That’s Not Right…
I just met a Dennis Kucinich supporter who’s circulating petitions to get him on the Democratic ballot in Virginia. She’s also circulating petitions for Ron Paul.
I just met a Dennis Kucinich supporter who’s circulating petitions to get him on the Democratic ballot in Virginia. She’s also circulating petitions for Ron Paul.
It’s not as surprising as you might think. There’s an older gentleman in Richmond who will basically collect signatures for anyone. He’s an independent and he helped us collect signatures for Jim Webb in 2006. He was also collecting for Harris Miller. This year I’ve seen him collecting for Ron Paul. He shows up at festivals and other events and does it almost as a hobby. You may have seen him, an older gentleman with a white beard.
But candidates from two parties at the same time? And doesn’t the petition include a “loyalty oath” stating that if you sign you intend to vote in the primary you’re signing for?
In the case of Kucinich and Paul, I think it certainly shows how big the Iraq War issue can be with some people. When pressed on taxes by a passer by the lady admitted she wasn’t well versed on tax policy, but Iraq…
Kucinich and Ron Paul are the only Presidential candidates currently running who would immediately get the troops out and end the Iraq occupation.
The guy with the beard is Bob, a nice Libertarian dude.
I think I met Bob a few weeks back if he was the one circulating Ron Paul petitions at the time. Nice guy and I was more than happy to sign. I’m all for anyone who wants to be on the ballot being given a shot.
It’s interesting how near and dear the Iraq issue can be to some people, so much that they’re willing to vote for two people who’s other policies are so opposite of one another’s. It’s the same problem I have with the “Progressive” wing of the Democratic Party’s focus on what could be such a short term single issue. Say you’re a Democrat that supports Ron Paul for his Iraq stance. Now say he wins and pulls us out of Iraq. Then what? Or say he’s the nominee and the pull out occurs before the election? You’re stuck with a President or candidate you don’t otherwise agree with.
I can understand single issue support or voting, it’s been around forever and even recently with issues like abortion or education, but typically they’re for long term issues that will continue to resonate and impact us on a national moral level. The Iraq War, while part of something larger (America’s expression of military on foreign soil) just doesn’t have that same oomph to me to make as much sense.
related:
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2007/12/14/cynthia-kckinney-ron-paul-and-art-olivier/
The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney may be the heir to Ron Paul’s support if he loses the GOP nomination and doesn’t run on a third party or independent ticket.