Is Kucinich being excluded from a Feb 22 televised debate in LA??

[RichM]

Below is the text of a very disturbing email I just received, through the California Bay Area Kucinich volunteer network. I don't know more about it than this, but if it's true, it means they're trying to exclude Dennis from a Feb 22 televised candidate debate in L.A. (The California primary is March 2, so this is a very big deal.)

Perhaps Will Pitt can confirm whether or not this information is accurate? If so, we need to do a major emailing campaign. :grr:

==============================

> From: Kucinich Sonoma News <[e-mail]>
> Subject: Kucinich into debate - YOUR Action Needed
> -NOW!
>
> Hello: for those of you who want the gist of an
> email right now, here it is:
>
> >As of this date, Dennis Kucinich has NOT been
> >included in the League of Women Voters
> >Presidential Debate to be televised on KNBC on
> >February 22nd in L.A. The final decision on
> >this will be made Tuesday February 10th.
> >
> >Please send an URGENT APPEAL TO Kay Maxwell
> ><mailto:[e-mail] and
> >Fax [phone], and
> >
> Xandra Kayden, {debate qualifications criteria)
> <mailto:[e-mail] and Fax
> 323 937 4342
>
> > emails from us today, but they are all important.
> ...Thank you for supporting the
> candidacy of Congressman Kucinich for president.]

[hellhathnofury]

1. About time I dare say.

We need to get down to business, that much face time in front of a national audience at this point is just unfair to the other candidates.

[Toucano]

8. Respectfully

Kucinich is all business.

He's not looks or money or agenda.

He's taking it to Boston!

[cyclezealot]

10. There are issues that must be raised.

Dean at this point is no more a legitimate candidate that Dennis Kucinich..We continue to raise significant amounts of money for DK..You want a united party don't do this exclusionary act. Any candidate can catch on fire at any time.And go down in flames as did Dean. This is the best way to have us not accept Kerry. Instead of being at the Boston convention cheering the nominee,such actions will result in us being outsider jeering. Lots of people who are going to NYC to protest Dubya can do some early work in Boston.
DK is good for the party.He is bring in new people. Kerry certainly is not doing that. Positions held by many outside of the Kucinich campaign need airing to decide the feelings of Democrats.
If you think this will unify the party you are terribly wrong. It is not limiting the debate to the chosen few, it is just limiting debate by party leaders who want us to hear only what they want us to hear.

[DemBones DemBones]

12. Great post, cyclezealot!

I see you're zealous about civic representation and DK as well! :7

[rhite5]

11. Responding to #1 - If I hear one more person start saying this,

I will start screaming!

How dare you! Don't you believe in democracy?
Or does the media have you brain-washed too?

Dennis WILL be there. He is welcome there.

He is a big threat to the corporate oligarchy running this country.

He is not a threat to you.

[WilliamPitt]

2. No he is not

I spoke with the Communications Director at the League today. Dennis is most welcome.

[RichM]

4. Thanks, Will. That's a relief.

I'll tell people out here to calm down!

[genius]

6. Good. Thanks for clearing this up.

I know how the big corporations are trying to keep Dennis's message from coming out. I'm so glad Dennis did so well last weekend.

[maddezmom]

13. glad I read this, before firing off an email

:) If they are still in the race, they deserve to be heard.

[revcarol]

3. Whew.

(Have gotten so I suspect everyone of trying to do in Dennis.)

[genius]

5. Dennis came in ahead of Edwards and Clark in two races.

If it's about winning, Dean hasn't won either. Maybe Kerry should be the only one allowed in the debate.

[David Zephyr]

7. Kucinich Will Have A Great Showing in California.

I can't wait for the confused look of the pundits on primary night here in California.

The city by the bay!

[LibDemAlways]

9. I agree.

Dennis will do great in CA. He'll be very strong in SF and along the central and northern coast. He has the kind of political courage people admire and he has my vote for sure.