How likely is it that Kucinich would be a 3rd party candidate in 2004?

[PDittie]

I find the Kucinich backers even more fervent in their support than those of Howard Dean.

Is it a possibility that Dennis would renounce his party for the chance to run as an alternative?

[lcordero]

1. Not likely

[auntpattywatty]

2. If he cares about our country and getting rid of bush he will not run and

take democrat votes

[vi5]

3. I find Kucinich supporters to be reasonable....

The only inter-party anger I've seen from Kucinich supporters have been mostly at Dean and the Dean campaign. From what I can tell that's largely because Dean co-opted the anti-war banner from Kucinich, and Kucinich had to actually put his political career on the line and cast that vote with his conscience.

So I can see why they might be a little perturbed at that.

But other than that I haven't seen the degree of anger at the democratic party that would indicate a bolt to a 3rd party.

[no name no slogan]

14. You're correct. Some supporters, maybe, but NOT DK.

DK has stated, repeatedly, over and over ad infinitum ad naseum, that he will not run as a third party candidate in 2004.

There are a number of Kucinich supporters who've said they won't vote for any Democrat other than DK, but a vast majority of those are either Green voters in the first place, or are active in 3rd party politics and have no stake in the Democratic Party to begin with.

This question gets raised repeatedly, and again and again DK supporters have had to dispell this rumour. In MN, we even had a Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party officer spreading this lie. And yes, we did get an apology from this officer and the state party chair as well.

And yes, there is some anger at Dean, but not so much for the reasons you stated. DK supporters aren't as upset about Dean misrepresenting his record or positions; we're more upset about him misrepresenting DK's record and positions, especially on the IWR vote and opposition.

Kucinich is a valuable assett to the Democrats. He represents the die-hard liberal wing of the party that has been ignored during the Clinton-Gore era, who will be ESSENTIAL to any Democratic candidate in November. The Democrats dismiss him, his views and his supporters at their own risk.

[Hep]

4. Not likely at all.

If he can't get more support than this among democrats, how on earth could he consider himself viable to run 3P?

[eileen from OH]

5. This worries me as well.

I see more of a Green and/or Nader connection with DK than any other candidate and I'm concerned that if the Greens offered it to him, he'd do it. Hope I'm wrong.

eileen from OH

[diamondsoul]

10. I will say this again, just for you-

Yes there is a Green/Nader connection with Kucinich. Nader and the Greens are convinced the Deomcratic Party is broken beyond repair and so have set out to obliterate it and start fresh with a new party. Dennis Kucinich does not believe the Party is ruined and so continues to work on it from within as a loyal Party member.

He has stated repeatedly he will NOT run as a third party candidate under any circumstances, and in fact has promised to run to retain his House seat as a Democrat. Since he's made that vow, he cannot run for President as a third party candidate.

Something else to ease your concern, Dennis Kucinich has NEVER made a campaign promise he didn't do everything in his power to keep. The whole Cleveland Public Power story came about because he refused to break the vow he'd made to the people not to sell Muny Light.

Your concerns are unfounded, Eileen. I hope this helps.:-)

[LWolf]

6. It's not a possibility.

Dennis is a democrat. He's not changing parties. One of his strengths is his ability to reach out and draw diverse groups into his camp, and back to the democratic party. Dennis is the epitome of "big tent."

It is likely that some of Dennis' supporters may vote 3rd party if he doesn't get the nomination; they are people who left because they didn't feel the party represented them, and came back specifically because Dennis does. If they can't vote for him, they may go looking for someone who does represent them.

But Dennis isn't leaving the democratic party. If he doesn't get the nomination, he will be re-elected to his seat in the house and continue to work for us there.

[Alice Franken]

7. 100% ain't gonna happen!

DK has always worked through the democratic party; back to his early days as city councilman and mayor of Cleveland!

[newyawker99]

11. Hi Alice Franken!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[diamondsoul]

8. 100% impossible.

Dennis Kucinich is a lifelong Democrat and will not leave the party as he himself has stated repeatedly throughout this campaign.

[Dr.Phool]

9. No

Dennis has always been a maverick, but he knows what the game is about this year. Defeating George W. Bush. I've voted for him in every election he's ever ran in, from City Council, to Mayor, to Congress. But, not this time. I've spoken with him several times on the phone, on union business, and we've corresponded over the years.

I talked to him at the Florida Democratic Convention a couple of weeks ago, and told him he's a good congressman, and he should stay there, and maybe take a run at the Senate. I like Dennis, but this year it's Howard Dean all the way!

[Padraig18]

12. He will not leave the party.

DK is a loyal democrat, and has repeatedly stated that he will back the nominee of our party.

[mouse7]

13. Kucinich won't leave party

Kucinich is an old Catholic Labor Dem. Roots are pretty deep there.

Also, Kucinich couldn't win his House District as an independent.

[adadem]

15. Won't happen n/t

[dpbrown]

16. Not likely

Dennis understands that this is a fight for the soul of the Democratic Party.

[curse10]

17. more fervent than Dean supporters?

LoL

I respectfully disagree. And if DK changes party affiliations I'll give a hundred bucks to Dean.