Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio (109th Congress Progressive Action Score: 88, Regressive Conservative Score: 0, Oath of Office Index: 100) has let word out that he will run for president again in 2008. The official announcement will apparently come tomorrow at Cleveland’s City Hall:
“Democrats were swept into power on Nov. 7 because of widespread voter discontent with the war in Iraq,†Kucinich said. “Instead of heeding those concerns and responding with a strong and immediate change in policies and direction, the Democratic congressional leadership seems inclined to continue funding the perpetuation of the war.  His previous presidential proposals have included a national peace department, canceling free trade policies he says hurt American jobs and a single-payer, universal health care system.
Two months ago, I would have been derisive about a plan by Dennis Kucinich to run for president. Frankly, Dennis Kucinich’s performance in 2004 showed why he wouldn’t make a good president. On a personal basis, he has trouble finding common ground with others, and he can alternate between brusque and strident in his personal presentation. Two months ago, I could point to Russ Feingold as a clearly progressive presidential candidate, but Russ Feingold has declared rather unequivocally that he will not run. Barack Obama may prove to be a progressive voice, but he doesn’t have the kind of unequivocal record that Kucinich has. So while I wouldn’t vote for him for president because of his personal issues, I am very happy to see that there will be a progressive political voice on the presidential trail and in the presidential debates.
If you are looking for a Dennis Kucinich for President 2008 button, bumper sticker, sweatshop-free t-shirt or poster, click on this link. We’re happy to have a clearly progressive, pro-constitution, non-conservative presidential candidate in the mix, and so we’re happy to oblige.
