After watching the Democratic presidential candidates in debate, hearing/reading about the candidates in debate, reading through their website and taking in what I can of the presidential race so far, at this point my vote is going to Dennis Kucinich (If the link doesn’t work, it’s http://www2.kucinich.us). The latest input on the race that I’ve seen is on Oh No a WoC PhD (Woman of Color PhD) who compares the candidates’ latest public appearance. She was impressed by Kucnich and she’d never really considered him before.
I did some fundraising for Dennis Kucinich‘s campaign in 2004 and I still support him. He’s the straight-talker and the one I want in the White House. In 1977 he was elected as Cleveland’s mayor (the youngest mayor ever) and he’s served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997 (in Ohio’s 10 district). He was one of few congresspeople who voted against the 2003 invasion of Iraq and has since voted against funding it. His presidential campaign platform includes the following:
Creating a single-payer system of universal health care that provides full coverage for all Americans by passage of the United States National Health Insurance Act.
The immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraq; replacing them with an international security force.
Guaranteed quality education for all; including free pre-kindergarten and college for all who want it.
Immediate withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Repealing the US PATRIOT Act.
Environmental renewal and clean energy.
Providing full social security benefits at age 65.
Creating a cabinet-level “Department of Peace”
Ratifying the ABM Treaty and the Kyoto Protocol.
Introducing reforms to bring about instant-runoff voting.
Protecting a woman’s right to choose
Legalizing same-sex marriage.
Creating a balance between workers and corporations.
Restoring rural communities and family farms.
Back in 2004 when I compared the presidential candidates, including Howard Dean, I knew Dennis Kucinich was my man and nothing has changed my admiration of and commitment to him. When Andersen Cooper asked (in the July 23rd debate) if the Democrats had failed the American people, Kucinich was the only one who began his answer with an actual “yes.” He’s consistent in where he stands on the issues and doesn’t apologize for his convictions.
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