I wonder if Robert Kennedy, Jr. would be interested in running for DNC

[genius]

Chair. Not only would it put another Kennedy in charge of the DNC but it would turn the DNC into an anti-corporate, pro-environmental Party. He's a phenomenal and charismatic speaker. Even Republicans who disagree with him find themselves supporting him at speaking engagements. I bet the party would get back the Greens and declines to state if he were chairman.

[NYCGirl]

1. If anyone else was interested in running, they would have declared by now.

It's less than one month until the vote.

[Cheswick2.0]

8. genius is not over the primaries

his posts are all poorly disguised campaign adds against Dean for Chair.

I'd like to know who genuis thinks is a better candidate and why.

[newsguyatl]

17. disguised, optimal word

[KittyWampus]

19. Yes, You Seem To Have Hit The Nail On The Head

[genius]

22. Genius is undecided.

I was leaning towards Dean. But it's impossible to have an intelligent discussion with his supporters that don't include attacks for my not falling on the ground and worshipping the guy. The approach the Dean supporters is using is hurting Dean.

[genius]

23. So discussing RFK, Jr, or Edwards is Dean-bashing Didn't know that.

If I talk about chicken soup, am I also Dean bashing? How aobut if I mention Kucinich's great press release. Oh, that's right. I'm not praising Dean. Talking about Dennis must be Dean-bashing.

[NYCGirl]

30. That's ridiculous. I saw the thread with Kucinich's press release you

started. No one thought it was Dean bashing.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1489868

[Guaranteed]

45. I think he might be some kind of bot.

"I wonder if __________ would be interested in running for DNC chair"

(Repeat 1,000 times)

[Lavender Brown]

2. He is awesome

but it doesn't sound like the kind of thing he'd want to do. :shrug:

[Brundle_Fly]

3. he has commited himself to the environment.

I think he is better serving the US, and the world where he is.

[cali]

4. Dear Genius,

How desparate are you? RFK has no interest in being involved in politics. He's an environmentalist. Nor does he have the skills needed for the job. I can't wait to see who you come up with next.

[Leilani]

16. Last night he was pushing John Edwards

who voted for IWR, & still thinks it was a good idea.

Obviously, this is just an anti-Dean desperation.

[genius]

18. Are you saying Edwards is running for DNC chair?

And Kennedy is backing him?

[Leilani]

26. Huh?

It was your idea.

[janx]

36. I can't either! It's getting to be pretty funny, actually! n/t

[H2O Man]

5. Robert has made clear

that he will continue to serve all of America as an environmental advocate.

You raise an interesting point, however. It would be great to see the democratic party represent the interests of environmentalists. And as those who have read Robert's second book, "Crimes Against Nature" know, the democrats in the congress frequently sell out on environmental issues.

It's democrats at the grass roots level who can make the environment a democratic issue. No one "leader" at the top is going to "save" the environment. It's our responsibility to make it an issue. If we look at Howard Dean and Simon Rosenburg as choices for DNC chair, who do you think is more willing to go along with big business when it pollutes the air, land, and water for profit? And who is more likely to raise hell, because he knows that pollution creates unacceptable risks to public health? Which of these two is more likely to move in the direction that Kennedy represents?

[genius]

7. Unfortunately, one of Dean's problems is this very issue

Dean always chose corporate interests over the environment when he was governor of Vermont. The environment is one of Dean's worst issues and that's an understatement. So if this were the only issue, I'd have to pick Rosenberg. I don't really want Rosenberg. So I'm hoping a liberal who wants to save the planet will jump into the race. The planet may not have four years left in it.

These are just a few of the articles that were previously discussed in du about Dean vs. the environment.

http://www.vtce.org/ruinenvironment.html

http://www.vtce.org/deanoncoal.html

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/Columnists/Sam/0324045549.htm

http://www.vtce.org/deancrisisagvt.html

[cali]

11. As we all know

Vermont has one of the most degraded environments in the country; filthy water, no conservation, no planning, all those polluting businesses. Yep, we're just a mess up here.

Seriously, Dean's record on the environment could be better, but he wasn't horrible on the issue. He went to bat for the Champion land deal and it's core conservation area, as well as other conservation efforts. He didn't try to dismantle Act 250 in the face of a lot of pressure from business, and the fact is Vermont has some of the strongest environmental protection laws in the country.

[genius]

12. A big issues for California is Yucca Mountain,

which Dean backed. There was also the small latino community to which he tried to ship toxic waste. When I worked on Dean's campaign, we had discussions about how to spin this. If Dean could make some environmental promises, it would help him out here.

[MADem]

20. Ha!!!!!!!!!!

That was a Chris Matthews HA!!!!! by the way!

My sarcasm meter is broken, so it took me a second to realize the snark factor in your post. I was actually starting to worry that one of my favorite, pristine New England states had degraded since the last time I got over your way!!

One more time, with feeling: HA!!!!!!!!!!!

[ChrisHeinz]

28. Actually, I hear he is considering a run for NYC Governor

but will probably defer to Spitzer. I love RFK, but I think his learning curve at the DNC might be too steep.

[ChiciB1]

32. I See You're Back...

what do you know that WE don't??

Glad to hear from you again... I thought we lost you!

[ChrisHeinz]

33. Ohh, I never really leave...

I either lurk or post under my "stage name"

I know most people are wondering about Gov Dean's bid for DNC. From what I hear, he definately has the most support of the candidates. I assume he has enough to win, because he got in. I called his political director get the lay of the land and as a courtesy to say that I was trying to help Simon (but that he would NOT hear me bad mouthing his candidacy.) They must be very busy now.

Meanwhile, re: RFK. I spoke with some people close to him, and all I can say is that he is beginning to think that his ability to protect the environment is limited because of, for lack of a better term, the "system" is limiting him. In other words, a part of him definately wants to get into the fight.

He really reminds me of my father physically. Same steely blue eyes, jagged teeth and good looks. It's like seeing a ghost. Dad wasn't as dynamic public speaker though. And as for me, I have boring brown eyes, jagged teeth and a nose that speaks for itself. Literally.

[ChiciB1]

35. HIS father certainly was Dynamic!

I cried for days and days when they shot him. It would be GREAT to have another Kennedy back on stage and I've followed "Jr" for a long long time because I'm so environmentally conscious!

But I understand the road-blocks as I've been called a few names in my time! A very sad state of affairs!

And no, you don't have "boring brown eyes", and I'm surprised by your candor about yourself! You hide it well, because I remember watching you during the campaign and thought you were a "natural!"

I don't throw this stuff around lightly. I was also very impressed by Kerry's daughters. Ya'll did a FANTASTIC job at the Convention and I cried when I saw the young talent we have.

I'm a Boomer, so I go back to the late 60's and early '70's and remember John Kerry from way back then. I always followed him too!

[janx]

41. My nose speaks for itself, too, but I never hear it because

I'm asleep.

[cindyw]

49. Oh the good genes were passed on and you know it. :)

By the way, thanks for all you did to help with effort to elect your step-dad. He would have made a wonderful President and I for one am thankful that he has been in continuing contact with his supporters while continuing to fight. I hope he knows his best days could be ahead of him. We are still in need of leadership.

PS. Your mom rocks. Her Convention speech in regards to women was truly inspirational.

[sandnsea]

50. He's got the "framing" right

I loved the Salon interview. We had the health care issue in CA, framed as subsidizing Wal-mart with Medical. We can do the same thing with environmental issues. It's not a "free market" when taxpayers are subsidizing half the costs of business with environmental clean-up and health care; and food stamps and housing and everything else. Of course the Republican plan is to dismantle everything, but that takes us back to 1900 and if somebody would explain it to workers, they wouldn't want that. But nobody is really telling them.

"I have boring brown eyes, jagged teeth and a nose that speaks for itself." Oh brother, you poor guy, almost too ugly to leave the house, eh? Tell another one. ;)

[genius]

55. According to his office, he has received a lot of calls asking him to run

They are relaying messages to him and we'll have to see what he decides.

[dave123williams]

6. DNC? He should run for President.

[pbartch]

25. you got that right

[dolstein]

9. You've got to be kidding

Kennedy has one of the worst speaking voices I have every heard. Like fingernails being scraped across a blackboard.

Oh, and the party can't "get back" the Greens since most were never in the party to begin with.

[genius]

13. When I've seen him, the audience have been very impressed with him.

Even the Republicans have come around. Maybe you saw him when he had a cold.

[ChiciB1]

21. He Does Great Environmental Work, But

the voice thing isn't a cold. I've seen him many many times talking and it's always the same. I thought maybe he was suffering from MS or something. But I've never heard anyone talk about it.

Besides, DNC or President, he would be fantastic... BUT, well you know!

[webjamn]

14. I agree

While I totally support his environmental activism his voice is hard to listen to. I have seen him numerous times and only once did his voice not irritate me. I'm happy he is out there defending the environment and I hope he continues that very important quest.

[dave123williams]

27. If you think appearance, or vocal quality is the most important thing in a

...candidate, then you deserve to have Bryan Williams as President.

[ChiciB1]

31. I Think What's Upstairs Is Far More

important, I was just saying that his voice does always sound like he has laryngitis or something. I don't know how or why this is, or if it's because of an accident or illness after effect.

However, regardless of the Kennedy history or what those on the other side have to say, most of the Kennedy's have always tried to give something back to America!

I would stand by any Kennedy any time! I felt the same way about Kerry too! I just don't know where I'm at about him anymore. Oh, hell I really do still care for him so much, I can't help it! I've felt that way since the 70's, and it's too hard to drop him like a hot potato! POTATO-e???? Couldn't resist!

Just think about Gingrich, Quayle and The Idiot... why would anyone want to go there???

[dave123williams]

43. Gingrich isn't to be understimated...

Newt; he's maybe not very admirable, be he's no dummy either. Quale, Bush; yeah - you have a couple of world class bozos there.

While I think his ideology is folderol overlapped with claptrap, Gingrich is actually quite well read, very knowledgeable about the mechanics of government and the history of our country. He's not a religious zealot, but has largely been cast aside by his party because of his own hubris and quantifiable moral hypocrisy.

I'm quite sure that what's been labeled the Regan revoloution, in Newt's mind was more often thought of as the Newt-o-loution.

You're right about Joe Kennedy's voice; I've noticed the very same thing. I think he has something wrong with his vocal chords. The first time I heard it, I just assumed he'd lost his voice giving a speech or something.


Yeah; I like them Kennedy's too :) I met Rory Kennedy once; she's a dead ringer for her dad Bobby. Same exact smile.

[ChiciB1]

48. You Met A Kennedy!

That must have been wonderful! I don't underestimate Newt, just think he lacks what one might call "common sense" and that goes a long way. Without it, you get yourself in lots of trouble. And he did.

I know what he accomplished, but in the end he left. I don't think he will have the same impact again. I could be wrong.

The best I can do with political high points is to say I got to shake hands with Bill Clinton, John Kerry and John Edwards. And had my picture taken with Molly Ivins! But they were thrills anyway.

No matter, I HOPE Robert Kennedy Jr will get back on the National stage again. I guess his speaking voice is something no one really has any insight to. Chris Heinz wrote me a note last night saying that he thought Kennedy was tired of fighting the status quo, or something to that effect and that he thought he was going to run for NYC Gov.! Pataki don't make me happy!

Have you seen the TV ads with him (Pataki) lately????

[marcologico]

10. excellent idea n/t

[mother earth]

15. He is amazing, a breath of fresh air, love him!

[marcologico]

24. These days environmentalism is a partisan issue so it's not like he lacks

reasons. In fact his latest book is about how BushCo gets away with raping the environment. Incidentally I think his speaking voice is fine and DNC chair is not a real speechifying position anyway.

[Ignis]

53. Environmentalism on the (D) platform? Pshaw!

If nothing else, I'd say the time is ripe for RFKJr to be named as an early nominee to lead the Dept. of the Interior in 2008.

I can't believe that the DNC has allowed environmentalism to become a partisan issue, when it's one of the issues that consistently polls high across the board for Americans. It seems to me a no-brainer, especially for shoring up votes in the Rocky Mountain western states.

[IndianaGreen]

29. I would rather he run for President in 2008

Despite having a marital record similar to Rudi Giuliani, Kennedy has amassed an impressive record as an environmental activist.

A better bet is Joe Kennedy II who led Citizens Energy Corporation, to provide affordable prescription drugs to seniors and uninsured working families. Citizens Energy had proposed putting consumers in a single pool in order to negotiate deep discounts from pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.

[mattclearing]

34. You know any time a Kennedy steps into the ring, bad things happen.

I'm sure he has sworn off of politics.

[PassingFair]

37. Hmmm, I wonder if we could exhume FDR and run him for DNC chair?

Any "body" but Howard? This is getting a tad ridiculous.

[janx]

38. Or my dog could run. Huck could run. He's into the environment

in a very big way!

[Cha]

39. Yeah, anybody but Dean!

:D

[H2O Man]

46. I don't think the two

are inconsistent. Environmental issues are not a fringe interest; both democrats and non-democrats respond to environmental issues. Yet they do not get big play in the mainstream media.

Likewise, I think there is a significant interest in ending the US involvement in the war in Iraq that President Bush started. Among other things, although certainly to a less-visual extent, modern warfare is damaging to the environment.

I do understand that, for example, the amount of TCE in local water supplies will be of no significance in my sons and nephews lives if they are drafted and killed in Iraq, to prop up the Cheney-backed quest for oil. Thus, if you were to look on the "moderator's choice" forum's second group on the democratic party, I posted a thread about why I feel the war in Iraq should be the litmus test for democrats in 2005. Although I did not vote for Dean in the primaries, or contribute funds to his campaign, I've come to the conclusion that he represents the direction the party needs to move in today.

It may be true that his environmental record as governor is not outstanding. In truth, there is not a single politician at the national level who has an outstanding environmental record. Yet he is the only one running for DNC Chair who shows the potential to become a voice for those who do value environmental issues.

[janx]

40. Yeah but there's something about these posts together with

that pic of Kucinich that is driving me into tears of laughter!

[genius]

42. The most important thing to save in the next four years is the environment

If we don't, you'll all be dead and wishing you had supported someone who put the environment, like RFK, Jr., first.

How will you justify to your dying children that you just didn't care. In the state where I live, the Democratic Party will become a third party if it doesn't pick someone who cares about the environment.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

44. genius is always misunderstood

eom

[marcologico]

47. He makes a good point. Yucca mountain is a criminal enterprise. If Dean

is working for it he's on the wrong side, bigtime.

[DistressedAmerican]

51. END THE ARISTOCRACY!

Kennedy's, Clinton's, Bush's. No single families should have so much power. I don't care which side of the debate they fall on. We had a revolution to end aristocratic rule. I don't understand why everyone is so supportive of these folks. What has Robert Kennedy Jr. done besides being born into a rich powerful family? I can't go with you on this one. Sorry.

[marcologico]

52. Don't get distracted by names. The issue is the environment. It's life or

death at this point and we're dying of mercury poisoning among other things. We need somebody who knows and cares about it.

[H2O Man]

56. Perhaps

you might do well to study-up on Robert before commenting. What has he done? For one, he is recognized as the leading environmental attorney in the USA. He is the most aggressive in going after the "big guys." He donates time and money to help those who happen to live in poor, isolated communities.

I worked on a couple (related) SuperFund Sites in rural upstate New York for 20 years, and the military industries that dumped hundreds of thousands of gallons of TCE and of PCB-contaminated oils into the water supply of a tiny hamlet. The EPA seemed impotent in dealing with military contractors. I'd known Robert casually, from when he donated time and insight on Native American burial protection issues. So I asked for help.

Within a week, we had his co-workers driving upstate. We helped heal a rift between some of his workers, and the NYC DEP. We had the two top environmental consultant groups working with us at no cost. We got a clean-up in a case that was twice heard in federal court.

The clean-up started. Then Bush took office, and the $$$ to pay for it evaporated.

On a personal note, my nephew was attacked by a group of nazi skin-heads, and left for dead. Robert helped my family in many ways. He applied pressure on the state to prosecute in a case that would not have been prosecuted if Robert didn't step in. If you've ever seen your sister's child near death because some nazis didn't like a brown-skinned high school athlete getting media attention for leading his team to a state title, you remember it. And if Robert Kennedy comes and helps you, you never forget it.

I hope I answered some of your questions. He is much more than a name.

[LSK]

54. and I wonder why you wouldnt want Dean.....