"I can be a chiropractor,' added Kucinich. "Stand up straight Democrats."

[Flabbergasted]

Kucinich speech emphasizes 12 step plan to end Iraq War

Presidential hopefuls descend on Keene
Craig Lyons
Issue date: 2/8/07





Standing on top an office chair, Dennis Kucinich told the crowd why no other presidential candidate could do what he was about to.

"Do you know why I can do it," Kucinich asked while spinning around above supporters with arms outstretched to support himself. "No strings. Imagine a president with no strings attached."

Speaking to a standing room only crowd at the Cheshire County Democrats' office, Kucinich made his first stop in Keene after declaring he was running for president in December 2006.

Kucinich only received about 1 percent of the vote in the New Hampshire Primary, while John Kerry received about 38 percent of the vote, according to the New Hampshire Department of State. Kucinich made his first run for the presidency in 2004 but lost the Democratic nomination to John Kerry.

"I decided to run again because we can't have a nation that stays at war all the time," said Kucinich.

"We need a new direction," said Kucinich. "We have a responsibility to Iraq and its people."

Kucinich highlighted his 12-point plan for Iraq focusing on reconstruction, ending American occupation, bringing the troops home and stabilizing Iraq's government and economy, according to campaign literature.

"I'm the only one running right now who voted against the war," said Kucinich.

Kucinich said he is ready for the election and New Hampshire can change it all.

"Change doesn't start in Washington," said Kucinich. "It starts here."

Other changes Kucinich sought to start in New Hampshire was encouraging the Democratic Party to take stronger positions on issues.

"We've got to push to give the democrats encouragement," said Kucinich.

"I can be a chiropractor,' added Kucinich. "Stand up straight Democrats."

Kucinich said one of the issues is spending more money on the people of America through funding universal health care.

"I have a pretty good idea of what it's like to struggle to make ends meet," said Kucinich. "I know what people have to live with."

He said the government already has the money to fund this program and it's just a matter of reallocating the money.

"We need to recognize the kind of money that goes into things that don't directly affect healthcare," said Kucinich.

Kucinich not only stopped in Keene, kicking off his weekend in Maine then ending on the Seacoast of New Hampshire.

He added it is vital New Hampshire's voice is heard and stays first in the primary system.

"I'll stand with you if you will stand with me," said Kucinich.

[mike_c]

1. kick and a recommendation for DK....

:kick:

[Greeby]

2. You're mistaken, Dennis

If certain people with D's after their name don't stand up for these things. It isn't because they lack the courage of their convictions, they just honestly don't believe there is anything wrong with how things are now

[Annces]

3. Kick for Kucinich

[porphyrian]

4. I'll kick that. - n/t

[mikelgb]

5. Go DJK!

[druidity33]

6. K&R for Kooch! nt

[133724]

7. So He Can Give me a Spine????

[AnOhioan]

8. I am proud to be in DK's corner

Kick and Rec

[MaggieSwanson]

9. I'll stand with you, Dennis.

:patriot:

[dweller]

10. dude has wings

and both feet on the ground.

give him a lift. . . make your vote count this time around.

:kick:

dp

[TahitiNut]

11. "Imagine a president with no strings attached."

Now that's a platform I can support. I doubt there are many (any?) other candidates able to stand on that platform.

I like this guy.

[eridani]

13. A frequent stump speech routine--but I never get tired of it n/t

[cosmicdot]

12. No strings attached.

"Imagine a president with no strings attached."

We certainly need one so the people's business can get back on track and we can make some real progress for a change.

[Vox_Reason]

14. I've said it before and I'll say it again:

I'd crawl over broken glass to vote for Dennis Kucinich.

[cgrindley]

15. Good reason NOT to support him

Chiropractors aren't real doctors. The nation needs a lot more than an "adjustment." Kucinich might as well describe him self as a homeopath or a herbalist. The nation needs serious, Mayo clinic level surgery.

[rucky]

17. Yeah, we need a president that uses better metaphors!

"Neuromuscular surgeon" has a much better ring to it.

:eyes:

[LWolf]

16. He says it more kindly than I, lol.

He offers a metaphor of (relatively) gentle healing to straighten the spines of the party.

I'd like to stand behind them with a pitchfork, myself.

That's why he's a better politician than I'll ever be. ;-)

[helderheid]

18. sent him a contribution

[HCE SuiGeneris]

19. DK is a true maverick in these times... He has my full support. eom