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Paul and Kucinich: Two More Years!

Forget the Hillary-Barack sideshow. Everyone knows the real story is the local races of presidential dreamers Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul.

There was some doubt that the two long-shot candidates could win their own districts in Ohio and Texas, respectively. They both faced challengers looking to take advantage of their presidential distractions. (Kucinich foe Joe Cimperman called him “the absentee candidate”—“Show me one person here who's got health-care because of his fundraising with Sean Penn in Hawaii,” he said.) Kucinich dropped out in January to defend his seat. Paul hinted that he might do the same but remains officially in the presidential race.

Both candidates appear to have survived the attacks. Paul won 70 percent of Texas’ 14^th District, overwhelming his opponent, Councilman Chris Peden. The full results of Kucinich’s district in Cleveland haven’t been tabulated, but early results showed him leading two-to-one over Cimperman.

Paul’s strength didn’t carry over to the presidential field, though. He’s trailing in the Texas presidential race at around 5 percent of the vote; same in Ohio. You’d think that might be a sign that he should drop out. Or you might think that McCain’s mathematical clinching of the nomination would deter Paul. But as he has pointed out, it’s not like he’s going to run out of money. Why not stick around for a few more races, rack up a few more delegates, and maybe score a speaking gig at the RNC? His constituents certainly don’t seem to mind.

Bye-Bye, Dennis

His lawsuit against NBC was thrown out. His New Hampshire recount effort failed to uncover widespread anti-Kucinich ballot stuffing. So, Dennis Kucinich has dropped out.

Correction: He’s “transitioning out of the Democratic Presidential primary race,” according to a statement. But why does the person who rode out a long, painful 2004 race drop out so early this go-round? One theory: the wife. As one Slate-ster points out: “He didn’t have the wife last time. The wife is the person who tells you, ‘Honey, it’s time to drop out.’ ” Of course, if Fred Thompson weren’t married to Jeri, he probably never would have run in the first place.

Kucinich will be making a more detailed speech tomorrow, but chances are he’ll be spending his newfound free time fending off a challenge for his congressional seat from Cleveland city Councilman Joe Cimperman, who already produced an attack ad accusing Kucinich of being an absentee rep.

So, will the Cleveland Steamer be endorsing another candidate? In an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Kucinich said he has “zero intention of getting involved in the primaries.” (If he changes his mind, here's whom he should support.) Viggo Mortensen’s nod, on the other hand, is still available.
 

Parsing the Kucinich Decision

If you were watching last night's Democratic debate closely, you probably noticed that Dennis Kucinich was not there.

That's because, in the hours leading up to the debate, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that NBC did not have to allow Kucinich to participate. The decision overruled a district court judge's order that the network include Kucinich.

Ultimately, the high court decided that the lower court didn't have the power to force NBC's hand. Here's an excerpt from the decision:

In other words, Kucinich should have complained to the FCC, not a local court. A footnote later explains that the lower court's attempt to exercise prior restraint on NBC is a violation of the First Amendment and therefore unconstitutional.

With respect to Kucinich's second claim—that NBC violated its contract by going back on its initial invitation—the Supreme Court decides thusly: "We conclude that the district court manifestly abused its discretion in determining that a contract existed between the parties." A contract by definition requires "an offer an acceptance, a meeting of the minds, and consideration. Here, the element of consideration is absent." That's basically a fancy way of saying they never made a deal.

The decision isn't just a rebuke of Kucnich's complaint. It seems to rather harshly criticize the thinking of Senior Clark County District Court Judge Charles Thompson. (The court "manifestly abused its discretion.") In retrospect, his musings about "fairness" and opposing viewpoints turn out to be as flimsy as they sounded at the time.

Kucinich is still getting his platform, albeit a smaller one. This morning, he appeared on the radio show Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman, where they replayed the audio from last night's debate, pausing it to allow Kucinich to answer the questions as well. You can listen and read the transcript here.

Kucinich's Plan B

So the Nevada Supreme Court has ordered a hearing for 1:30 p.m. local time (4:30 p.m. ET) to address NBC's appeal. It will last 30 minutes, after which we'll know whether or not Dennis Kucinich will have his chance to speak truth to Brian Williams. (See the court's oral argument order here.)

If he doesn't get to participate, Kucinich will find a way to broadcast his answers to the debate questions live to his Web site. “That’s his Plan B,” said spokeswoman Sharon Manitta.

The Great Debater

Finally, Dennis Kucinich's What about me? debate theatrics are paying off.

Initially, NBC said it would include him in tonight’s Las Vegas debate. Last week the network disinvited him, saying it was “redoing” the inclusion criteria. Kucinich promptly sued NBC (read the complaint here), and a Nevada judge ruled yesterday that NBC must include Kucinich or the debate would be called off.

NBC is now appealing the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court (read the petition here). “We disagree with the judge’s ruling, and we’re appealing,” NBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines said. There is currently no hearing scheduled, but hey, they’ve still got what, seven hours?

The question is, does Kunichich have a legal right to participate in debates? If so, what law requires a TV network to include him? In his complaint, Kucinich argues that his exclusion

undermines the purpose of the Federal Communications Act and is a blatant violation of the Act because of the media’s obligation to … ‘operate in the public interest and to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views of issues of public importance.’ NBC revised its criteria to specifically exclude the diverse and anti-war voice of Kucinich and his grass-roots supporters. This specific exclusion is further highlighted by the fact that NBC has not provided Kucinich with any revised criteria.

But are networks even required to give inclusion criteria? If anything, it seems like more of a courtesy. Even when the Democratic National Committee sponsors a debate—it has held six so far this cycle—it lets the networks decide which candidates to include.

Here was the district judge's rationale for siding with Kucinich, as reported by the AP:

Thompson called it a matter of fairness and said Nevada voters will benefit by hearing from more than just top contenders Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards.

Pretty nebulous, no? That sounds more like a personal judgment than a legal basis.

Eric Easton, a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, told me he was skeptical about the FCA “public interest” clause Kucinich invoked: “That clause in the FCA is so huge and so unfocused that it’s a justification for anything.”

Democrats for Romney!

When all is said and done, Michigan Democrats may have more viable choices on the ballot than most other voters. Originally, Michigan residents thought that they would only be able to vote for Hillary Clinton, Dennis Kucinich, or Mike Gravel at their primary on Jan. 15. Then came word that anti-Hillary Michigan residents were launching a renegade campaign to get people to vote for “uncommitted”—a post-modern rebellion if there ever was one. Now Michigan Dems are being given yet another option: Vote for Mitt Romney.

Markos Moulitsas—the Daily Kos guy—thinks that the Demcorats are damned if they do and damned if they don’t in the choice between uncommitted and Clinton. So instead, he’s rallying Democrats behind Mitt Romney, hoping that Mitt’s presence will help create more inner strife in the GOP. 

As we see it, Michigan Democrats have four options, and each has its pros and cons.

1. Vote for Hillary – Pros: If you like Hillary, there’s the chance you can float her above the 60 percent mark, which is necessary to help her avoid derision from the press. Cons: How boring—especially when so many other devious options exist.
2. Vote for uncommitted – Pros: Support the Obama-Edwards axis of change; be an ironic cog in the movement founded upon apathy; screw with Hillary’s head. Cons: Unless you really hate Hillary, it’s a wasted vote; may prove even her own party hates her, which won’t help general-election unity.
3. Vote for Romney – Pros: Kos’ ego doesn’t need to get any bigger, but he’s right—a vote for Romney messes with Republicans’ heads and weakens the party; if there’s any candidate whom self-aware Democrats should vote for, it’s Romney; a Democrat-fueled Romney win in Michigan is worth it just to see the spin. Cons: It splits the uncommitted coalition up, which will make for a quieter and harder-to-track rebuke of Clinton.
4. Vote for Dennis Kucinich. – Pros: It’s better than not voting at all; the guy is due for a karmic boost. Cons: Voting for Romney or uncommitted does more mischief; you might as well shred your ballot—it has the same effect in the overall scheme of things.

Kucinich vs. Facebook

Dennis Kucinich has been griping non-stop -- and even filed an FCC complaint -- after getting shut out of tonight's ABC News/Facebook/WMUR debate in Manchester, NH.

The organizers are allowing the top four Democratic candidates -- Obama, Clinton, Edwards, and Richardson -- to participate based on their performance in the Iowa caucuses. But Kucinich cries foul: "[T]he most recent data from ABC and co-sponsor Facebook show Kucinich ahead of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who was invited to participate."

Which data, you ask? Among others: "Kucinich, according to Facebook's own figures, ranks fourth in popularity among Facebook members."

Let's take a look at some other things Facebook members rank among their favorites, according to network stats. (Since we're in Manchester, we'll go with that network.)

Top Music: Sublime, Jack Johnson, Fall Out Boy, Incubus, Green Day, Nickelback, Linkin Park

Top Movies: Boondock Saints, The Notebook

 

Political Views: 

68% None 

Kingmakers: Dennis Kucinich

The Peace Train has pulled into Obama station-temporarily. Dennis Kucinich has endorsed Barack Obama in the Iowa caucuses, but only if he's declared unviable.

We've been advising fringe-minded Iowa causcusgoers how to vote if their first-choice is declared unviable at their caucus meeting. (See advice for Biden and Richardson supporters.) But Kucinich's endorsement of Obama seems to go against his platform. He acknowledged as much in a press release, but said, "Sen. Obama and I have one thing in common: Change." Issues-wise, here's why Kucinich is supporting the wrong mainstreamer:

Health care: Kucinich wants a single-payer, universal health care system. We're talking tax-funded, government-administered, mandates-aren't-necessary-because-it's-automatic health care. Kucinich is such a pinko on health care that Michael Moore endorsed his plan.

Obama, meanwhile, has a plan that's been derided by lefties as being too conservative. Adults aren't even mandated to get health care, so either Hillary Clinton or John Edwards deserves his health-care focused constituency. But even Kucinich says all their plans suck.

Trade: While Obama says the usual NAFTA-is-a-no-no talk, he voted for a free trade deal with Peru (as did Clinton). John Edwards is the only one of the Big Three to come close to jiving with Kucinich's lefty trade talk.

Iraq (PDF): Bill Richardson really deserves the support here, but he isn't guaranteed viability, either. Given that, Kucinich and Obama do share some similarities on Iraq. They didn't want it to happen in the first place and they've voted against funding it in the future. So, on the war, Kucinich's support of Obama seems defensible.

Karma Watch: Dennis Kucinich’s Blessed Love Life

Earlier this week, we examined signs that Hillary Clinton’s karmic tank appears to be running low. Now we know where all that good fortune went: right into Dennis Kucinich's life.

According to today’s marvelous Washington Post profile of Kucinich and his wife, Elizabeth, the couple's relationship has been blessed from the start. A few choice pieces of evidence:

• [A lovelorn Dennis Kucinich asks Indian guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar how to find love.] "And his response was, 'Stop looking and then she will appear,' " Dennis says. "And I said, OK, I'm going to stop looking.' I said that. And that afternoon—"
  "I walked through the office door," Elizabeth finishes.
  
• "It was about 7:30 at night and I was just sending a message out to the universe saying, 'Where is this woman? If there's anything to be done here, I need a sign.' "
  "And at that moment—"
  "At that exact moment, I get an e-mail."
• Elizabeth looked down at her ring and realized that the silver design inscribed on her blue opal, which had previously looked like just an abstract pattern of triangles, was in fact—if one looked hard enough—two K's, back to back.
  "Kucinich and Kucinich," she says. "I thought, 'OK! So I bought myself my own engagement ring!' "
• Their days are filled with these sorts of moments, as when they go out for Chinese food and the fortune in Dennis' cookie tells him he has "integrity and consistency." ("Isn't that amazing?" Elizabeth says.) And then they turn the fortune over, and Dennis' Chinese word is hat, and amazingly, Elizabeth just bought a hat before lunch.

It's like all the luck that could have gone into his presidential run has instead been transferred to his romantic life. The opposite of Rudy Giuliani!

Friendly Fire

After listening to a two-hour Democratic debate on NPR, I'm left wondering why they all can't be this good. You probably won't hear much news come out of this debate—there were few accusations, no gotcha questions, and hardly any petty attacks. But that doesn't mean the debate wasn't worthwhile. It was probably the most insightful one yet. 

The debate felt like a flashback to more innocent times—an age free of counterattack Websites, split-screen Web videos, and kindergarten essays. That's because NPR decided to talk about three nuanced issues rather than a broad hodgepodge: Iran, China, and immigration. I had nearly forgotten, but the Democrats actually have similar positions on these and most other issues. The candidates' cooperative tone was in stark contrast with the accusations that have dominated the campaign trail in the last few weeks.

NPR's debate was structured to delve deeper into the issues than any other debate. The three moderators—Robert Siegel, Michele Norris, and Steve Inskeep—pressured the Democrats to reveal the nuances of their philosophy on the three issues. There were no lightning rounds, no grandiose introductions, and no questionable questioners. Instead, the candidates sounded like politicians who were truly grappling with the issues at hand. Would they extend a diplomatic hand to Iran at the risk of being used for propaganda? Limit trade with China even if it meant higher prices? Should the average citizen report illegal-immigrant neighbors to authorities, or is that the role of the immigrants' employers? 

This three-issue approach can be applied to the other debates, seeing as there are so many of them. The Democrats have already staged five televised debates, all of which were partly organized by the DNC. So, why doesn't the DNC (and the RNC across the aisle) help organize the debates to emphasize policy discussions rather than snipe fests? The general election debates already work this way: Each debate covers a broad topic (e.g., foreign policy and domestic policy) assigned by a bipartisan commission. It seems this would help voters better understand who to vote for and help the candidates better understand their opponents' messages.

I could tell you who I thought performed best out of the seven candidates at the NPR debate, but it just doesn't seem appropriate. This was about the issues, not about who made the strongest sound bites. Don't worry, though, there are more debates to come. Let's talk about theatrics then.

Larry Flynt Hustles For Kucinich

The celebrity endorsements—they just don't stop. Today, former WWF (now WWE) champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair endorsed Mike Huckabee, offering these thoughts: "His authentic conservative qualifications and level of executive leadership experience are unmatched by his opponents. And like I always say, to be the man, you've got to beat the man and Mike Huckabee is the man. Whoooooooo!" Between Norris' roundhouse kick and Flair's shin-breaker/Figure Four leglock combo, Huckabee's opponents might as well tap out now.

In other celebrity endorsement news: Hustler CEO and First Amendment advocate Larry Flynt held a fund-raiser for Dennis Kucinich at his company's Los Angeles headquarters on Friday. "I support Dennis Kucinich because not only have I been a friend of his for 40 years, but I believe he offers an essential, viable and exciting option to the candidates that are more popular at the moment," Flynt told the adult site XBiz.com.

Kucinich spokeman Andy Juniewicz was cagey when asked about Flynt’s involvement in the campaign. “Larry Flynt and Dennis have been friends for more than 30 years, and he has contributed to campaigns in the past,” he told me, adding: “He was one of the key organizers in the most recent fund-raiser, one of a list of hosts” that included Woody Harrelson, Ed Norton, Sean and Robin Wright Penn, and others. Juniewicz pointed out that Flynt gives lots of money to lots of Democrats, including a $1,000 donation to Hillary Clinton in 2005. (Clinton rejected the money.)

So, I asked, does this mean Larry Flynt will be taking on a larger role in the campaign, a la Chuck Norris? “It was an event,” Juniewicz said. So he won’t be part of the campaign and appearing at other events from here on out? “You are correct.”

Talking the Talk

Using data from the indispensable New York Times’ debate analyzer , I crunched some word-per-second numbers from last night’s debate. Dodd talks faster than Biden and Richardson speaks the slowest of all. Clinton and Obama’s cadences, meanwhile, are in sync.

How to Be a Political Rock Star (And How Not To)

Some politicians are often compared to rock stars. Dennis Kucinich is not one of them.

But you wouldn't know it after seeing him onstage at this weekend's Ani DiFranco concert in Boston. (Or, rather, seeing the video.) He took the mic for a few minutes between songs to describe a world without nuclear weapons and to ask the audience to "join us in New Hampshire." Ani later praised him for being, of all things, "so incredibly electable." When he finally left the stage, it was to the screams of adoring fans. The audience would probably have been throwing brassieres, had they been wearing them.

Contrast that with John Edwards' appearance at a John Cougar Mellencamp concert over the weekend. (Video here.) After crooning a few verses of "Small Town," Mellencamp interrupted the song to bring out Edwards. According to this account, cheers quickly turned to boos and chants of "Refund, refund." Edwards kept smiling but soon retreated—"You didn't come to listen to me"—and left Mellencamp to explain that Edwards was actually "a pretty fun guy." Add that to the rave reviews.

If there's a lesson here, it's that politicians and musicians don't mix. Best-case scenario, you don't come off as a total fool. Worst case, you get laughed off stage, a la Edwards, or you have Donnie McClurkin using your stage for a pulpit, a la Obama. Best to pick your theme music and stick with it—even if it's Celine Dion.

The Grueling Schedule of Dennis Kucinich

Ah, the rigors of the campaign trail. From The Caucus, today's campaign agendas:

* Barack Obama holds town hall meetings in Des Moines and Sioux City, Iowa. ...
* Chris Dodd holds a news conference with the Iowa Democratic Party Veterans Caucus and speaks at a fund-raiser for Fayette County Democrats in Oelwein, Iowa.
* Mike Huckabee speaks at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., holds private meetings in Concord, N.H.
* Mitt Romney meets with locals in Atkinson, N.H., and holds a town hall meeting in Hudson, N.H.
* Dennis Kucinich attends an Ani DiFranco concert in Boston. [EA] 

Space Race

Bill Richardson's a believer. So is Dennis Kucinich. Even Rudy Giuliani is willing to admit that extraterrestrials might be out there.

The 2008 presidential race is starting to look like an Alf convention. Last week, Kucinich's alien beliefs were outed by his good friend Shirley MacLaine. Her new book details Kucinich's run-in with a UFO on her porch: "It hovered, soundless, for 10 minutes or so, and sped away with a speed he couldn't comprehend. He said he felt a connection in his heart and heard directions in his mind." One can only guess what those directions may have said.

Earlier this month, an 8-year-old kid asked Giuliani, "If you find that there is something living on another planet and it is bad and it comes over here what would you do?" Rudy, ever vigilant on national security matters, assured the boy that there won't be a repeat of Independence Day if he's in the Oval Office. "Well if we're properly prepared for all of the different things that can happen to us, we'll be prepared for that, as well," he said with a grin.

But it was Bill Richardson who spoke most explicitly on the UFO issue last weekend. Speaking to Dell employees in Texas, Richardson said that if he became president, he would continue his long fight to release top-secret files on Roswell, New Mexico's infamous "flying disc" recovery. In a foreword to Roswell Dig Diaries, a 2004 Sci Fi Channel book, the New Mexico governor wrote that he has never been satisfied with the government's explanation and that the "American people can handle the truth." Considering Richardson makes up part of the "ET Ticket," I guess it should come as no surprise.

Giuliani and Richardson have even managed to use aliens for political gain. The terrorist threat pales in comparison with an alien invasion, so if Giuliani can protect us from little green men, then Osama should be a walk in the Pakistani park. Richardson's assertion that he would release top-secret Roswell files if he became president implies that he is willing to run a transparent White House with all nonalien issues, as well.

One more thing—it shouldn't come as a shock, but Mike Gravel is a believer, too.