Paul visit. As I was standing in line to shake hands, the woman in front of me had a baby who was holding a balloon. Dennis spoke with the woman, and then took about half a minute out to play peekaboo with the baby using the balloon to "hide" behind. Yeah, I know about the stereotype of the politician who kisses babies, but this seemed likea geniune bit of spontaneous whimsy, and the baby was getting into it as well.

Now I don't advocate voting for anyone on the basis of their personality. I'd vote for a marble statue if I thought it was right on the issues. But I have to emphasize that people who are still undecided or unsure should go hear Dennis Kucinich speak if they have a chance.

[Desertrose]

16. He definitely has a "presence"...

and he is definitely for REAL!!

I agree...he is not in this for his own self importance or ego gratification...it really is all about us...how he cares for the people...and Americans yes, but all people all over the world.

I really like that when you meet him & talk to him he makes this eye connection that excludes everyone else in the room...no looking aroound for cameras or someone more "important".

I thanked him for doing this job...of being there for us & choosing to be "out there" in front of the world....I feel we are so fortunate to have such a candidate...political spiritual hearts all coming together over this man!

Peace
DR

[Skwmom]

6. I have alot of respect for your candidate.

I also have family in Ohio who think highly of him. I don't think you're being "idealistic" because I think Kucinich is the real deal - he's much more than campaign slogans and image. If this was a better world, this man would have a great chance of being our next Pres.

[LWolf]

7. I am an idealist, and I don't care who knows it.

Look at the people who have achieved the most profound change for good in the world. Idealists, all.

Gingersnap, you're experience seems to be universal among people who meet Dennis in person. It was certainly true at the Studio City House Party last night! I've met him and heard him in person before, but I sat quietly at the back of the pack and cried while I listened to him. We had a big crowd; about 250. You can read more about it here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=106&topic_id=2613

He was headed to Venice when he left us; his campaign manager kept saying, "Only one more question;" he was determined to speak to as many people as he could, and take their questions. The last question of the evening before they whisked him off came from a woman who said, "As far as I am concerned, it's a done deal. You are the next president of the United States. So, my only question is, who will be your running mate, and will you consider Hillary?" Dennis laughed and said he had a good working relationship with Hillary, she'd campaigned for him in Ohio, and he hoped to continue to work with her, but he couldn't predict in what capacity. Or something to that effect.

The energy was electric; the people loved him, and you could feel hope rising around us.

[cyclezealot]

8. I think San Diego started Kucinich's day.

To add to the others' positive reports. Kucinich was at the Mexico/USA border at 10:30 am.. He received good local news coverage.
I stated elsewhere, the fundraiser/house/peaceday party was a success. Dennis ignited everyone, no doubt.. All left hopeful about the world could be made a better place. Just circulate among the crowd. Seein DK is enough to convince all I met that DK is the greatest source of optimism since Robert Kennedy.
And in a very modest neighborhood and only around 200 present, I learned today we raised over $5,000 for DK.. We are pleased. People speak with their cash, even if their incomes are modest.
Last time DK was in San Diego we had a thunderous crowd, inspiring night about 800 present and we raised over $17,000 for DK. Money speaks of our enthusism, even if we are not Bush's 1%.

[cyclezealot]

9. Tomorrow is another Peace day for DK.

I hope C Span covers this crucial event.. TOmorrow, Helen Culdicott, Susan Sarandon, Dennis Kucinch and The Dalai Lama talks at an event in New York about peace. All inspiring people to many of us. I hope many will have a chance to see this event. It is being put on by The Nation.

[diamondsoul]

15. Have you found any more info

on coverage of this? I'm horribly disappointed to say I have not. To make matters worse, the Dalai Lama was right here in my city and I couldn't get transportation to see him.

If anyone finds anything, please post it or PM me with it! I want to know what Dennis had to say!

[genius]

12. A woman who had written a book about him in Japanese was in Studio City

I just glanced at the book because I don't read Japanese but it looked really impressive.

[LWolf]

13. So you were there and I didn't get to meet you?

I keep passing DUers at DK events without even knowing they are there. Someday I'll get to meet one face to face.

:hi:

[eridani]

14. That in person thing--

--really is true. I went to his speech in Seattle a couple of months ago, and when I raved about him to my husband, hubby sez "Are you in love with this guy or something?" It struck me that my hubby is also one of those short little guys who are way stronger than they look, so I sez "Maybe I just go for tough little peasants who can carry heavy loads all day on short rations."

I don't think anyone who rags on Dennis about image issues has actually met him. Most of the criticism of that nature has been from people who don't like him on television. Maybe he needs a television style too? My opinion isn't worth much on the subject because I don't have a TV, and only see tapes that friends and relatives make of their favorite shows.

[cosmicdot]

20. "He looked me in the eye and hugged me."

wow ... that sent an emotional streak straight to my tear ducts ...

I got to see him when he visited Ocean Beach, San Diego ... his stop at the food coop ... I drove down to stay with friends just for that ...

[diamondsoul]

21. So funny, I hear that a lot.

"I've never believed in a politician until you (Dennis)."

I gave up, quit voting, for a long time. To this day I kick myself for not voting in 2000. I was stupid enough to believe my fellow citizens wouldn't allow this pResident to occupy our Capitol. Now I know better, but I really didn't have much hope for a change until March when I first discovered Kucinich's speeches opposing the war, and then his campaign site.

There is a new member at the volunteer board today, a 15yr old girl who just heard about Dennis today. Now she wants to join the walk for Dennis. I'm 20 years older than her and yet we shared the same experience when we read Kucinich's platforms, words, and dreams for our nation. She said "I devoured everything and then read it all again!", and I remember sitting here for hours digging up everything I could find on Kucinich (once I could remember how to spell it! :D ) and STILL not being satisfied! From there I started watching C-span just to get a chance to hear him speak. I still check the schedule to see when the House is back in session just in case he makes a floor speech!*LOL*

Anyway, I just wanted to point out how many of us have that experience of "FINALLY! A Politician I can really believe in!".

[JohnKleeb]

22. Thats so great

Hey maybe this 15 year old and I can :) hook up lol I am just a lonely guy. and diamond I am sorry about yesterday when I was chatting with you something came up and I had to turn off my computer.

[veganwitch]

11. our party (about 20)...

raised over 700 dollars. there were about 5 in the dc-metro area.

besides informing people and inspiring people already support dennis, i wonder what the numbers are for donations.

[LWolf]

17. I wonder, too.

It's been a week; what were the peace day totals?

[Desertrose]

18. our small party raised over $1000

we had maybe 24 total....
...the hosts were so wonderful...it was all about Peace and how Dennis is the Peace candidate...we released helium baloons into the blue blue AZ sky that we had written our hopes dreams visions on...it was a really beautiful day, I donated some of my art and it was just a heart centered day!!!

and lots of :grouphug:

I bet after all those busy guys at HQ get it sorted out they will let us know. :)

Peace
DR



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[LWolf]

19. What time of day did you have it?

Did you get the live feed from San Diego, Studio City, or Venice?

I was there in Studio City. You know what I came away with? After enough time listening to the naysayers...that "e" word, you know...I can get discouraged. When I listen to Dennis, and watch him interact with people, all doubt goes away. I had a pair of friends there, DK supporters who'd never met him. Liked him but worried about winning. When he left to head over to Venice, I turned to them and said, "Well, is there anyone else?" They shook their head and wiped tears. One said, "No. He's the one."

[JohnKleeb]

23. no one told me lol

I endorsed DK on my back monday-friday this week.