Still Candidate Kucinich

This interview with Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) took place on March 14, as he campaigned in Normal, Illinois before the Illinois primary.

The Associated Press is reporting that John Kerry has reached the majority of delegates he needs for the nomination. What do you hope to accomplish by continuing your campaign?

Dennis Kucinich: We know the direction of the nomination, but what remains to be seen is the direction of the Democratic Party. My candidacy is about influencing the direction of the Democratic Party, not just in this election, but long term. To have a party that stands for peace, for workers rights, human rights, and environmental quality in trade, and for universal health care.

Do you think you'll have an influence at the Democratic National Convention?

To me, that's a secondary question right now. I'm in this election all the way through to the convention. We'll take one phase at a time. I'm the only other candidate, I think, who is actively campaigning still. I'm going to continue to campaign.

Do you think the media's going to pay attention to you now that there's not officially a race?

Local media has been covering this campaign, and continues to do so. Whatever the national media does, as far as I'm concerned, is irrelevant. This campaign is continuing. I don't need the permission of the national media to run, I'm not seeking it, I didn't ask them to get in, whether they cover me or not is their problem, not mine.

The mainstream media seems to vacillate between mocking you and ignoring you. How much damage did the media do to your campaign?

I think I'm right on track to be an overnight success.

What do you think of Ralph Nader's independent candidacy?

Ralph Nader and I have known each other for 30 years. We've worked together on a lot of things. Our politics are obviously different. I'm inside the Democratic Party, he's not. I think that my candidacy has the potential to attract people who would otherwise vote for Ralph Nader. People who are concerned about the undue influence of corporate power in our political agenda, people who are concerned about illegal wars, people who are concerned about protecting the environment, people who are concerned about fair trade, all those people who are attracted to Ralph Nader are also attracted to my candidacy. So what I'm doing is keeping the potential alive to bring people inside the Democratic Party.

On the positions you mentioned, you seem to agree with Nader more than Kerry.

But just keep something in mind. The Democratic Party cannot win the White House without that constituency.

What would you say to voters in Illinois, and other safe states where a vote for Nader won't affect the presidential election?

Just about any Democratic nominee can count on 47%-48% of the vote. This election's going to be decided by fractions. The question is, in each state, who has the ability to attract progressive voters and mobilize them, and give them a reason to vote. I don't think people are ready to trade a Republican version of the war in Iraq for a Democratic version of the same. We have a long period of time for this argument to be played out. We're seven and a half months away from the general election. That's an eternity in politics. Anything can happen. So I'm staying on this trail right through to the election. So that takes us to July.

Do you plan to endorse John Kerry?

I'm in an active phase of a candidacy, so it's inappropriate for anyone to ask me that when I'm campaigning.

But all of the Democratic nominees agreed to endorse the winner.

We've already committed for the nominee.

Your home state of Ohio may be decisive in the fall election.

It is.

What do you think are the chances that Kerry can defeat Bush in Ohio?