Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Michael Moore Defends Rep. Dennis Kucinich's "NO" vote on Countdown

By the Blue Texan BT

Last night Michael Moore thanked Dennis for being true to his word on Countdown:

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: The only eloquent voice I have heard in opposition, in actual political voting opposition to this bill — is from Dennis Kucinich, where the President went to his district today to try and change his mind. Dennis Kucinich criticism coming from the left, point by point, knocking down Democratic talking points — what would you say to Congressman Kucinich in the vote that he faces at this point?

MICHAEL MOORE: Thank you. Thank you. One out of 435 is standing up for the 300 million. How truly sad is that.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: When the vote comes, if he’s the decisive vote, would you tell him to go practical in the end?

MICHAEL MOORE: No I would not. If I was a member of Congress, I would say, I may vote for it, if President Obama you’ll stand in front of the camera and tell the American people that this doesn’t really cover pre-existing conditions for the next 4 years. And the insurance companies are still going to be able to make outrageous profits, and they are going to be able to deny people care once they have insurance. Tell the people the truth of these things, and then we’ll vote for the things that are great about the bill

Dennis is getting the full-court press.

Obama invited Kucinich and undecided Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) to the ultimate pressure cooker as he tries to nail down a majority for his top domestic priority.

What was said at 35,000 feet is anyone’s guess, and Kucinich is — for once — not talking. The president talked one on one with Kucinich aboard Air Force One on the flight, a White House spokesman said. But Obama’s onetime presidential rival just smiled as he walked across the tarmac upon arrival in his home state.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what he has to say,” Kucinich said. A spokesman in his D.C. office said the congressman was politely declining all requests for interviews today.

But there was a public hint of the kind of pressure he is under. When Obama introduced Kucinich at his rally in Strongsville, in the congressman’s suburban Cleveland district, someone in the audience called out, “Vote yes.”

Obama, not missing a beat, turned to his traveling partner. “Did you hear that, Dennis?” he asked.

Wonder why Blanche Lincoln or Joe Lieberman never get this kind of treatment.