Dennis for President
Originally published in the Cleveland Free Times
Eden: DENNIS FOR PRESIDENT
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Cleveland is very lucky to have the two-headed Dennis.
One is our city's political Don Quixote, the former 31-year-old "boy mayor" and political exile who tilted at local windmills, including Muny Power, and was knocked off his high horse and presumed dead. But he climbed back on, was miraculously elected to Congress, and fought to save steel mills and hospitals and build new windmills.
We know him as "Dennis Kucinich." He's a real-deal Cleveland folk hero who has survived and prospered, no matter how the "downtown establishment" and Plain Dealer tried to drive a stake through his heart. Like Buffy, he cannot be slayed.
The other I call "Dennis Kucin-inch." He's the slick politician who has raised $2 million on the Internet, has attracted a Hollywood C-list supporting cast but also has Willie Nelson in his corner, and is this city's and state's only presidential candidate. Why "Kucin-inch?" Because no matter which way we cut it, Dennis is still an inch too short to be taken seriously on the national commander-in-chief stage. But just like in the '70s, he's a lot of fun to watch as he tries to become America's "boy president."
Some people around town have complained that "Dennis Kucin-inch" has flip-flopped on many of "Dennis Kucinich's" issues. They say that Dennis has stopped being Dennis just so he can court a national following. They point to his complete flip on abortion ("pro-life" to "pro-choice") and other issues as signs that Dennis has sold out.
I say, "So what!" Dennis is finally right on the issues, and what's more important is that he is one hell of a fighter who really does deserve a national political cult following. I mean, Pat Buchanan and Alan Keyes? Gimme a break! Dennis, even with his new made-for-TV hairdo, has Cleveland flowing through his veins. He is the genuine thing -- even if he has had a slight cosmetic makeover for those who don't understand Cleveland fashion tastes nationally.
As much as some of us like to make a little fun of Dennis, and I count myself squarely in that group, I have also grown intrigued with his Washington political career and admire his fire and determination. He took advantage of two-term Republican congressional sap Martin Hoke to reclaim Mary Rose Oakar's Democratic House seat and jump into the only political arena that could contain his energy. It was a brilliant move, and Washington is the right place for Dennis to serve Cleveland.
That's why Dennis Kucinich, or Dennis Kucin-inch, is, or are, my favorite candidate(s) to receive the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the U.S.A. How often do we in Cleveland have the opportunity to ride a national political roller coaster, for however long, with one of our own?
Dennis is Cleveland's "favorite son." He's running to be the Leader of the Free World. He definitely would be better than W. His exploits deserve to be chronicled in our daily newspaper, which should dispatch a reporter to follow Dennis on his quest. Without strong local news coverage of his national candidacy, which only a major daily newspaper can provide, Clevelanders will never really know what Dennis is accomplishing nationally. It's a great story.
As for me, people can talk about the two-headed Dennis, but one thing I know is that he has one hell of a heart.
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