Getting Beyond the Clinton-Obama Hype


While political pundits have been cackling incessantly about the hyped-up race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008, commentators have all but ignored the fact that the election is still two years away, and that a full field of candidates has not yet even formed.

That point was emphasized Tuesday when Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio threw his hat into the presidential contenders’ ring. Kucinich, who ran for the Democratic nomination in 2004, was correctly and vehemently against United States military action in Iraq from the very beginning and he is now telling America that the money is there to bring the troops home now.

Kucinich rightly notes that Democrats took control of the U.S. House and Senate last month based on a promise to the American people that there would be a change of direction in Iraq. In the meantime, Congress is already considering a $160 million supplemental spending bill to keep American troops stuck in the middle of a bloody civil war.

While Kucinich may have seemed to the mainstream America of 2004 to be a left-wing radical, much of what he said in 2004 turned out to be exactly right. The presidential administration of George W. Bush lied its way into a war with no clear objective, no exit strategy and no plan to create and maintain peace. Kucinich’s candidacy is a welcome addition to the Democratic field, which includes 2004 vice presidential candidate John Edwards and his presidential running mate, Sen. John Kerry.

After more than a month of Clinton-Obama hype, it’s nice to hear an outspoken, consistent voice in Congressman Kucinich, who was willing to criticize the president when Bush’s poll numbers were more than double what they are today. Whether or not Kucinich has a chance of catching the frontrunners remains to be seen, but his inclusion as a candidate will be good both for the Democratic party and for America.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less