Beam Me Up, Denny

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Sinnick — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:07:36 GMT

Just shows how low politics is in this country, no wonder prople don't vote.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Raven G. Black — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:40:34 GMT

Anyone who'd discount all of the relevant, important, selfless efforts and insights of Rep. Kucinich, whom I add was right on every count, including but certainly not limited to NAFTA, the Patriot Act, and Iraq, because he believes in UFO's, isn't fit to shine the man's shoes, let alone speak of him in such disparaging tones. There's more evidence to support UFO's, than Jesus Christ being our "Lord & Savior", but I digress. My point is, candidates like Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul represent what's been lost in every facet of our government and media; reverence for the Constitution!! So when you write your snide articles about brave men who fight for the voiceless and disenfranchised, those who're jobless, insuranceless and homeless you, hurt and quell whatever hope your readers may have for what is essential to the survival of America....A REVOLUTION!!! What a contribution you've made, sir!

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

tiberius_k — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:45:22 GMT

It is saddeningly comic that someone who agrees more with democratic votors on the issues than anyone else running is considered a fringe candidate. Dennis said he saw something in the sky; he didn't say what it was other than an Unidentified Flying Object. Is he laughable because he was unable to identify it, or is it because he did not have the decency to LIE to the American people as anyone else on that stage would have? He said he saw something, not that he felt a connection to it. Given a choice between believing Dennis, or believing our executive branch, or Cheney’s fourth branch, or even Shirley McL., I’ll choose Dennis.

What does it say about a man that his wife is way out of his league? Maybe it says that you don’t know the man.

And how ironic it is that the only way for Congressman Kucinich to be written about or have his name spoken in national media is to drop out if the race. Thank you corporate owned media! Now I can focus on ignoring Barak and Hillary fighting over who’s being treated more unfairly, and who’s the bigger snake. Might as well flip a coin with the choices we have left. Celebrate, Mr. Romano. For it seems you detest the thought of real change or honesty in our government. You cannot be as far gone as to believe either will come from Obama or Clinton.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

idiocracyhell — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:54:01 GMT

This article is an example of the mudslinging from MSM that Dennis Kucinich endured during his presidential race. Dennis Kucinich was the only real threat to the status quo so he was effectively ridiculed, marginalized, and excluded from debates. His single payer not-for-profit healthcare would have cost the insurance industry hundreds of billions of dollars in lost revenue. His plan to withdraw from NAFTA, the WTO. and withdraw from Iraq within three months of entering his presidency, would have caused severe financial repercussions for companies like GE, who's NBC devision excluded Kucinich from the Nevada presidential debates.

Dennis Kucinich is a man of such moral integrity, he refused to sign an oath in Texas to support the democratic nominee. He was the only candidate to vote against the Iraq war and it's continued funding, so of course he couldn't support the democratic frontrunners who all voted for the war. Kucinich was the only candidate to vote against the Patriot Act, which is a clear violation of our civil liberties. He voted against the China Trade bill, and the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste initiative. Dennis Kucinich was right the first time on all the issues that the other candidate now say they endorse.

Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate with the courage to seek the impeachment of Dick Cheney before we're taken into a war with Iran. The fact that Kucinich failed to gain support during his presidential campaign is proof of the power of MSM to influence the masses. Dennis Kucinich is the greatest defender of our Constitution, and his blackout by MSM which forced his withdrawal from the presidential race, is a sad testament to the death of our democracy by Corporate America.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

benvictor — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:54:57 GMT

Thank you, Newsweek. Very nice tribute to Mr. Kucinich. He, along with Mr. Paul, are genuine. The rest of the white guys are simply politicians. I support Hillary (I, a white male) and believe Hillary's heart is always in the right place. My hope is Mr. Kucinich will now offer his support to Hillary. Best of Luck, Mr. Kucinich, on your re-election bid. You are most deserving to continue in this service to the Nation, Ohio, and your consitutuency. Thanks.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

benvictor — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:56:20 GMT

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

JusticeBrennan — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:12:14 GMT

Romano, don't have such a appreciative title to your story, and then deceive people into reading your typical diatribes. Every time someone types that little acronym, "MSM" they are talking about you, and yet you don't do anything about it. You just force-feed us constantly stories with less intelligence than Lou Dobbs, and are so filled with subtly sexist remarks that I hardly believe you went to a liberal arts college. You and your white buddy Chuck Todd should migrate to CNN or Fox and preserve some of MSNBC's integrity.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

heimdal99 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:24:20 GMT

In his article, Andrew Romano puts on display for all to see WHY maturity is an essential part of journalism, and why immaturity cannot be eclipsed simply with good writing skills.

When you refuse to deal with men of peace, you deal with men of the sword, 'mister' Romano....

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

afterplane — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:28:17 GMT

Stomper,

Nice snotty hit piece. They have a desk waiting for you at Faux News. Unbelievable.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

onward_ever — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:31:48 GMT

This Romano kid needs to go back to high school. I sincerely hope this child gets paid no more than all-you-can-eat pizza parties for his limited efforts.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

thoughts — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:43:40 GMT

Wow, this piece is one of the worst excuses for journalism that I've encountered. Romano is one of the "pundits" who'll focus on the real issues and critical challenges we face as a nation, i.e. the style of John Edwards hair, Hillary's preferred shoes, etc. Harping on and on to keep the public distracted from such minor sidenotes as the warming climate and destruction of the bio-diversity that we depend on for survival, the thousands of Americans and near 1 million Iraqis who are currently dying in a war falsely predicated, the powerful rights of corporate "persons," etc. Representative Kucinich is certainly a rare-breed, he's a politician with integrity! He is a person willing to criticize the foundations of establishment and look to the roots of the problems we face. And so, the media marginalize him, by talking only about UFO's or the fare at his buffet table. But they shut him out of debates because he represents a real threat to their interests and for the interests real democracy for the global public. Romano, I wonder, do you really enjoy your position as a corporate shill? Is this the contribution to the world that you wish to make?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

nmetzker — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:54:00 GMT

This article is ugly and without merit.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

camelot0905 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:56:15 GMT

Dennis Kuchinich's early departure from the presidential race demonstrates the negative impact of the media in accessing a candidate's electibility. Unfortunately due the dependancy candidates have with the press, many who fall short of meeting the media's critiria as viable candidates, fail to accumulate enough publicity , thus people such as Kucinich, Paul, Gravel, Dodd and Biden are unable to run successful campaigns. It's a tragedy that Dennis was forced out of this race prematurely, as he was perhaps the one of the only candidates that really raised the most important questions concerning the future of this county. Now we are left with three candidates, two of whom, (Obama and Clinton) refuse to give real answers as to how they will lead the U.S into the future.

Though I found the thought behind this article a nice tribute to candidate that was treated unfairly in this presidential campaign was displeased with the comments made to Kucinich's statement over his sighting of a UFO. I would like to point out that Kucinich did not state that he believed in "little green men" as you have reported. If you actually researched the rationale behind his "encounter" you would have found that he had stated when asked during a debate that he saw an object that did not resemble a plane or any other object he could readily identify, hence his UFO (Unidentiable Flying Object) comment. So before you insinuate that he is a lunatic, go the extra mile and actually research your subject.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Davoid — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:57:15 GMT

Dennis has shown us how to threaten the status quo effectively -- far more effectively than protests, letters to Congress, all the traditional forms of social change. Real change begins the moment we ALL start to talk about the things we really care about, when we give voice to the voiceless as Dennis is doing. We all want the same things, and some of us (the so-called "idiots" we love to hate) are simply unconscious of what it is we REALLY want. As the cascade of crises increase in intensity, our goals will no longer be hidden, and survival will become defined as a world that works for all. This is the world that Dennis sees. We are all personally responsible for this small, fragile planet. Dennis is lead goose of an entire flock of change agents — US. He parted the air for US. Now tired, fortunately still flying, he rotates to the back. The flock is still in motion, the flock is still one UNITED BODY in which everyone is a leader. A leader is simply someone who OWNS the desired result.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

DSisson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:07:25 GMT

What a crappy piece of "journalism", unless, of course, it was written for the local junior high school's rag.

I happen to find a man who speaks the truth to be very refreshing, and so much more intriguing than the other platitude-spouters running for election. I want someone who is going to tell the truth, and let me make my own decisions about how to handle whatever problem is being discussed. There are those who would have me believe that all is right with our country, when I know far better that statements like those are nothing but fodder for the eternal optimists.

This country is facing problems that require courage and truth, and the cajones to tackle them with courage and truth. The other candidates want nothing more than to be elected, and will say just about anything short of "vote for me or the terrorists will win"....Ooops, that's already been used.

What a sad state of affairs............

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Bogatyrka88 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:22:38 GMT

Wow, this wasn't bitter or snarky at all. After reading some of Mr. Romano's work in Newsweek, I was impressed...until this piece. I guess Dennis doesn't rate because he doesn't play a mean guitar?

Mr. Kucinich may have made himself look foolish in various ways...but at least he made an attempt, twice, that far and away suprasses Fred Thompson, and shows that at least he gives a damn.

He may be away from his district, but if I'm not mistaken, so are the other presidential candidates who are in Congress...but we're not going to take them to task for it, are we? If his brother hadn't died, I would have bet Mr. Kucinich would have stuck in until the end.

I know it's unfortunate that the MSM might have to waste time covering the pre-annointed candidates (good think the American MSM media doesn't have to cover British politics), and that his sound bites weren't exactly what everyone else was saying...how sad to go out on a limb and try something different. And of course he's being challenged in Cleveland...he's not the front runner, and it's one of the poorest major metropolitan areas in the US.

I would expect something better from Newsweek than a derisive piece such as this which simply writes Mr. Kuncinch off as a crackpot, rather than someone who tried, mis-stepped, and realized he should cut his "presidential" losses before he loses more important things.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

klebrun — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:35:39 GMT

The death toll for the Iraq war, which we did not need to fight, is grossly understated. Besides massive Iraqi deaths, it does not take into account the additional deaths of Americans who are being denied health care coverage because of the cost of the war in Iraq - expected to cost well over a trillion dollars before we are finished.

For example, with an estimated 45 million uninsured Americans and an estimated one trillion dollars, the money spent on the Iraq war would average $22,222 per person, enough to pay almost ten years of health coverage for every uninsured person.

The average mortality rate in the U.S. by 2007 estimates is 8.26 per 1,000 population, or 371,700 deaths per year for a population of 45 million. The Kaiser Commission report, published in 2006, estimates the death rate for uninsured could be reduced by 10-15%. (1)

“Research has consistently shown that the lack of insurance ultimately compromises persons’ health because they are less likely to receive preventive care, are more likely to be hospitalized for avoidable health problems, and are more likely to be diagnosed in the late stages of disease. Having insurance

improves health overall and could reduce mortality rates for the uninsured by 10 to 15%.”

That amounts to a reduction in premature deaths ranging from approximately 37,000 to 55,000 per year for the uninsured population. So, each year we are condemning to death, for lack of insurance, a population that approaches the deaths caused by the nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima that ended the war with Japan.

(1) http://www.illinoiscovered.com/assets/cover_7451.pdf

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

klebrun — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:37:37 GMT

improves health overall and could reduce mortality rates for the uninsured by 10 to 15%.”

(1) http://www.illinoiscovered.com/assets/cover_7451.pdf

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

changethenation — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:52:37 GMT

sir, your "blog" about dennis kucinich today ....was , well....misrepresenting the truth ...you either exaggerated or just flat out lied about several things....you are part of the corporate media that is owned by GE and Raytheon , the same people and corp' that wouldnt allow him to speak in a debate ..but you would allow fred thompson to speak...because he is pro-war, you are not helping america when you spew this nonsense you hurt it more that you will most likely know or care to know. you ignored him, not america ....not the people ....just the corporate media whores like yourself.he never said he saw an alien ...he saw a "ufo" many people have seen things in the sky they couldnt explain, also the recount wasnt to prove he lost by less....it was to help the other candidates who were being screwed by the Clinton's, also he sued NBC successfully ...but your corporate masters got the court to deny him in the last few minutes before the debate . so , now you attack his standing with his wife....who are you to say anything about who is out of whos league...he is a grreat man ....that is all one needs to get a great woman, who are you dating ? some one eyed media who like ann coulter?

lastly , there are still four candidates...mike gravel is still in the race, get your facts checked or dont call them facts.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

DebbieKat — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:12:59 GMT

What a sickening and biased article. This is absolute tripe. This is not news, under any definition. How did you land a job at Newsweek, you hack? Maybe this is how No Child Left Behind works. Give kids the worst teaching imaginable and set them lose on the world. How DARE you speak so disrespectfully of a man who has more integrity than the rest of the house, senate and white house combined? Dennis Kucinich is more of a patriot than anyone we've seen in decades. While the rest are politicians, Dennis Kucinich is a statesman. While he brought issues and resolutions to the table, the rest bring petty public arguments about who is more Ronald Reagan-like or which strategy they are using this week. We've lost an important voice in the race for president. Dennis is the only one who has shown the integrity and forthrightness to act on behalf of the people by bringing up impeachment (not once, but soon to be twice) for the horrendous crimes that are fascist leaders have executed.

I would also like to mention to all... Mike Gravel IS still running and, while equally marginalized in the press, he does have some similar viewpoints. If we can write in Dennis on our primary ballots, we should do so, but failing that, I'd back Gravel.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

kantinoro — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:26:17 GMT

Mr. Romano is obviously ignorant. He will never come close to having the class, honesty, intelligence and compassion Rep. Kucinich has. Only in his dreams will he come close to having a woman as beautiful as Mrs. Kucinich. Romano's article is another example of MSM disgusting abuse of power. The only two Presidential canidates that offer any hope for this country are either ignored or insulted by the media. Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul may have different views on some issues, but both men do not have to hide behind lies. They are consistent in their beliefs and policies.

Shame on you Mr. Romano

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

MsSyl_312 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:31:08 GMT

Boo! Newsweek for stooping so low. After reading this it sounded more like the garbage Rush Limbaugh would spew. The one who is so good at degrading the few descent, honest good men we have in politics like Rep. Kucinich who truly care about this country and it's people?.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Francene — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:38:48 GMT

What a flip, irresponsible, and unfortunate article this is. No surprise there, considering the source.

How tragic (yes, tragic) it is for the American people that ideas like the following are labeled “liberal”—(they seem HUMANE to me):

1. Universal coverage, single payer, not for profit health care: We could provide health care for ALL Americans who then would not have to fear being thrust suddenly into bankruptcy for not being able to afford the exorbitant costs of an unexpected illness or accident and still save thousands of dollars for every man, woman, and child—check out the French health care system—and, imagine, we could call it the FREEDOM health care system.

2. Immediate withdrawal from NAFTA: What a drag that would be! Prices might rise a bit and we might have to forgo the poison in our pet food and the lead in our children’s toys but hundreds of thousands of Americans might also get their jobs back, the economy might be stimulated without the need for a so-called “economic stimulus” package, communities might be revitalized, cities might be reborn, and so much more.

3. A cabinet level Department of Peace: You mean, the USA might consider spending money on peace rather than war? (51% of our federal income taxes are spent to support the military-industrial complex—rather than being directed toward education, health care [see above], and waging peace).

4. Or, God forbid, “fostering a world of international cooperation”—who would want that? Certainly not those who profit from war!

So, finally, the media decides to pay a tiny, wee bit of sad, cynical, short-sighted, narrow-minded attention to Dennis Kucinich. But only after he has safely withdrawn from the race and from any real possibility of too strongly influencing the issues. Pitiful.

You, dear author, dear MEDIA, do all of us such a great, tragic disservice. You stand for and stand up for the status quo, the powers that be, the way it is and has always been, the wealthy and the entitled. Examine your conscience. Examine your heart. Examine your soul.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

erdrick-1991 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:45:48 GMT

Sometimes the truth hurts. Kucinich was crazier than a sh*t house rat. Most of you people need to stop watching the Clinton News Network, and realize that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Keep begging for "universal health care", and keep believing that wealth distribution is the only way this country will survive. Kucinich is weak on defense, as is Ron Paul. Lord help us if a defeat-o-crat wins the white house.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

drockwood — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:52:11 GMT

Thank you Dennis for your efforts to right this listing ship that is the USA. Journalists like Mr. Romano may disparage you, but forgive them, for they have been brainwashed like so many of our countrymen into beleiving that only the well-heeled, slick, pandering, money-grubbing, and corporate-friendly candidates are worthy of serious consideration. I forgive them too, but these corporate writers still make me sick, They went along with W and Dick on the ride into Iraq, they have been mum about the North American Union, and they continue to write nonsensical things like the last line in this piece. Running for president is not a re-election strategy for the Senate, it was an act of heroism on the part of Kucinich. Bill Moyers, a real journalist, interviewed Dennis on his PBS show recently and if you saw that you would know that the pathetic US mainstream media is absolutely failing to cover issues that really matter, instead focusing on stuff like belief in extraterrestrial life (which is pretty likely if you understand astonomy and planetary science). Tell us about the failure to fund medicare, health care, and social security in detail Mr. Romano. Inform me on the North American Union. Tell us how the candidates would deal with climate change or the incredible loss of biodiversity that is occuring. She's got a tounge stud eh?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

THERENOJUSTICEINTHEMEDIAWORLD — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:52:59 GMT

LEAVE IT TO NEWSWEEK TO ALLOW ANOTHER IDIOT TO HELP THE MEDIA CIRCUS TO VOICE THEIR OPINION AND PLACE IT AS REAL JOURNALISM.

ROMANO DID THEY OFFER YOU HEALTH INSURANCE TO WRITE THIS CRAP??

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Northwestwoods — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:53:20 GMT

NBC......*** you, too.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

deloris1918 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:55:14 GMT

Dennis, in reality (as most who actually were his constituants) is ineffective and ridiculous. You can have all the lofty ideas in the world but if you cannot get them to be reality - what is the point.

He neglected his duties as Mayor, councilman and congressman to promote himself and his idealistic policies.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

THERENOJUSTICEINTHEMEDIAWORLD — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:58:11 GMT

SOMEONE NEEDS TO WIPE THAT BOY'S NOSE, HE REALLY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL HE TALKING ABOUT.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Francene — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:00:51 GMT

I just want to say to the first twenty or so individuals who commented below how very much I appreciate the thoughtful ideas that were raised and the responsible tones that were taken in their expression of facts and opinions.

No surprise, of course, that someone finally checks in with vile language (attempting to mask their inability to articulate ideas and, undoubtedly, even to think about ideas).

But I want not to be distracted from my original intention of congratulating and thanking the first twenty or so below who have brought intelligence and reason to public discourse. My gratitude is deep and heartfelt.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

shaunnas — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:04:11 GMT

I saw Congressman Kucinich speak in Colorado in 2004, and I can tell you that the man is absolutely a tremendous speaker and comes off as incredibly intelligent and sincere. It always amazes me when I see these "news" stories portraying him as some kind of crazy, hippy dippy wacko.

The lecture hall he spoke at was in danger of overflowing, all exits were blocked as a couple hundred people crowded in to hear him speak. Since it was becoming a fire hazard they were considering shutting the appearance down. Dennis offered to continue speaking outside, despite the rain and cold, so no one would be left out. The entire crowd followed him out and he ended up jumping up on a picnic table to address the crowd. It was quite the sight to see this dapper man in his expensive suit and overcoat up on a picnic table.

If you ever get a chance to see Dennis speak in person you will not regret it, he dominates the room despite his stature. I recall a couple in their 70s saying that Dennis Kucinich was the reason they, lifelong Republicans, switched to the Democratic party in 2004. If Dennis could meet every person in the US face to face and speak with them he'd be the next President, I guarantee it. He's that amazing, and it's that moving to hear him speak. The fact that he gets zero media coverage (except for moronic, snide articles like this one) is the reason he polls so low. That and the fact that every four years the media tells the public who they are going to elect by shoving one or two candidates down everyone's throat day in and day out. Sad considering all candidates are supposed to, by law, get equal time in the media. That's so far from reality it's a joke.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Francene — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:10:16 GMT

People, please, don't stoop. Articulate your ideas, your disagreements. Educate those who disagree with you. Honor the freedoms for which our heroes sacrificed life and limb—most important among them, perhaps, our freedom of speech.

You malign and dishonor our fallen fathers and mothers when you stoop to abusive and hateful speech, insult and unfounded insinuation. Speak your truth as plainly as you please but honor your and our freedom of speech.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

urbanpoltico — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:10:47 GMT

The news here is that he was still IN the race. It does raise questions as to his personal wealth. Exactly how much money does he have to burn? Where does his financial support come from? And shouldn’t his war chest be described as possibly a toybox? Well the House Representative of Ohio’s 10th District’s, Presidential campaign (while confusing to all of us on a national level) is an ingenious way to get a great amount of national coverage therefore making a reelection bid at home cheap and easy, while scaring Republicans away from a mid-western state seat (btw this was the deciding state in the last Presidential election). So it could be said that despite the fact that he seemed to have little to no chance of winning, the fact that he plays the game ensures Democrats win in the long run with one small budget.

With this in mind, please wave if you see his campaign vehicle going down your street.

----posted today at urbanpolitico.com with humorous image

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

mofeen — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:20:29 GMT

Where did Newsweek find this snot-nosed little sparrow fart?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

markmart — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:41:34 GMT

In response to deloris1918's comments: "Dennis, in reality (as most who actually were his constituants) is ineffective and ridiculous." Does the writer know what a constitutent is? A constituent is a member if a constituency: a body of citizens entitled to elect a representative (as to a legislative or executive position) b: the residents in an electoral district c: an electoral district. Is the author saying that all the people of Ohio's 10th congressional district are ineffective and ridiculous? Does she even know who they are? I assume that since she used the past tense, she may have meant "supporters".

I'm confused by this comment.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

bclemmerdunn — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:45:24 GMT

If this is appreciation, God help the next public figure whom Mr. Romano chooses to disrespect. This is not Journalism, it is the snarky gossip of celebrity stalker at a third-rate tabloid.

Oh Yes, and the parent company of Newsweek shut Kucinich out of a debate. Apparently the MSM really does not want people to hear what Kucinich has to say. Too bad, because as many people have noted, Kucinich stands for things like universal health care and a foreign policy focused on peace, not endless war that people reallly want. Oh and then there is the I word that the the MSM really doesn't want to let out. Kucinich has sponsored a bill to impeach Dick Cheney that is in House committee right now. If it were up the the majority of Americans, this bill would actually make it to the House floor. Cheney has instituted a policy of torture and has repeatedly violated the Constitution by seizing powers to which he is not entitled. Why does the MSM want so desperately to protect him? I am expecting a whole army of trolls to follow this post, because they always do when you argue the case for impeachment. Please note, that like the few posts supporting this article, they will have nothing factual, truthful or thoughtful to back themseleve up.

If this article was meant to be funny, Newsweek should make clear that it is a humor column, even though fails at humor as well.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

high priestess kang — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:46:40 GMT

OMG. Andrew Romano has to be one of the bigger tossers for thinking this screed is remotely humorous, let alone relevant.

Kucinich was and is an asset to this campaign, the Democrat party and American politics. Unlike Romano, who is obviously not an asset to Newsweek.

Is it any wonder why the smarter candidates oft go unnoticed?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

DJ 671 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:49:49 GMT

Thank you Andrew Romano for reminding all of us why the mainstream media is a joke.

This article is so ridiculous it is almost comical. I really hope u don't consider yourself a journalist

because you are just another igorant pundit/pawn shooting off soundbites. Kucinich said, "It's unidentified. I saw something." It's funny how nobody in the press points out that RONALD REAGAN on two occasions was said to have seen a UFO & that Jimmy Carter was said to have seen a UFO, How come the press also fails to mention that Giuliani's first marriage was TO HIS COUSIN. Thanks again for focusing on the real issues and stories that matter. Recently it was revealed that the Bush adminstration lied 935 times in order to build up support for the war. How of those statements were questioned by the 4th estate? Some of these "facts" were by far more ridiculous than claiming to see something unidentified. Keep up the good work you generic Justin Long look a like idiot.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

PirateMike — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:51:55 GMT

What a pitiful excuse for journalism and a pathetic excuse for a journalist. Shame on Newsweek and MSM. Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul are the only two honest politicians in the field. But, yeah, truth and corporate profits don't see eye-to-eye. Its important we elect another CFR'er!

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Florida Voter — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:03:53 GMT

Obviously Frank Romano had nothing better to do than to look for a free lunch. What a sorry excuse for a journalist!!

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Florida Voter — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:03:54 GMT

Obviously Frank Romano had nothing better to do than to look for a free lunch. What a sorry excuse for a journalist!!

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Aardman — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:07:23 GMT

Nice tribute to Mr. Kucinich--c'mon! This is nothing more than a tribute to the media's effort to make a joke out of his candidacy. I support Obama, but think Kucinich at least deserved to be considered. It certainly is unfair the way moderators would skip over him continuously in the debates--except if the question was about something that would paint him as a wacko, like the UFO question Tim Russert posed him. Thanks alot, objective media.

This article is a poor excuse for journalism, and sounds more like something out of talk radio.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

mj53 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:10:05 GMT

And then there were *four*.

Mike Gravel remains in the contest.

In any event, exceedingly poor writing on all accounts.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

dankon — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:29:29 GMT

This article does far more to demonstrate that the author, Andrew Romano, is a self-aggrandizing, snotty, and arrogant fool than to shed any light on who Dennis Kucinich is. Andrew, you are one obnoxious, childish man. Who are you to disrespect and marginalize someone with the guts to put himself out there with a completely positive message? This is not to say he's the best candidate for president (I don't believe he is), but kudos to him for speaking his mind and making his voice heard.

Find a new career. Clearly, all the other readers agree with me.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

ceebeez — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:33:29 GMT

As an author, You really should do your homework,Sir, before you make so many ignorant remarks.

You obviosly didn't and don't see how the media is keeping the candidates out of the pic (

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

wowisthisbad — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:53:17 GMT

This piece of "journalism" is a disgrace. The editors who hired this shallow moron must have thought they were being edgy and that this "style" would appeal to younger readers, and boy is it backfiring. I'm of Gen Y, too, and all I can say is this guy is putting Newsweek and Princeton to shame. His writing here (and in the Thompson piece, I might add...and this coming from a Dem) isn't cutting-edge, informative, or intelligent. It's pure drivel.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

democracy42 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:07:22 GMT

Kucinich is the only candidate calling for impeachment, opposed the Iraq occupation, wants needed media reform, campaign financing reform, etc. etc. The others don't have the guts to tackle these needed issues. The other candidates are bought and sold (except Paul). He will also call for Bush to be impeached on Jan 28. Notice how little to no press coverage there will be on this. Why not? It was page one with Nixon and Clinton. Why not point out how Kucinich was right about the invasion of Iraq and ridicule Bush/Cheney instead? He probably learned that if you don't accept $100M in campaign contributions and if you want media reform, you'll not have much of a chance of being taken serious by the media. The voting re-count in New Hampshire was to point out the system is flawed, not that he would have won or it was enough of an error to change those results. Read the details not on the evening news. Missing memory cards, tampered box seals and some voting errors >5% in some wards. Many discount this as an allowable amount of error. In the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, the error could decide the winner. The US voting system is not much better than 3rd world countries. We should get a receipt after voting and be able to verify our vote over the internet afterwards to confirm our vote. Read the issues page on Kucinich's website and compare to all others. I will still vote for Kucinich in our upcoming primary.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Dollared — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:11:57 GMT

Wow.

This really epitomizes the snot-nosed, entitled Kewl Kids approach to pack journalism that led us into the failed economic policies and bloody, pointless wars of the last seven years. God forbid that someone should suggest that there is a better way to run our country, and leave a better place for our children. No, Andrew went to Princeton, and every day he's on the bus with the Kewl Kidz, and he knows that it's really just a two year horserace and beauty contest. Issues? Poll results that show that a MAJORITY of Americans agree with Kucinich's policy proposals? Don't be silly.....

Andrew - seriously. If this article does not make you ask yourself just why you are in journalism, and just what it is you can contribute, then you are hopeless and I hope your editor can make the decision for you that you aren't fit for the job.

Looking forward to your apology and an improvement in tone and quality,

Dollared

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Jason Crowson — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:36:22 GMT

It's refreshing to see a journalist address a candidate's superstitions. Kucinich's indulgence of the UFO question was a bone headed move. He should have dismissed it out of hand as an improper question for a presidential debate.

That said, when will journalists begin addressing the superstitions of Republicans? Every day evangelicals broadcast their beliefs on television and radio, beliefs portrayed as fact that attest to a soul within us that retains all our memories, thoughts, and feelings and indeed retains those memories, thoughts, and feelings after we are dead.

This superstition flies in the face of all facts and what is self-evident even to a child. Basic knowledge of the brain tells us that memories, logic, feelings are all in the brain. A simple observation of an Alzheimer's patient will demonstrate even to a child what happens when the brain degenerates and dies: All memories, thoughts, and logic are lost.

We know this is true.

As for the origins of these superstitions, an introductory course in mythology will tell you that Christians borrowed from Hebrews; Hebrews from Romans; Romans from Greeks; Greeks from Egyptians; Egyptians from Sumerians; not necessarily in that order. They all borrowed from each other to come up with concepts of souls that survived after death; they were all the superstitions of ancient peoples who had no science to explain life, death, and consciousness.

Our scientists have explored the universe at the subatomic level. They have found many things. But they have never claimed to have found consciousness in anything but biological life forms. In other words, no body, no mind, no memories, no feelings.

As for heaven and the rest, our telescopes can see further into the universe than ever before. They see no gods lolling about. And the evangelicals can't have it both ways: They can't claim to interpret the Bible literally but then say heaven and hell are hidden dimensions of the universe that we can never locate. The ancients upon whose superstitions our religions are based were quite clear: The gods were in the sky and in the earth.

Any journalist worth his or her salt knows that it's not just about being objective, it's about reporting what is self-evident. What is self-evident is that life after death in the form of a soul that retains all our memories, thoughts, and sensory perceptions is a myth, an ancient superstition that makes no more sense than believing in little green men.

So go after Kucinich if you must, but, indeed, go after the evangelical Christians, too. Superstition is superstition, regardless of party affiliations.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

jac58atcu — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:46:46 GMT

This guy is not worth reading. He represents what is supposed to be one of the great schools and has summa *** laude honors from it, but this stuff he writes is a bunch of pretentious crap. He probably got into Newsweek on good looks. I think, Andy, you can write more worthwhile articles than the past few I've read. I've seen good writing from my classmates at Cornell and Georgetown Law, and it's worth reading. Do better next time.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

BlueOregonian — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:31:01 GMT

What a condensending, disrespectful article. Weak journalism based on getting a laugh. Haha. Now, what in god's name did that article provide to the social discourse? Not one thing. Dennis Kucinich has more principles and values in his little finger than this "journalist" does. What a waste of a forum.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Sickofthemedia — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:55:22 GMT

I have never bothered to post a response to a news article. I am truly digusted with the malicious crap I just read. I will remember the name Romano and never read anything he has to say again. What ever happened to telling the truth in order to make a difference in what you say. Kucinich never said he saw little green men. He said simply he saw something that he could not identify. He did not launch a recount effort over concerns he had unfairly lost votes. He did so because the polls had Obama ahead by 10 points, and Clinton then supposedly won by 3 or 4 points. With the fraud that took place in Ohio with diebold machines (let's not forget it's president in 2004 bragging that they would give the election to Bush), he was right to ask for a recount in the face of such an unbelievable discrepancy.

It's very disheartening to see this kind of ridicule aimed at someone who is truly genuine. Someone who's ideas are in line with the majority of Americans, but who unfortunately won't have their support because they are led around by the nose by a corrupt media that claims the right to decide who will and won't be heard. We have a crisis in this country of a media out of control. We need a grassroots effort to get it under control. It is not the decider in chief for us, and it shouldn't be allowed to exclude candidates. Why aren't the debates sponsored by civic groups who do not have conflicts of interest as the ownders of MSM had?

Andrew Romano, I hope as you age you mature to the point where you can understand why this article was shameful. I hope one day you have the integrity to apologize to Congressman and Mrs. Kucinich for such nastiness.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

DANTHAT — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:56:28 GMT

I've lived in Mr Kucinich's Neighborhood (Congressional District) all of my life including when he was Mayor back in the late 70's. From my perspective the only change I have seen is for the worse. I am voting for Joe Cimperman.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Sickofthemedia — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:58:52 GMT

One more thing before I get off my box..... Universal Health coverage is NOT free. We pay for it in taxes. But Universal health coverage removes the middle-man ... the insurance companies that are destroying our health care system. The middle man who somehow became the deciders of what is and isn't appropriate for a patient, despite what a doctor says. It would be cheaper for us as a people to pay for single payer when the profit makers in the middle are gone.

That you would refer to it as 'free' only shows that you don't know what you are talking about.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

treider — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:03:45 GMT

This is a terribly disrespectful article about Rep. Kucinich. He was the only candidate that spoke about issues important to working class America. In my opinion the only one who spoke with any integrity about the issues. To make fun of him now is truly juvenile.

I'm really tired of the way the MSM is reporting on this presidential election. This is not a popularity contest and it is not a catfight. It should be about issues, not race and religion.

Seems to me the candidates were chosen by the MSM a long time ago. They've learned how easily the generral public can be manipulated to go along with the program. I predict it will be Clinton and Obama VS McCain and Romney and I surmise this based on the coverage so far. Just like they kept showing that propaganda newsclip of Saddam shooting off a rifle over and over again in the buildup to the Iraq war, they are doing the same thing now with this election by only talking about the candidates they want.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

L.B.Raven — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:20:57 GMT

This is a snide little bit of "journalism" and not at all the "tribute" the entry link implied. Is this journalism? Measuring the contributions or importance of Congressman Kucinich by relying upon the number of google search results screams "LAZY" in the research department and would be better placed in a myspace bulletin. Of course, you could very well have linked the lack of backing and knowledge of this candidate with oh, I don't know....the filtered information of Major Media, such as NBC blocking him from debating in Nevada, for instance.

It's also interesting that you did not mention that Kucinich authored and presented to congress Articles of Impeachment against V.P.Cheney. His House Resolution has been in the House Judiciary Committee for review since late 2007. On Jan 15. 2008, Judiciary Committee member, Robert Wexler (D-fl), called for the hearings to begin along with near a quarter-million signatures of citizens and counting. (WexlerWantsHearings.com)

I am also surprised that you didn't mention that Congressman Kucinich will be presenting Articles of Impeachment for President Bush next week. Oh, wait......that information would be relevant and serious.

We need far less of these funny little articles. The American people are smarter than this and deserve better in journalism.

Thank you, Congressman Kucinich, for your brave efforts to protect and restore our constitution despite the silence of Big Media and the sneers of mediocre bloggers. NBC won't tell you, but I will..........there are millions of citizens that support your efforts!

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

broncos27 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:22:43 GMT

This article must have been written by a Republican, who probably someone like the stupid Colorado congressman that kicked a reporter:

http://cw2.trb.com/news/kwgn-bruce-censure-vote,0,6438713.story

A vote for John McCain will ensure the military/industrial complex continues to screw the average citizen, thus the Republicans feel they must go out of their way to ream out the Democrats.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

ChefRichM — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:15:48 GMT

Wow, what a hatchet job. There should be a "report abuse" tab at the end of that article. Mr. Romano was far more mean-spirited and out of line than any of those commenting on the article. Send young Andrew to the Enquirer where he belongs, Newsweek!

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

solarpower — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:16:20 GMT

What a pathetic, uneccessary piece. If nothing else it makes me realize the value of the writers on strike compared to those we wouldn't miss.

Like so much media "coverage" of this election, it's more a self-aggrandizing assault than anything resembling journalism.

Andrew, if you regain some semblance of conscience and duty to the people of the USA, do the honorable thing: sack yourself.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

americanguy — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:40:16 GMT

Romano--you are a smarmy, ignorant idiot with a half-decent pen. why do you and other national media fixate on these facile, uneducated characterizations that evade fact or reason? Kucinich has his odd sides, I'm no UFO believer either, but what purpose does it serve to gratuitously denigrate his important ideas? single-payer is a vitally important, credible, serious proposal, as are many other of his policies. You do us all a great disservice with this sophomoric dabbling in non-journalistic commentary: would it hurt you to cover him as a serious politician, the loss of whom means a loss of important ideas for this campaign? Grow up Romano!

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

crescentdave — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:41:02 GMT

Kucinich saw a UFO. Huckabee STILL believes there a WMD's, like easter eggs, are hidden in Iraq. This, of course, after his mentor, GWB, conceded there weren't any.

Which belief do you think will cost the US taxpayers more, both in terms of blood and money?

Or is that just ... too much reality for a cookie-cutter hatchet job?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

ocat — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:11:30 GMT

Does it make you feel like a bigger man to write such drivel, Mr. Romano? As almost everyone before me has noted, your tome on Congressman Kucinich serves no useful purpose and does a disservice to the political discourse of the day. It is precisely because people like Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul get marginalized during the election process that our democracy is suffering in ways that our forefathers would shudder at. These men put their ideals on trial and deserve the respect of every citizen in this country, and that means you too, Mr. Romano. You are a small man and I hope when you grow up you realize how much of a jerk you were for writing this article.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

cymbaline777 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:59:02 GMT

Typical lowest common denominator Iron Heel propaganda that underlines the fact that your democracy is a fraud and always has been.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

abadreview — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:28:52 GMT

What a lame article. If I wanted to sleep i'd take a valium. ZzZzZzZzZzZzzzzz

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Northwestwoods — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:42:33 GMT

Posted By: mofeen (January 25, 2008 at 5:20 PM)

Where did Newsweek find this snot-nosed little sparrow fart?

Oral Roberts U?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Northwestwoods — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:54:45 GMT

Posted By: Jason Crowson (January 25, 2008 at 7:36 PM)

A valid point, JC. Dennis didn't handle the ambush question that well. Perhaps he was a little rattled & angered by the stupidity of the question.

Just a thought.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Northwestwoods — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:22:54 GMT

Kucinich-saw a light in the sky that he did not recognize nor could identify.

Huckabee-believes the universe is 6000 years old and has stated that gay sex is equivalent to beastiality, and is not adverse to fried squirrel and was not even aware of the NIE report after 3 days.

Bush-God chose him to be President

Giuliani-thinks that repeatedly dressing up in women's clothes and a wig in public and marrying one's cousin is OK

Romney-far-fetched Mormon beliefs include the possibility to elevate one's soul to the level of godship of one's own planet.

See if you can spot the loonie....

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

howveryodd — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:48:31 GMT

How old is Andrew Romano, 12? He looks about that, in the picture accompanying this article, and sounds about that, with the dumb comment about any man with eyes wishing for a woman who looks like the wife of Dennis Kucinich. (I'm guessing it's ok to comment on how he looks since appearance seems a perfectly valid topic of discussion, to Romano himself.) This is Newsweek? Wow, how far American mainstream medially has fallen. Yeah, yeah I know, it was a "light item". Very light. This guy "suddenly remembered" AFTER writing an article that he received a personal phone call from the person who is the subject of that article. Understandable if the phone call took place years ago, but we're talking just over six months. What kind of nitwit is Andrew Romano? Pathetic.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

crescentdave — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:49:20 GMT

You write "This morning, I suddenly remembered that I'd actually had a conversation with the Congressman Kucinich, so I decided to post an addendum. Can't believe I forgot."

Guy! I can't believe you forgot either-that you could be such a valley girl trapped in the beltway.

I 've read several of your posts ... and I'm at a loss as to how you ever got hired. I can only conclude your daddy or mommy "knew somebody." Please go into business and make lots of money working for one of their friends. It'd be a favor to both yourself and responsible journalism.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Nidawi — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:20:28 GMT

Wow! I'm not even a Kucinich supporter, & I found this amazingly smug and condescending. So, basically, we have to be dull, unimaginative, hawkish, completely linear, & - wouldn't it be awful if someone actually stood up & said going into Iraq was wrong, & likely to cost lives?

This is why people grow to hate "The Media."

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Jon in Iowa — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:46:07 GMT

"(His unabashedly crazy belief in UFOs probably didn't help.)"

What remarkably even-handed reporting. 14% of Americans--in the neighborhood of forty-two-million people--believe they've seen UFOs. Why aren't other candidates called "unabashedly crazy" for climbing over one another to profess belief in a god far fewer people have ever seen?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

Mike Shunney — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:18:58 GMT

I'm holding a good old fashioned Irish wake tonight, not for Mr. Kucinich, but for the current version of democracy in the U.S.A.

A free and vigorous press being needed to keep citizens informed so that they can participate in their democracy. Citizens need to be aware of the activities of those who would abuse their wealth and power to oppress and unfairly use the average citizen, among other things. This abuse now extends well beyond the borders of the U.S. That's easy to see and somehow become easier to tolerate.

But now it is so clear that the press here at home has been bought by the same wealthy, powerful 1% that the press is expected to keep tabs on. It's not some abstract conspiracy theory and it's not even hidden. Anyone can look up who owns NBC and find that's it's the 2nd largest defense contractor on the planet - G.E., as one example.

This is the kind of fact that Mr. Kucinich had the audacity to bring to light. This is the reason his voice had to be silenced from the "debates". This is the reason that he receives more coverage today for leaving the race, than he has received during the entire time he was actively speaking the truth during the race.

He asked profoundly simple and disturbing questions like:

Why are a few CEOs and top level managers making so many billions of dollars on the continuing suffering of so many U.S. citizens that just want decent health care?

Why are a few CEOs and top level managers making so many billions of dollars on the continuing suffering of so many people on both sides of the many wars that are now being prosecuted?

Why are a few CEOs and top level managers making so many billions of dollars on the continuing suffering of so many people working under horrific conditions all around the world?

We start to see a pattern here.

A man asking questions like that must be a "nut case"; must be marginalized, silenced, "disappeared".

Luckily, we the citizens, have the last word. We don't have to reserve our voting for once every 2 years or 4 years. We vote every day, several times a day. We vote every time we spend a dollar. if we give our dollars to corporations, the CEOs rule. If we give our dollars to Dave, the local farmer, and Bill , the local lumber mill, and Joe, the local mechanic, and Jean, the local seamstress, and Ray, the local fisherman, and Don, the local non-chain restaurant, and so on, the CEOs get voted off the island. If we give our dollars to the local newspaper and the local, low-power radio station, then the CEOs of the press get voted off.

Not easy, but taking back power without bloodshed is something we can do. I can today and you can today. No waiting, no powerlessness, no Party affiliation required.

Peace

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

superdan — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 04:00:41 GMT

It's pretty sad that in America a candidate gets votes in inverse proportion to how much backbone they have (when clinton wins anyway). Kucinich was right, right, right on issue after issue. What's wrong with these journalists? Don't they teach ethics in journalism school anymore? Does Karl Rove have photos of you all with gay prostitutes? What is it? I don't understand, really.

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

mindful — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:49:51 GMT

Sinnick,

what is a prople and how do they vote? Is a prople an alien or UFO that Denny has claimed to see?

re: Beam Me Up, Denny

democracy42 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:22:01 GMT

I wish those who say they live in Kucinch's district, and think he does a poor job representing them, would please identify themselves as a democrat, republican or independent and also provide some specific examples and the rest of us outside of Ohio can then check this out and verify for ourselves. If they voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004 and are one of the 24% of Americans that approve of Bush's performance, then I'd agree,..Kucinich is not representing your interests by bringing up impeachment.