ALL of Dennis Kucinich’s replies @ 11-15-07 Dem. Debate
copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Once more Cable News Network hosted a Democratic Debate. I cannot begin to express how I felt about the exchange or the analysis that ensued. Anderson Cooper, who in an earlier Democratic Debate expressed his disdain for Dennis Kucinich, helped to assess the performances in a program that followed the main event. Two pundits, James Carville a political consultant to Bill and now Hillary Clinton and David Gergen, counsel to President Clinton shared their “objective” views on the candidates. Interestingly, Journalist John Roberts divulged that in Nevada, and perhaps in the hall, fifty-one percent of the Democratic voters support Senator Clinton.
Might we extrapolate, the reactions to the Presidential hopefuls were filtered through a screen other than the one attached to our televisions. Yet, in cyberspace, we were able to read the views of common folks. Interestingly enough, Cable News Network provides a rare opportunity for Internet Citizen Reporters to express themselves. Through these more personal evaluations, we are able to experience a slightly more authentic glimpse into the electorate. I offer a few assessments for your review.
Andrew Tossetti of Amherst, Massachusetts Kucinich is a consistent thinker. Specifically, he voted against the Patriot Act as well as the war, two things we as a nation are perhaps regretting and are at the forefront of modern political topics. This kind of foresight is essential in a leader. “What if we had a president who got it right from the beginning?” he asks. This was a powerful thing to say that needed to be said. He is indeed worthy to be our president, the son of a truck driver who worked his way up while not abandoning very important moral and humanistic considerations.
As a voter, I am encouraged by the overall field. Biden has a great sense of humor; Clinton is assertive, Obama commanding. My dream ticket is Kucinich for president and a toss up between Clinton, Obama and Edwards for vice.
Charles Bean of Eureka, California I would like to have heard more from Biden, Mitchell, Kucinich or Dodd. Most people know about Clinton, Obama, and Edwards. The first four I named represent more of the public in my thinking. We just don’t hear much from them during the debates, as usual.
Paula Hyatt of Austin, Texas Finally a question is specifically addressed to Dennis Kucinich, 37 minutes into the debate. We have barely heard from Biden, Dodd, or Richards. I want to hear from more than Hillary, Edwards, and Obama. Give each candidate equal time, quit deciding for us who is going to be the candidate.
Again, we might realize the people applaud Dennis Kucinich. They wish to hear more from the person they would choose to be President. Yet, time after time, the only Presidential candidate that is card-carrying Union member, the one person that has consistently voted against the Iraq war, acts consistently to cut the funds, and bring the troops home is denied a forum.
Single Payer, Not for Profit Universal Health Care is what Americans crave. Dennis Kucinich is the one aspirant with such a plan. However, on occasions such as this he is not allowed to speak, at least not often.
I implore the media; let the one and only mainstream populace Presidential hopeful say his piece [peace], share his plans, and answer questions from those in the audience that yearn to his wisdom. Might we truly invite the people to think, weigh the issues intelligently, separate ourselves from the hype, and then vote. The Presidential election is not a sports event. Nor is it a game. Americans must have an opportunity to do more than presume to pick a winner. Too often, this nation chose the pretty, the well position, or the prominent namesake. Might we cast our ballot for the profound?
I ask the press to give peace and profundity a chance.
Please reflect on the reality. The American media refuses to bestow time for the brilliance of one that reads more than briefs before he votes on any Bill. Sigh!
Dennis makes the most of his limited time in CNN debate
Although he received the least amount of time of any of the seven Democratic Presidential candidates during last night’s CNN debate — less than six minutes of the two hours — Dennis Kucinich made the most of it with crisp answers to questions about the war in Iraq, China Trade, the Patriot Act, the proposed Yucca Mountain Nuclear waste dump, and other issues.
Kucinich noted that most of the other candidates who previously voted in favor of those measures recently have changed their positions. “You’ve seen here tonight people who voted for the war, voted to fund the war, now they have a different position. People voted for the Patriot Act. Now they have a different position. People voted for China trade. Now they have a different position. People who voted for Yucca Mountain. Now they had a different position.
“Just imagine what it will be like to have a president of the United States who’s right the first time. Just imagine,” Kucinich said to thunderous applause.”
He also drew an equally enthusiastic response when he said that the President and Vice President are “out of control, and Congress isn’t doing anything. It’s called impeachment and you don’t wait. You do it now. You don’t wait.”
The times for talk.
Biden: 9:15
Clinton: 15:55
Dodd: 7:10
Edwards: 10:43
Kucinich: 5:37
Obama: 18:09
Richardson: 14:06
Blitzer: 14:53
Imagine all the people living life in peace. I do dream the impossible. I have faith with a President Kucinich this is achievable.
Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.”
~ Miguel de Unamuno [Spanish Philosopher and Writer]
The Man, The Dream, The Possibilities . . .
