Considering the growing angst among progressives toward Obama, it's interesting that inarguably the most progressive of all candidates in the field, Dennis Kucinich, is now urging supporters to caucus for Obama in precincts where Kucinich doesn't reach viability (and considering Kucinich is at 1% in the latest DMR poll, let's face it, that will be every precinct.)
Kucinich's statement per Ben Smith:
"I hope Iowans will caucus for me as their first choice this Thursday, because of my singular positions on the war, on health care, and trade. This is an opportunity for people to stand up for themselves. But in those caucus locations where my support doesn't reach the necessary threshold, I strongly encourage all of my supporters to make Barack Obama their second choice. Sen. Obama and I have one thing in common: Change."
As Chris Bowers notes, it's strange that Kucinich would abandon John Edwards, whom he'd endorsed for second choice in 2004, now that Edwards has actually moved to the left on so many issues. And the idea that Kucinich would buy into the hype of Obama as the singular candidate of change, as though Edwards hasn't made arguably a more compelling argument of how exactly he's going to change Washington, makes the choice all the odder. Obama's change message is not about fighting for the change we need, it's about post-partisan compromise, a far cry from the radical change that Dennis Kucinich has called for. Bowers thinks it has to do with antagonism toward the candidates taking away his natural supporters; I suspect it has more to do with choosing the candidate he feels will be the most viable anti-Hillary candidate.
As a practical matter, of course, the Kucinich quasi-endorsement is unlikely to make much of a difference, certainly less of one than it did in 2004. As Bowers says:
It should also be pointed out that the Kucinich endorsement will matter less in 2008 than it did in 2004. Four years ago, Kucinich was polling at an average of 3.3% in Iowa just before the caucuses. Right now, he is only polling at around 1% in Iowa.
In his response, it's somewhat amusing to hear Obama him try to cast himself and Kucinich as two peas in a pod, but to his credit, it doesn't sound as though he feels Kucinich's second choice support will be decisive.
"I have a lot of respect for Congressman Kucinich, and I'm honored that he has done this because we both believe deeply in the need for fundamental change," said Senator Obama. "He and I have been fighting for a number of the same priorities -- including an end to the war in Iraq that we both opposed from the start, reforming Washington and creating a better life for America's working families. I encourage all Iowans to take part in the caucuses this Thursday - not because it will be good for any one candidate, but because it will be good for our party and the future of our country."
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