When the cameras are not on Kucinich--

[eridani]

--a report from a college Republican.

http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/news/campaign_compassion.html

The four of us walk down the dark stairwell. Kucinich stops. He doesn't want to frighten the sleeping man, and whispers to us to keep our distance. Three of us stand 10 steps above the concrete floor this sleeping man calls home.

Below, the congressman stands motionless, staring at this man whose poverty is absolute. Is Kucinich thinking of his own past? As a boy, his family sometimes lived in cars. Tonight, Kucinich's face says more to me than any speech he's ever given. I believe that he is suffering right along with this helpless and hopeless sleeping man. It is 25 degrees out tonight. How cold was the boy in Cleveland who called cars home?

[ClintonTyree]

1. Of all Democratic candidates.............

I truly believe Dennis Kucinich is the best man. If only American's didn't view this as weakness in a man. Compassion and a truly progressive inndividual is exactly what this country needs, but Americans will never vote for an idealist. Too bad, he's a great man.

[corporatewhore]

3. I think he would do fine in GE but alas in the primaries...

[AP]

4. I think that Kucinich's best days as a politician are in the future.

I hope that Edwards's win is going to open the door for America to embrace politcians like himself and Kucinich and Debbie Stabenow and Lynn Rivers and Ruth Ann Minner.

I think that if Edwards wins it will be the end of dynasties like Bush's and people won't put a premium on inherited privilege for just long enought for the good kinds of politicians to change America for the better.

[sweetheart]

8. Dennis is walking point

He is taking the lead and the slings and arrows of those who would not have wise and impeccable leadership in america. He is inspiring 1000's of people to come out and speak the truth, to fight for justice and to take the bull by the proverbial horns.

Nothing is "too bad" about that. He is already elected in tough races. He will be elected in the future. He is the kingmaker, if not the king himself.

Dennis, i know it can sometimes be exhausting. We are with you in spirit and in deed.

Rock this place. You can't lose.

In the words of Obi Wan Kenobe to Darth Vader: "If you strike me down, i shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."

[DemBones DemBones]

10. Very nice. Dennis IS walking point

for us.

[diamondsoul]

24. "Walking Point"...

I can't tell you how much that makes me want to cry. Kucinich has never served in the military, yet he seems more prepared to Walk Point than the most seasoned veterans we have in this race.

My problem, and the reason for my urge to cry is that I know what happens to the Point Man. He's the first to lose his life. Sobering, frightening and painful to consider.

[DemBones DemBones]

43. I thought of that but just believe that

Dennis will be OK. He's not afraid, which counts for a lot in survival.

[redqueen]

26. Why don't we give them a chance?

Show that you're proud of your liberal values - vote Kucinich.

[Hippo_Tron]

41. Which is why I think he should be Speaker of the House...

Or at least minority leader for the time being. The Republican congressional leadership consists almost entirely of extremeists and so far it has seemed to work pretty well for them. I'd much rather have somebody who has the balls to stand up to the Republicans on almost every issue rather than Daschle who agrees with them half the time and Pelosi who just complains whenever they do something.

[corporatewhore]

2. That was a great article!!!

[Terwilliger]

5. Dennis' speech to New Hampshire Dem event NOT repeated on CSPAM

They replayed everyone BUT Dennis!

[Sugarbleus]

7. Bastards! I like that-->C-Spam lol eom

[Sugarbleus]

6. Magnificent article!!

I totally agree. Kucinich is truly a "whole human being". I am touched by this post and completely relate to the compassion of Dennis. I am constantly startled by the harshness of others towards those human beings down on their luck. I wonder how many bodies the cold hearted will step over before something compassionate and responsible takes hold.

God Bless Dennis Kucinich

:loveya:

[DemBones DemBones]

9. Sometimes, it is difficult to find words. . .

Imagine Dennis as president.

[ThirdWheelLegend]

11. No I might have to face real change!!

Please I just want the (D), nothing more!

:hi:

TWL

[Sugarbleus]

12. Kick...they have to "see" this....

[Virgil]

13. People that love, love Kucinich

Great story. DK is the man. If only America had a President like that.

[MMT]

20. Yes! That's it exactly!

People who love, love Kucinich! People who aren't afraid to take risks, who believe we deserve and can have a better future, who reject the right-wing lies that life for most people is supposed to be nasty, brutish, and short.

Yes: people that love, love Kucinich! Thank you!!

[info being]

35. Great point...I think you're on to something

The 3% number makes sense, then.

[diamondsoul]

25. On loving and Dennis Kucinich-

An excerpt from a post I wrote at the Kucinich board. Sounds hokey to some I'm sure, but it's absolutely true, every word.

"You know the man I find most physically appealling (besides my spouse) has acne scars like you wouldn't believe, nowdays refuses to shave off a beard because of a scar caused from an accident that nearly killed him, and most of my friends insist is "ugly". Yeah? Well they're blind!

I feel the same way about Dennis. I could stare at his face for days and never want to blink. The reason is there's something intangible there, behind the eyes, IN the eyes. You look and the depth is plain to see. Trouble is most people are afraid to look.

I'm a strong proponent of body language. You can see in the eyes, hear in the voice and sense in the motions what people think and feel. This guy I mentioned above, he called me once and he was....both pained and furious all at once. He tried to make small talk, and I said "What's wrong?". He asked "How did you know I'm having a rought time??" and sounded seriously stunned. I said "It's in your eyes and in your voice for people who pay attention." and he said "I can't tell you how much it means that you DID and DO pay attention. Most people don't."

It seems he'd tried to get some moral support from friends and family but was too proud to ask for it. I was the only person who caught the anxiety and need in his voice and genuinely cared enough to address it. Again, I'm a freak. I know when friends lie, know when they hurt, know when they need and often know what they need before they ever ask because I pay attention.

I see things in the Congressman that worry me. not for the Presidential race but for him on a personal level. So what the heck, I'll take a risk and try to meet those needs. He does it for me, even when he ought to be falling over and dragged to a hospital from pure exhaustion, the least I can do is offer what I have. It ain't much, but I think he'll get it.

That's love, and love on a level that transcends romanticism, sexuality, friendship and whatever label anyone wants to give it. I have that to give, in abundance, and I'm pleased with and proud of it. I don't need to want to "date" Congressman Kucinich to love who and what he is. I don't need an intimate relationship to see when he has needs unmet. I just look and act because it's right. Because it's there. Because he fights so hard."

[Desertrose]

39. oh diamondsoul, you are right on about *love*

and Dennis...

There is just so much there to love ...Dennis just has so much heart and you can see it in his eyes and in his actions.... I too have those flashes of concern for his safety but just don't let myself go there....

I really believe he can feel all the love and caring and hope and compassion that we lift him up with. It is so wonderful to se threads like thee with so many wonderful posts of all the people who *get* what Dennis is all about....

Thanks everyone...thanks so much from the bottom of my heart...I needed this tonite.

:grouphug:
DR

[JohnKleeb]

14. If I had to vote in the primary today, it would be for Kucinich no questio

Hes lived such a great life, if hes not the nominee, I Want him in the next adminstratition, of all the candiates, I Think an Edwards one would be likely.

[Matilda]

15. That brought tears to my eyes.

If DK doesn't do any good in this election, can we borrow him for
Australia? I think he must be a wonderful human being.

[wheresthemind]

16. I think if he is not the nominee....

He will keep fighting in congress, and I would expect nothing less from him... maybe a run for senate eentually?

[CivilRightsNow]

29. Ill still vote for him in the primary..

Here in the south, I really feel the battle will be between Edwards and Clark..

I sit here and cry as I read this because Dennis is the best man at this juncture to lead this country. But for whatever reason, I just dont think it can happen now. I have hope in the future. I know this is not the last we will see of him and I gladly await a time when human value can be seen by the people.. beyond the media, the spin..

Kucinich gives me hope that all isnt lost. When the state of affairs starts getting me down, and I just want to throw in the towel.. I get hope from the fact that this man simply exists at this level in the world. It seems so rare. It seems like once you work your way up to running for president you have already conducted so many back office deals and compromises that you lose your idealism, your humanity. Being a 25 year old, everyone always tells me Ill get older and Ill understand it better, Ill trust it more, Ill stop caring as much.

But I dont want to stop caring. I dont want to be an automaton. I want to believe that there are good people out there that truly do still have we the people's best interests in mind. I want to demand that from the human soul, to cultivate it and support it.. not give up on it.

Dennis shows me that there is hope. That we can make a better tomorrow. Edwards will smooth the way.

[MuseRider]

17. I could not imagine

what you meant by "when the cameras are not on Kucinich". When are they ever really on him? Thanks for posting this article. He gives me encouragement for humanity. Far too often I feel like we are creating our own end times. This man would open up a whole new beginning. Beautiful article and I am am happy to have read it first thing in the morning, I can spend this day with a sweet feeling in my heart and a smile.

[LWolf]

18. Yes, Muserider.

If the cameras were ever on Dennis, more people would experiene that encouragement for humanity that he exudes. Meanwhile, I'm thankful that there is someone in a public position to model true empathy, compassion, and care for us.

[IrateCitizen]

19. But, he told his supporters in Iowa to go for Edwards!!!

That act alone nullifies anything else like this that he ever does for the rest of his life! He's clearly only a fraud who is hurting the progressive cause through his embrace of hippy-dippy, new-age nonsense!

</sarcasm>

In all seriousness, when I hear things like this about DK, I feel deep down inside that America doesn't deserve him. A country so full of its own arrogance, so willing to flippantly use military force, doesn't deserve someone with Dennis's vision and compassion.

America doesn't deserve him. But America NEEDS him more than anything else. Too bad so much of America is too blind and deaf to realize this. :-(

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

30. America DOES deserve him!

Democrats don't.

[redqueen]

33. Important Distinction

Thanks for making that clear.

[iowapeacechief]

31. I agree, but...

...I am in the midst of composing a reply to one of his key supporters whose private e-mail to me included this:

"When Dennis led his supporters to go with Edwards I lost respect for him. I left his campaign because I figured out he was helping, I thought unwittingly, pro-war candidates like Edwards, but continued to respect him for his principles. Now I can see he not only has a losing campaign and is unable to change his approach when it is not working, he also lacks principles."

Guess who that Kucitizen turned to.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

21. Go DK!

The heart and soul of the party.

[jpgray]

22. Dennis has without a doubt the best political story of any candidate

And of course, the best policies. It'd be him or third party if we didn't have such a dangerous mess on our hands right now.

[eridani]

37. Especially compared to Shrubbie

Compare a boyhood spent sticking firecrackers up frogs' asses and lighting them off, vs. mopping school floors for clothes and tuition.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

23. Pssst!

You guys are needed on this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=203262

[bloom]

27. I think it is amazing that Dennis has raised as much money as Clark

- but he is hardly given the time of day in the media.

If it were not for the debates - I don't know if I would have seen him at all. :(

[redqueen]

32. Thank you

Most of the 'progressives' on DU seem to think that the media is now just 'doing its job' and is not in any way trying to marginalize Dennis.

Thank you for making that point. :)

[ThirdWheelLegend]

34. Tells you who the media is really 'bashing'

Even negative mentions in the media lead to name recognition. Leads people to want to know more about you.

The media is doing it's job by completely ignoring the biggest threat to their system of dominance.

TWL

[iowapeacechief]

28. Typing through tears...

...I've just forwarded this story to the KUCINICH4PRESIDENT and KUCINICH IOWA lists.

I've seen this Kucinich. He's real.

[eridani]

36. To get Bush out, I'll vote for the nominee--

--even if it isn't Kucinich. I'm holding out hope for a divided race and a brokered convention. If that doesn't work, I'll vote for Plan B. I'll even open my checkbook. But not my heart and soul.

[eridani]

38. Kick

Because this board moves so fast.

[economic justice]

40. Powerful stuff

That was quite impressive. I certainly get the feeling, as someone who is supporting another candidate, that DK is truly, "the real deal." For him to get through to a college Republican is quite remarkable. I have a deep respect for Congressman Kucinich.

[eridani]

42. If you support him in the primary--

--you can still support your first choice on down the line, while making a statement that you like his platform.

[LibDemAlways]

44. I work part time in an office

with a bunch of turkey ass repukes who listen to RW radio all day. (Thank God for earplugs.) Anyway I happened to
catch a few minutes of Dennis talking to InsHannity and was amazed how he kept his cool and wouldn't let himself be baited.
It's a shame the cameras are not on Dennis more. America is missing out on a man of courage, conscience, and conviction.

[LWolf]

50. I agree.

America is missing out.

And it doesn't surprise me in the least that he can handle himself with rabid right-wingers.

[kurtyboy]

45. DK makes me proud of my country

God bless...

[QC]

46. KICK!

:kick:

[eridani]

47. And again!

We need him as president.

[twilight]

48. Compassion comes from a Greek word meaning, "to suffer with."

<<Before I joined the campaign trail, friends quipped that I'd come back a Democrat. I doubt it. But I also doubt that I will ever forget the sleeping man whose name I never knew and whose face I never saw. Nor will I forget the look of compassion on the face of a motionless Dennis Kucinich, as he visited a man whom most of his party and most of his country would rather ignore. >>

Gee, a real human being running for president of the United States of America! I still support Dennis Kucinich for President in 2004 until his name no longer appears!

This article just shows what kind of person Dennis Kucinich really is. He has been there and done it, that is why!

DENNIS KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT IN 2004!!! :D :D :D



:dem: :kick:

[wheresthemind]

49. kick....

kick

[no name no slogan]

51. kick

:kick: :kick:

[redqueen]

52. Thanks for keeping this kicked

What an amazing person. What an unbelievable candidate.

I've managed to pass the 'Kucitizen bug' to my sister, who is holding a "FEAR ENDS - HOPE BEGINS - VOTE KUCINICH' banner above a San Diego freeway every day that she has off of work. She also spends all her time off that she can at the campaign headquarters, and is wearing her button around, and enjoying talking about him to everyone who asks (San Diego is very Republican). I'm SO proud of her. :loveya:

It's nice to see how infectious hope can be, even after 30 odd years of cynicism and Republicanism. :7

[eridani]

54. Already president--

--of the American chapter of Another World Is Possible.

[twilight]

53. kick kick kick kick kick!!!!

Gotta keep this story 'in the news'!

Another :kick: for Dennis J. Kucinich, our only REAL option for President of the United States! :thumbsup:



:dem: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: !!!!!! :D

[no name no slogan]

55. Hopping on the kick bandwagon (nt)

:kick:

[rumguy]

56. What would Kerry have done?

Mouth a platitude and then go back to his comfy hotel with his hundreds of millions....

[WarNoMore]

57. Dennis Kucinich exists

on a higher plane.