Kucinich tries to win over Dean's Upper Valley supporters
Originally published in PoliticsNH.com
Kucinich tries to win over Dean's Upper Valley supporters
By ALEX PARKER
PoliticsNH.com
EAST PLAINFIELD, Jan. 15—Hoping to chip away at Howard Dean's phenomenal support among Democratic faithfuls, Congressman Dennis Kucinich held a house party for those attracted to the Ohio Congressman's outspoken views but who are supporting the Vermont governor and perceived front-runner for his electability.
The party, which attracted about 50 Dean and Kucinich supporters was organized by Lafayette and Mayme Noda. Richard Hendricks, Kucinich’s campaign coordinator, stated that he suggested the party to Mayme after she, a longtime friend, told him she would vote for Dean in the primary, dismissing the chances of Kucinich-- currently running at 1% in a poll conducted by the American Research Group.
"At every event we go to, someone comes up to us and says, 'I love Dennis Kucinich, I love all his ideas, I agree with his stands on all the issues, but I feel like I have to vote for Dean,'" said Hendricks. “They say he's not electable. Well, he is electable if you vote for him.”
Dean's name never came up during the discussion, however, as Kucinich spoke broadly, linking passionate idealism with practicality, and emphasizing his potential as an underdog.
“I envision government as being primarily a creative experience,” said Kucinich. Noting the Declaration of Independence's "potential for perfectability," Kucinich stated "what is important is the striving."
However, the Congressman also emphasized that he is a "practical politician."
"I've spent most of my career making sure the chuckholes were filled," said Kucinich, referring to his experience as a public official in Cleveland.
Kucinich also talked strategy. When asked how he especially could beat Bush, Kucinich touted his potential for broad support, claiming that he could pull in Greens, Libertarians, Natural Law and Reform Party voters, and minorities
disillusioned with the political process. He also claimed that, due to his ability to bring in Republicans with an inclusive message, he would be able to carry Ohio–considered to be crucial battleground state.
“I take an approach that reaches out and tries to involve [Republicans] on a level of their practical aspirations,” he said.
Kucinich may have won a few converts, but many were still undecided.
“I am in a huge quandary,” said Jill DeLaHunt, a computer specialist and neighbor to Woodward-Poor. “The stakes feel so high because Bush has got to go.”
Debating between Kucinich, Dean, and retired General Wesley Clark, DeLaHunt stated that the event pushed her much closer to Kucinich. “When someone asked him something which made him actually have to search himself a little
bit, he really did that…he seems very authentic.”
For John Rush, a senior citizen and Kucinich supporter, the night confirmed to him that Kucinich was “the best candidate in the race,” but did not answer his questions about electability.
“Kucinich is my choice,” said Rush. “We’re fearful that he doesn’t have a chance.”
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