Following the campaign, September 26
From Karin Caifa:
POST-DEBATE JAM
“I did what I came here to do,” Kucinich said as he departed the stage Thursday, but he probably didn’t intend to get stuck in traffic afterward. Alas, even presidential candidates can’t escape Manhattan rush-hour gridlock. When the campaign’s minivan was stuck in traffic, Kucinich and staff were forced to take a cab from the debate’s downtown venue to the DNC Tribute in midtown. It was slow going up 7th Avenue, so the candidate and I had time to review his performance. He says that he clearly distinguished himself from his nine colleagues on three key issues: trade, social security and war. He loves the debate forum and thinks that doing more of them is the key to his campaign. When I asked him why his “strong” performance in the debates hasn’t translated into success in the polls, he dismissed their importance. “There’s something here,” he said. “There’s a movement here,” noting that this “movement” has raised $3 million across the country so far. Kucinich acknowledged the obstacle of name-recognition but thinks it’s a matter of time before his message catches on with American voters. He feels that the more he “distinguishes” himself from the others, the more people will see him as a viable alternative. As for the sniping that took place among some Dems on the stage during the second half of the debate, Kucinich didn’t reprimand his colleagues, but indicated any finger-pointing, such as what he did to Clark and Dean onstage, will continue to be issues-based. “He doesn’t attack anyone personally,” Campaign Manager Dot Maver said. “Our interns especially are so inspired by that.” For the campaign’s sake, hopefully the voters are, too.
OTHER NEWS
The congressman issued a statement Thursday responding to reports that the Bush administration’s chief weapons inspector has found no evidence of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons in Iraq. “There can be no dispute now that this administration sent this country to war based on falsehoods and lies,” the statement said. “Time and time again in their campaign to sell the war, the administration cited evidence of ‘vast stockpiles’ of weapons of mass destruction to mislead the country into believing that Iraq was a imminent threat. We now know that this orchestrated campaign of deception, from the president on down, was used solely to play on the fears of Americans and to mislead Congress. Mr. President, where are the ‘vast stockpiles’ of weapons of mass destruction? What is the justification for this unnecessary and unsuccessful war?”
ON THE TRAIL
Friday: Appearances in Colorado.
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