Do you, for a second, think there will ever be a President Kucinich?

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

It doesn't seem very realistic to believe so.

Just sayin'. 2¢

[grytpype]

1. NADER / KUCINICH 2008!!!!!

The right choice for America!!!!

[MaggieSwanson]

79. If I posted that about any other Democrat,

people would be all over my sh*t.

Just sayin'.

[Mythsaje]

2. It would take a massive awakening...

I like him, but there are too many knee-jerk reactionaries out there to ever see him get beyond the primaries.

[jgraz]

3. Yes...for a second

....aaaand it's gone...

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

4. see what happens when you blink

[jhhh]

57. awakening

I think people are starting to come to. I don't think it is far fetched to see a more leftist government in the US for the next 10 years or so. It is mostly because of Iraq.

[Mythsaje]

65. More leftist comparably, perhaps...

But only in comparison to the far right wackos we've had running things for the past several years.

Welcome to DU!

[Vexatious Ape]

5. Sadly no.

He's about the only candidate I could get excited about. I think the mainstream media will follow the lead of the wack-job talk radio creeps and paint him as a North American Hugo Chavez.

[DemBones DemBones]

6. Why do some DUers refuse to support a real progressive for president?

I'm old enough to have seen more than one man win the presidency against the expectations of all the so-called realists.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

11. I didn't say I don't support him.

I just know he'll never be president in this country

[JetCityLiberal]

14. Why? Seriously why?

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

28. He's too left for the country

I hate to say it bu you have to win more than just the democratic vote to win and he wouldn't even do that. It's sad.

[DemBones DemBones]

32. You mean the country where a large majority now oppose the war?

The country where people are worried about outsourcing of American jobs? The country where so many people have no health insurance and therefore go without necessary care?

Dennis Kucinich started voicing opposition to the war in Iraq more than six months before the Bush* administration admitted they were planning it.

Dennis Kucinich has always been a strong supporter of unions and of bringing jobs back to America.

Dennis Kucinich proposes that the way to deal with the health care/ insurance crisis is to enroll all Americans in Medicare; the system's already in place, it works and is cost-efficient.


Explain to me how Dennis Kucinich is "too far left" for the country. If the so-called left would support him, and stop saying he can't win, I think the doubting Thomases would be surprised at the support Kucinich would get. Americans showed last month that they're fed up with the GOP and aren't going to let the media tell them what to think any longer.

If you support what Kucinich supports, then you need to support Kucinich. Or maybe you would rather that the DLC pick the Dem nominee again?

[LittleClarkie]

50. No, we mean a country where most people can't even remember his fucking name

even though he ran last time.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

64. Ivoted for him last time and I wil vote for him again, no doubt

But I don't think he'll win

Do you think he'll get a single republican vote?

[0rganism]

7. I fear, if he did win, it would be a short-lived victory

He would be gone faster than William H. Harrison on a cold winter day.

[Syrinx]

8. no

I'm tempted to say that at least he will get a chance to make points that need to be made.

But I don't even think that is true. Given the state of our image-over-substance culture and media, he'll be treated as a joke. Or, more likely, just ignored.

I agree with him mostly, though I think the "Department Of Peace" is ridiculous, since that is what the State Department is supposed to be.

Sadly, Kucinich doesn't have what it takes to be taken seriously in high-level American politics. Namely, unserious and superficial qualities on which to build a storyline. He's a nerdy guy from Cleveland that is serious about the issues. Where are the great dramatic arcs there?

No, he doesn't stand the slightest chance of being nominated, much less of being elected. And I ADMIRE the guy!

[sagesnow]

9. I imagine Dennis Kucinich doesn't care whether...

he wins the Presidency or not. It seems to me that it is more important to him to get his message out. By running he can keep trying to pull the Democratic party back to it's populist roots. He keeps dreaming the Impossible Dream, tilting Republican neocon windmills, in the hopes Democrats will wake up to the fact Republican policies will squash small businesses and the working class. Without a strong working class, the United States will be just another Banana Republic for our Corporate Rulers to exploit.
I say GO Dennis! And who knows....

[BluegrassDem]

10. I support progressives, but we need someone that can actually win

Kucinich looks like an elf. I'm sorry, but that's just the truth. And he doesn't have a strong presence. He seems feeble in many ways. He's a good guy, but he would never win the presidency.

[jhhh]

58. progressives

It does seem hard to concieve of such a slight man being our prez.

[Raine]

12. No

he doesn't look the part, he will never get elected because of that. :-(

[LittleClarkie]

13. Perhaps if people could actually remember his name this time

instead of being able to name the first few candidates, and then by the time they get to him they're left just sort of describing him as that Christmas elf from Ohio.

No, I think he has little chance unless he's got a better staff this time and more money.

[jus_the_facts]

15. Realistically he has more of a chance than a black man or a woman.....

....meaning Obama or Hillary...or least of all Condi...just keepin' it real...REALLY! :think:

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

31. Yeah - this country makes me so proud sometimes

sheesh

[yellowdawgdem]

16. Probably a long shot

But by putting himself out there, he will get to speak out against the war. This will force the other candidates to express their views on Iraq and related issues. Jesse Jackson had this kind of effect when he ran for prez. Another positive thing that could happen is that by being in the primaries, whoever does get the nom could choose him as vp, or a cabinet position. He does kind of seem like vp material. But even if that does not happen, it is good that he is running, it will give us lefties a bit of interest in the election. It will make the primaries a little less boring. Also it shows alot of solid good intent on his part, which makes him trustworthy. Good to know who is trustworthy in politics.

[Sherman A1]

17. Perhaps his candidacy

is about the debate and raising issues that seriously need to be discussed. People run for different reasons, many know that they are at best long, long shots. I would suspect that Dennis Kucinich is not so foolish as to think he would be a front runner. It will be a wide open field and every candidate will contribute ideas to the discussion, from that discussion we will choose a person to lead the country. No matter who you support or think will be the winner, this will be a superb time for democracy. A crowded field with lots of ideas and excitement.

[MonkeyFunk]

18. Only if he ran with

Cynthia McKinney as his runningmate.

Then he'd be President of Less-than-Nothing.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

26. I can see the bumper stickers now

[Douglas Carpenter]

19. if and only if the 2008 race becomes an issue oriented race

and people are some how given the opportunity to compare Mr. Kucinich's record and position on issues with the other candidates records and positions on issues.

Under those circumstances Mr. Kucinich might likely win.

but yes that is a long shot

[liberal N proud]

20. If he were the nominee, I wouldn't have any problem voting for him

But will he ever get that far? I doubt it, but then again who ever thought that bu$h would be in the White House?

[MadHound]

21. Let's see,

1971: " Do you, for a second, think that McGovern will get the nomination?"
1975: "Do you, for a second, think there will ever be a President Carter?"
1991: "Do you, for a second, think there will ever be a President Clinton?"

Stranger things have happened friend, and you never know what will happen between now and then.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

25. You're equating Kucinich to Clinton?

edit:forgot the e in equating

[MadHound]

38. In terms of being an unexpected candidate who wins the presidentcy, yes.

Clinton wasn't even on the radar when he ran his first presidential campaign. He was considered to be a very long shot when he announced his candidacy. Even when he got the nomination, he wasn't expected to win, and quite frankly he probably wouldn't have if it hadn't been for the fact that Perot drew off lots of Republican votes. So yeah, I think the comparison is apt.

Now then, in terms of Kucinich being a better person for the office, I think that Dennis is light years ahead of Clinton. He isn't a corporate whore, his thinking and policies are light years ahead of his time, and the man actually gives a damn about the poor and working class.

[MonkeyFunk]

40. yes, it IS possible

there's a small chance that every native-born American over the age of 35 and has lived in the US for 14 years gets ebola. In that case, Kucinich is a shoo-in.

[MadHound]

42. Oh, isn't that a clever comment.

Positively contributing to the discussion, no. Recognizing the reality that complete unknowns and darkhorses can and have won the Presidency in the past, and will do so in the future, no. But a clever comment none the less:eyes:

[MonkeyFunk]

43. the guy

couldn't break 10% of the primary votes in his OWN STATE in 2004.

That's his own state, and his own party.


If you think that's the sign of a presidential winner, pass me the pipe.

[MadHound]

44. So I suppose that you think we should crown Hillary now?

Or perhaps Obama? After all, they are the front runners right, no use in anybody else jumping in. Geez, let the primaries play out and let the people decide before you go declaring who can and cannot win. It isn't up to you friend, it's up to the people.

[MonkeyFunk]

45. I'm not deciding...

I'm just realistic. Kucinich can't win (unless my previous scenario occurs).

If you're so confident, let's place a bet. I'll give you 100/1 odds. If Kucinich wins the presidential race, I'll give you $100,000. If he doesn't, you give me $1,000.

Fair enough?

[MadHound]

46. LOL, sorry pal, I don't have that kind of money,

Besides, such public, cross state betting is illegal. Sorry.

All I am saying is that you are ignoring some historical precedents. We're still a long way out, and a lot can happen between now and then. Besides, with Kucinich being the only consistent candidate on the Iraq war, many folks are taking a new look at him.

Now then, a question for you, if Kucinich gets the nomination, will you vote for him, or will you still consider him unelectable?

[MonkeyFunk]

48. OK

Let's lower it.

Same odds...

Kucinich becomes President, I donate $1,000 to the charity of your choice. He doesn't, you donate $10 to the charity of my choice.

Yes, I'll vote for Kucinich if he's the Democratic nominee.

[NotGivingUp]

22. If Americans would GROW up and SMARTEN up...YES, I DO!

[KarenS]

23. Dennis Kucinich is generations ahead of his time,,,,,

BUT I will caucus for him and vote for him whenever I can.

I have the utmost respect for this man.

[rock]

24. Of course. He'd make a great president!

Now a comment, but not about Kucinich, about anybody: bush* has proven that there is no litmus test for president; anybody could become president. Literally anybody.

[terrya]

27. Nope. There will never be a President Kucinich

Look, I like the man. He's a good man who espouses a lot of what I believe. But him even winning the nomination is just not possible, let alone winning the White House. He's too...dare I say the word....liberal to be elected. Not in America in this part of the 21st century.

I'm sorry to say it. Believe me, I am. But realistically....no.

[bermudat]

29. Nada, nunca, no

[flordehinojos]

30. my 2 cents worth too, Mr. Chavez Speaks the Truth. I so agree with you.

Biden and Kerry will also be wasting their time and ours should they embark on yet another bid for the presidency .... i really think a strong democratic contender for the presidency of the u.s.a. ha not yet emerged ... and out of the current crop, i don't think i see anyone who can lead democrats to victory in 2008. some have too much baggage, others not enough credibility, and others will be easily swiftedboated out of the game by the bushistas and their evil forces.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

33. Yes

I also think that we have grave times ahead of us. If you read the post here yesterday about the global effects of even a small nuclear war, coupled with the obvious effects of global warming, I'd say we are in for times that will completely change our way of life and our thinking-those who don't change may not survive. Kucinich knows and understands what must be done to regain sanity on the planet, and can lead us from the abyss before too many people have fallen over.

[sendero]

34. If the DictatorTot...

... continues to screw up in Iraq, yes, it is quite possible.

[NashVegas]

35. Not For a Second

Nor can I imagine a Democratic nominee Kucinich.

[Name removed]

36. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MonkeyFunk]

49. Yes

he's George Bush.

You've outed him.

[RandomKoolzip]

51. Hey Chavez....turns out you're George Bush, man!

It's funny....in real life, ChavezSpeakstheTruth was always thought of as being a far-far-lefty kinda guy, a tree-hugger hippie idealist.

In the context of DU, he's a "right-wing", "corporate," "George Bush" kinda guy. If you knew CSTT in real life, you would be chuckling sadly at the irony.

DU is just plain fucked sometimes.


Look, since this obviously needs explaining, I'll expolain it:

ChavezSTT, like myself and I'm betting the majority of DUers, LIKES Dennis. We agree with him on most of the issues, and think he's a wonderful human being. In a perfect world, Dennis WOULD be president.

But here's where reality kicks in: Because this is NOT a perfect world, He will never be the Dem nominee for pres, much less pres. It's just not gonna happen. DU is not the real world, as the above example has shown in spades - we are to the left of the electorate, and no amount of blue skying and "Little-Engine-That-Could-ing" is gonna make a damn bit of difference. The Dem nominee will HAVE to court the middle to win, will HAVe to attract right wing voters, and will HAve to take some corporate money, and Kucinich has far too much integrity to do that.

Take a poll of non-DUer's; ask your mechanic...ask a bus driver....ask your dental hygenist....ask that guy on the highway with the orange vest, laying down gravel....ask a dishwasher at your local Denny's: "Kucinich for president in 2008, right?"

You'll get blank stares, or if they HAVE heard of him, a hearty guffaw or two.

That's reality.

[Richardo]

52. Did you say something?

Signed, GD-P

[RandomKoolzip]

53. Imagine me belching that post and it'll be more "impactful."

Remember this: You can't spell "Don Quixote" without "D.U."

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

68. I am the Decider - it's true heh heh heh

Did my pachouly give it away?

[asthmaticeog]

59. I've met him. He IS George Bush.

Brilliant. :eyes:

I voted for Kucinich in '04, and I almost certainly will again. However, like CStT, I do not believe he will ever be the nominee. So am I a conservative troll now?

BTW, almost none of your post makes sense. You're defending Dennis against attacks the OP never even made. Seriously, what's with all the projection?

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

67. I knew this would be perceived as flamebait or some sort of trollish

subversion. *sigh*

[asthmaticeog]

73. I think part of the problem is

that the GDs have been full of psychos for roughly the last 28 months. :patriot:

[NoPasaran]

37. No. Never.

We'll extend the right to vote to dolphins long before a vegan is elected to the Presidency.

[Tom Rinaldo]

39. No

That doesn't mean that Kucinich can't contribute to shaping the public debate however. Norman Thomas didn't have a chance to get elected President when he ran as a Socialist, but many of his then radical sounding positions later became public policy.

Sadly it's not just about the issues in politics. There is also the factor of charisma or "gravitas" or whatever the BLEEP you want to call it. Kucinich was not a significant player in his own state's Presidential primary in 2004, and that was his home town crowd. He should have been a favorite son in Ohio, that's if people there thought of him as presidential timber.

[derby378]

41. Unless he softens his position on guns, no

He can't get Texas' electoral votes unless he's willing to give a little.

[ripple]

47. Sorry to say, no- n/t

[kentuck]

54. If he got the same attention as Obama....

he could be President. If they hyped him up and then bragged about the excitement when he goes to NH, then he could win, I would surmise.

[Freddie Stubbs]

55. The problem is that he isn't exactly Mr. Excitement

Some people have charisma, some don't.

[jhhh]

56. Kucinich

It is possible. Just see what happens to Obama and Hilary.

[OzarkDem]

60. or a President Bayh or Vilsack?

Do you also object to them running?

[Zavulon]

61. No. No matter what his ideas are, nobody listens because

he comes across as a goofy-looking, pint-sized clown with a funny voice. He doesn't have what the press calls a "presidential" look and every photographer in the country will be looking for that one picture that makes him look stupid (you know, like Dukakis in the tank). Eventually, they'll get one. It'll be swiftboating by camera.

The press will have a field day with him as long as he stays in the race, which won't be long.

[OzarkDem]

62. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Zavulon]

70. Thanks :)

[Freddie Stubbs]

63. About as much of chance as Al Sharpton has of being elected as

Grank Wizard of the KKK.

[hijinx87]

66. I can only think of one.

he gets nominated for VP on a winning democratic ticket, serves 8 years, and
proves to the country that he is much better suited to the job than it may seem.

then runs at the top of the ticket at some point subsequent to that.

[paulk]

69. no, not for one second

This 2nd run by DK seems little more than a vanity campaign, IMHO, and I think it will get even less attention and support than his last run.

[Major Hogwash]

71. Are there snowballs in hell?

Because that's about what the chances are for "Kooky" Kucinich to become President.

[LanternWaste]

72. I think if his message resounds with the public, he'll have a shot

I've read a bit about the Kennedy/Nixon race and how no one gave "that Catholic" a chance in hell to win the primaries, let alone the election.

I think if his message resounds with the public, he'll have a shot.

[AbbyR]

74. Maybe not, but

I will support him as long as I can and do everything I can to help get his message out. He believes in everything I do: Universal health care, getting out of Iraq and getting the UN in, getting rid of the WTO and helping our farm families, repeal of the blasted Patriot Act, emphasis on education, the right to choose, and environmental sanity. What's not to like?


His message is important, and even if the image-obsessed media tries to make him the clown, if there are enough honest people out there, we may be able to at least make a mark on the discussion.

As for other candidates, I LIKE Hillary, but I really really hope she isn't the candidate, because I would have a very hard time voting for her. I could vote for Dennis in a minute, and hope I get the chance.

[HughBeaumont]

75. Nope.

Last election taught me that Collective America is too stupid to deserve a progressive president.

If this country cannot get that voting for a Goddamned Bush will mean war, rich getting exponentially richer and middle class/poor ruin but go and fucking do it twice anyway (yes, I know, election fraud . . . but my issue is why the SHIT were 2000 and 2004 even close enough to steal to begin with?), then I frankly have no hope that we'll have a president that falls below the range of slightly-left-leaning moderate to flat-out right-wing nutjob.

[Geek_Girl]

76. I'm supporting the candidate that best represents my values

and that my very well be Kucinich. I'm tired of the strategic view of electing candidates. Shouldn't we be electing officials who represent our views and our values. Our elected official should be a reflection of the people.

[LisaL]

77. No. I have nothing against the guy but I think he got

snowball's chance in hell of being actually elected.

[Radical Activist]

78. hmmm...let's say Vilsack or Bayh pick DK for VP to balance the ticket

naaah...they would never do that. It won't happen in 2008.

I just hope people who don't want to support DK are going to support a REAL progressive. A progressive candidate CAN win. The first thing it will take is liberals supporting eachother for a change.