If Not Viable, Kucinich Urges Supporters To Caucus For Obama
That's not a very big 'if' ... But ok, a purely hypothetical IF Dennis Kucinich fails to make the 15 percent viability threshold in Iowa precincts, he wants his supporters to caucus for Barack Obama.
That's a nice bit of progressive loving for Obama just two nights before the big show. In 2004, Kucinich made the same commitment to John Edwards.
A statement from the campaign:
DES MOINES, IA -- Democratic Presidential candidate and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich opened the New Year by publicly asking his Iowa supporters to vote for him in the caucuses this Thursday, and suggesting that if he did not make the 15% threshold, their second ballot should be for Senator Barack Obama. "This is obviously an 'Iowa-only' recommendation, as Sen. Obama and I are competing in the New Hampshire primary next Tuesday where I want to be the first choice of New Hampshire voters.
“I hope Iowans will caucus for me as their first choice this Thursday, because of my singular positions on the war, on health care, and trade. This is an opportunity for people to stand up for themselves. But in those caucus locations where my support doesn't reach the necessary threshold, I strongly encourage all of my supporters to make Barack Obama their second choice. Sen. Obama and I have one thing in common: Change.”
And per a statement from his campaign, Obama's 'thank you':
“I have a lot of respect for Congressman Kucinich, and I’m honored that he has done this because we both believe deeply in the need for fundamental change,” said Senator Obama. “He and I have been fighting for a number of the same priorities -- including an end to the war in Iraq that we both opposed from the start, reforming Washington and creating a better life for America's working families. I encourage all Iowans to take part in the caucuses this Thursday – not because it will be good for any one candidate, but because it will be good for our party and the future of our country.”
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Is this suppose to be significant? Mr. Kucinich support is barely registering in Iowa, or any other place for that matter. As a matter of fact, anybody with any common sence will run away from anybody that has been endorsed by Dennis Kucinich. There is nothing....in there!
Well Kucinich is an amazing man. He is someone that stands for integrity and honesty. He supports a not for profit health care system and was against Iraq from the start. I think if anyone deserves the vote it is Mr. Kucinich.
What does "There is nothing....in there!" mean? Kucinich, like Ron Paul and Gravel, is being sideshowed by the media because they don't want a real progressive to get any media time, or speak at any debates. Kucinich received 77% in Virginia, read here at Breitbart. So what is Robert's common sense? It is common sense to include everyone. It is foolish to follow the lead of mainstream media and select from the media's selection. That's what you're doing. It makes sense if you own stock in media companies. That would only mean you're greedy. Otherwise, it is quite counter-democratic to ignore anyone running. If you like big media and big money, go for it. But then you must be a Republican - acting the shill here. Lastly, don't you know that Kucinich did not try to do anything in Iowa and concentrated on New Hampshire?
Polls are skewed asking: "Are you a Democrat? Are you voting for Hillary? Why not? That must mean you're voting for the other minority with no historic chance of winning the general election Mr. Obama? No. Ok, well goodbye. We'll put you down for Kerry, I mean Edwards. [chuckle]" Essentially push polls and push coverage from day one.
Kucinich has the experience, the will, and the saavy to be our next great leader. He's polling low because Newsweek, Time, and the broadcasters chose our first tier candidates 18 months ago before many candidates even announced.
I'm just miffed that he's not sharing his support with Edwards again?
I'm just a Dem who'd prefer to avoid the Dynastic vote for Hillary (and her insurance company designed non-fix for healthcare)