December 13, 2007 7:51 AM
Kucinich: above the fray, but not by choice
View image File photo by M.E. Sprengelmeyer
Rep. Dennis Kucinich got his name in the paper today, but not for the reason he might like.
After long-shot Republican Alan Keyes was included in Wednesday's Des Moines Register debate, the newspaper figured it needed to explain why Kucinich is being excluded from today's Democratic contest.
CLICK HERE for their explanation. Kucinich is NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
So six of his buddies will try to go on without him when the debate airs on CNN at 1 p.m. Iowa time -- 2 p.m. Eastern or noon in Colorado.
With just a few weeks to go before the Jan. 3, 2008, Iowa caucuses, and with the race still too close to call, we might predict that the gloves will really, really, really come off in today's dust-up.
But then again, that's what we thought going into Wednesday's Republican debate, which evoked yawns and groans in the press rooms packed with bloodthirsty campaign reporters.
Perhaps we should remind the candidates this time. There's a lot at stake. National front-runner, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, getting a major scare in the Iowa and New Hampshire polls from Sen. Barack Obama. Former Sen. John Edwards is close behind in the first-caucus state. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Joe Biden can point to polls that give them hope for surprises. And Sen. Chris Dodd, who just moved his family to Iowa, also is up on television with an upbeat new ad.
This is it, folks -- the last Iowa debate before the caucuses.
It's the last big event before the Christmas and New Year's holidays -- which might or might not freeze the race, depending on how much diversion folks find in their stockings.
So if any of them are hoping for breakthroughs, this might be the last shopping day.
If you watch the debate or you want to talk about Kucinich's exclusion, we'd love to read your thoughts in the COMMENTS section.
Then, watch for full coverage in Friday's Rocky Mountain News.
December 15, 2007
11:33 AM
Pauline writes:
Elizabeth Kucinich is an intelligent women. Regrettably, she possesses two handicaps: 1) she was born in Essex County England (Essex girls are actually quite infamous in England and there are widespread ditties to prove it), and 2) she married an older man.
Although a novelty, this outspoken articulate tongue rung woman may have a hard time proving her loyalty -- not only to Dennis (will she stick around when he retires?), but also, a fortiori, we wonder, how will she remember America where a flash in the pan is all too common a sight?
Nevertheless, it is a rare delight to see an outspoken woman like Elizabeth Kucinich, one who has the body of Aphrodite and the mind of Ayn Rand. Stop. Actually, it is quite a rarity to see any woman anywhere who possesses the ability to think analytically, and across conceptual political systems, and who also possesses access to materials likely to develop well-shaped perceptions. .. Stop. Now that I am pondering this idea, I am wondering how many men there are out there ... Thinking has become so passe. Stop.
My apologies, folks... it's a Saturday snobby Saturday morning in cappuccino privacy where it is easy to forget ... humor is the only psychological defense remaining.
In sum serious, I totally like Elizabeth Kucinich, and despite her handicaps, think she is awesome.
December 14, 2007
10:11 AM
DSS writes:
In the previous election, Denny the K said he was running in order to find a wife. (Presumably for him, although I suppose it could have been someone else's). Apparently he has:
"A British girl from Essex, in southern England, may be the first lady with a tongue stud to have set her sights on the White House.
The wife of Dennis Kucinich, a left-wing Democratic congressman and 2008 presidential candidate, is a 29-year-old hippie chick from Upminster at the end of the London Underground’s District line."
December 13, 2007
1:33 PM
Kelli writes:
Laura Hollingsworth is the President and Publisher of the Des Moines Register, who is putting on the debate. CALL HER about this. Her private line is (515) 284-8041.
I stopped in at the Des Moines Register's office today to lodge a complaint in person. I didn't get to speak to anyone on the editorial staff, but the security guard did phone one of the executive assistants for me and let her know what I was there for.
December 13, 2007
1:31 PM
Creeley Bukowski Creeley writes:
I guess low overhead isn't always good.
Sounds like he's been classed out.
It's America, get used to it.
December 13, 2007
1:30 PM
Creeley Bukowski Creeley writes:
I guess low overhead isn't always good.
Sounds like he's been classed out.
It's America, get used to it.