If Kerry shoe-in, can Kucinich win in other 20 states?

[Sliverofhope]

I ask this seriously, as both a supporter of Kerry and Kucinich, or Dean, for that matter.

Now that Kerry is almost a pick, I know I have no compunction voting for Kucinich (or Dean, for Dean loyalists) in the remaining 20 states. I've heard so often, "Kucinich is my man, but he can't win." Is this the chance for those of us now to make a show of force, or would this be counterproductive?

I want to think strategy for those of us in the last primaries.

[union_maid]

1. Go for it

It would actually be counterproductive in terms of beating Bush, only because Kerry going into the convention perceived as a big winner - a big come from behind winner at that - is going to play very well in the GE. Amurica loves a winner. Hates a loser. As a nation we'll help a victim if the mood strikes us, but we'll kick a loser in the head while he's down. However, Kerry will probably take most, if not all, of the remaining states. Turnout will be low, though, so funny things might happen. Getting some delegates for Kucinich might be one of those funny things.

[Sliverofhope]

2. At this point, the last thing I want to do is weaken Kerry

And yet, and yet. The story is old. Everyone knows it. I won't run through it again. Good points.

[WillyBrandt]

4. Vote for the Kooch if you want to

It's a present you'll give to yourself. It WILL NOT hurt Kerry. The storyline isn't changing: Kerry is the clear winner of a united party.

Vote your heart. Reality has been decided, and you can go with what you want most and not worry that things will get screwed up.

[pop goes the weasel]

3. vote for the candidate you prefer

I think people should always have done that. Voting for who you think might appeal to people who don't vote Democratic is foolishness. What if Kucinich, against all odds, ended up with the nomination? Haven't we been hearing for months from the "serious" candidates that Democrats need to support who ever is the nominee, that the most important thing is beating Bush? I expect that Kerry and Gephardt supporters would support DK if he was the nominee. Oh, but DK wouldn't appeal to Independents, say some. But he appeals to my Republican neighbor, who admires an honest candidate when he sees one. And there are plenty others who would also find him appealing. Just as there are lots of Independents who find Kerry appealing. The thing is, who ever we end up with as our nominee is going to have our full support, and will also be appealing to lots of Independents and moderate Republicans. Bush is a one-term wonder, unless Diebold gives him the election. And if that's the case, it will happen no matter who we run.

So vote your heart.

[Kanary]

7. Yup, I also have a Republican friend who is voting for Dennis!

She's *really* taken by him.

WE've been saying that all along, but...... too many deaf ears around here.

Dennis appeals to all who appreciate honesty and integrity.

Kanary

Another Delusional Diehard for Dennis!!

Kucinich 2004!

[Feanorcurufinwe]

5. Vote for the candidate that you truly think is most qualified for the job.

Whoever that is, that is who you should vote for. As long as he wants your vote.

A vote in the New Hampshire primary may be more influential than a vote next week, but they both count the same.

[JohnKleeb]

8. thank you

We need to respect the wishes of the voters and respect their candiates right to stay.

[Desertrose]

6. by all means, if you feel called to vote DK...then go for it!

It would be good for the progressive part of the dems to pick up some delegates...and seriously....you never know...miracles happen.....I don't think a Kucinich vote will hurt Kerry....and if enough people happen to choose Dennis...then the people have spoken,right??

Peace & Hope
DR

[tedoll78]

9. I voted for him for those reasons.

To make a statement. To hopefully remind Kerry that the Kucinich camp is reflective of the heart and soul of our party.

It shocked the hell outta me when I pushed the button for him. I couldn't believe it. Kucinich.. wow..

[jsw_81]

10. Face reality

Kucinich isn't going to win ANYWHERE in 2004; he came in third in his home state!!!

[goodhue]

11. most certainly

starting with FL and TX on Tuesday

[Lydia Leftcoast]

12. Once again I remind everyone

In 1988, Oregon primary voters (voting in May) gave Jesse Jackson 39% as a protest against the impending nomination of Dukakis.

Something like that could happen again.

Sure, Jesse Jackson's candidacy went nowhere, but after Dukakis proved to be such a miserably inept candidate, I had the satisfaction of knowing that I hadn't supported his nomination.