GLBTs: Did we let Kucinich down?

[theHandpuppet]

I ask that with all sincerity. Here was a true progressive, a man who supports full and equal rights for GLBTs, was/is vehemently against the war, supports health care for all, pro-choice, et al... in short, someone who has always been out there for us and for progressive values even when he was marginalized and ridiculed.

In the last primary I voted for Kucinich but of course this year I won't have that option. When I think about these past months I believe I really let him down and didn't return the support he gave those of us in the GLBT community. For some reason it took me a long time to get engaged in this year's primaries. Fighting the Bushreich had left me a bit numb.

I dunno... what do y'all think? As for me, I believe I failed to walk the walk for one of our greatest allies and for that I am very, very sorry.

[fenriswolf]

1. we have failed him insomuch as he would have been a great president

but we the people couldn't get behind him. I did the best I can and am still doing so. He still needs our help with his congressional run. donate in my sig line.

[theHandpuppet]

4. Thanks -- I'll do that

It's the least I can do.

[LaurenG]

2. I'm not GLBT but he was my favorite and in my opinion the best choice

I don't think any of us could help him. I think there are many reasons that he didn't make it but none of the reasons were the fault of his supporters or those who would have supported him had they had a chance.

:hug:

[Sapphocrat]

3. Honestly, I feel he let us down.

I'm still angry with him for dropping out before February 5th. I know, I can't possibly know all the factors that led up to his decision, but he took away my chance to vote for him (which I did, proudly, in the '04 primary).

Yeah, I guess we let him down by not raising oodles of money for him, but what little I was able to spare for Hillary would have gone to him -- he just dropped out way too early to let me help him in any way I could. (Besides talking the ear off anyone who would listen to me talk about him, which I have, for years.)

I love the guy, but I feel like he kicked the chair out from under me.

[theHandpuppet]

7. I can relate to that

I supported Kucinich in the last primary, too. But he did drop out so early this time... then Edwards dropped out (too early) and by the time I really got in gear there were only two candidates left standing. Still, I'll do my best to support his re-election.

[cyclezealot]

9. someone who sticks his neck out so for us will pay a price

corporate interests in Cleveland were out to get him. He had to pay attention to his congressional race against a real liar and corporate scum ball. see link below about his opponent.
In Congress, I assure you ; he will continue to fight for you.
**

Daily Kos outlines Cimperman’s special interest connections.
Help keep Ohio’s 10th Congressional District in Progressive HandsCleveland’s movers and shakers have thrown their support by sitting Ward 13 councilman Joe Cimperman, a corporate-owned politician. His argument for running is based in part on the most ludicrous of claims: that a sitting elected official ought not to spend taxpayer time and money running for another elected office. But that is precisely what Cimperman is doing. Furthermore, he is running on a patently false claim that Kucinich has missed more votes than almost any other member of Congress.

The truth, however, is not on Cimperman’s side. According to GovTrack.us:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/14/123353/526

[NMMNG]

5. I donated to him

But he wasn't around come the primary so I never had a chance to vote for him. Our loss.

[mondo joe]

6. I don't think so. Here's why: DK was closest to my positions, but I know he's

not a real contender. The candidate has to be able to close the deals as well as desire them.

I understand that in activism the one thing you can't do is compromise, but in politics everything is compromise.

It's the same reason that even though civil unions are NOT the right answer, I can support them as a compromise on the way to the real deal.

Similarly, though Edwards, Clinton and Obama are not the real deal, they are a necessary compromise.

The only question then is how far to take a compromise.

[cyclezealot]

8. apprecaite your kind words.

He can still be a voice in Congress. And he is paying the price for his independent thinking by Cleveland corporate interests wanting him gone and financing a corporate hack. You could always donate what ever you can afford to help keep him in Congress where he will continue to fight for us.
go to Kucinich .us

\thanks.

[Fovea]

14. Say the following phrase over and over

Dennis Kucinich, Speaker of the House.

[Kashka-Kat]

10. Not too late - I think he dropped out to fight for keeping his congressional seat

As you prob already know, its a Republican with tons of cash for smear and fear attack ads. Not too late to contribute - sadly in this reality he needs $$$ to fight back. I feel we still need him in congress (even tho I don't live in Ohio)

[fenriswolf]

17. its democrats who are threatening his seat

joe cimperman look him up.

[cyclezealot]

18. Republicans put up corporate Democrats

to take on progressives with their tainted cash all the time.

[fenriswolf]

20. except its not republicans

think about it. He was running in the democratic primary when this happened. He was embaressing the democratic contendors by staying on message about important things. They needed to silence him now so the DLC is putting up its own candidates to replace him, ones that will carry water for the DLC and corporations. Republicans would spend this kind of cash to grab one seat, and if they were they would make sure the people had a R after their name instead of a D.

[cyclezealot]

21. fenris.

Republicans do play about with turn coat dems. Like Lieberman. Yes, Lieberman is DLC. Or was. / But, posts have been made showing were Cimperman's money is coming from. Republican real estate interests in Cleveland. To a great extent at least.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

11. I never understood why Kooch lost support in the polls

when he had so much support here. I sent him money-more than I have any other candidate. I would suggest that you donate to his Congressional campaign, as I have. http://www.kucinich.us

[KoKo]

12. I think "WE ALL" let him down...but he's an elf who married a woman taller than he...

and nobody could really see him as President..because...because...because..

He was the Best of them ALL....

Folks forget Harry Truman had less qualifications than any of our Candidates but was an OUTSIDER/ Men's Clothing Salesmen...and he managed to make it.

But, Dennis...NOOOOOOO He's an elf...funny ..looking..too short...whatever.

[Fovea]

13. Not just GLBT

But before you beat yourself up, please consider the following idea.

Having supported Dennis once, and watching how the MSM and the powers that be nullified his campaign from the git go, and knowing the intense criticality of this election, you can be forgiven for cold compunction regarding *any* decision you might make- and frankly for the decision itself. Unless, of course you voted for the wide stance party.

Take your smartest and best shot, and sleep soundly.

[mikelgb]

15. this one didn't

[no name no slogan]

16. I could have posted your OP

I worked my ass off for Dennis is 2004. I ran a state website, I was a delegate to the state convention, and probably would have gone to the national convention if I could have afforded it (I lost my job and was unemployed a good part of 2004).

Unfortunately, I didn't do a whole lot for him this year. I got divorced a couple years ago and have had health issues, too, and I've barely been able to stay on top of what little life I have, let alone adding campaign work.

I feel bad for not doing more, too, but I will do more in the future. Whether it's for him or another true-blue progressive (like Wellstone), I'll be there however I can.

[readmoreoften]

19. I gave him and Edwards money instead of having my gas heater fixed.

I felt let down by him when he pushed Obama, which is utterly bizarre since Obama is for American expansionism and continuing the war. I want a DK. I'll take an Edwards.

I'd rather have a total upheaval of the system itself.