Oh boy: Kucinich will announce O-Care vote at press conference tomorrow; Update: Voting yes?
posted at 7:01 pm on March 16, 2010 by Allahpundit
Yes, it’s important, and no, I can’t believe I’m saying that either. But look: I honestly think this was destiny. After nine months of the ObamaCare freak show, somehow it had to come down to a far-left UFO aficionado.
This is what fate wants, my friends. America — in the hands of Dennis Kucinich.
Cleveland Congressman Dennis Kucinich, a politician with a well-documented flare [sic] for the dramatic, will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce how he plans to vote on the controversial health-care bill before Congress…
Last weekend, Kucinich was a firm “no,” saying the health-insurance package seemed to favor insurance companies over ordinary Americans. Kucinich wants single-payer, universal coverage. He has pushed for it for years.
But it’s safe to say he’s not going to win that one this week. And yesterday, after the Cleveland Democrat joined Obama on Air Force One as the president flew to Northeast Ohio to continue lobbying for passage, Kucinich’s position may have softened. Or may not have. His office says he has made no statements, but political junkies are making bets as if this is the Final Four.
C’mon. A day after The One brought him to Ohio and saluted him from the podium, Kucinich is going to call a presser to kick him in the nuts? Obviously he’s flipping to yes. The question is whether this is being coordinated with the White House to create momentum among holdouts and whether anything Kooky says is capable of creating momentum. It’s not like he’s some bellwether for Blue Dog sentiment; he’s a single-payer advocate who needs to be convinced that the best way there is incrementally, with this as the first step. Why a Kucinich flip would sway, say, Jason Altmire is unclear to me, but momentum is momentum, I guess.
Update: Toldja.









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I dunno. Obama slips away for a few moments to put on something a ….lil more comfortable. Comes back out, and q’s up the cd player, with some Barry White. A few nice martini’s and some smooth talk about Obama’s favorite subject (himself) and it’s a day of enchantment, and Kucinich just can’t hold back anymore. He must, MUST vote yes! He just can’t bear the shunning he’d recieve like Stupak is, if he didn’t vote yes.
capejasmine on March 16, 2010 at 7:49 PM
It is in the trillions without those deals and kickbacks.
Aviator on March 16, 2010 at 7:49 PM
I think he’s going to announce his switch to a yes vote. What I’m wondering though is how is he going to justify this in the press conference? He can’t just walk up to the podium, announce his sellout and then walk away. Every media outlet on the planet will be all over that story. “Mr Kucinich, what caused you to change your mind?” “Was it something that Obama promised or told you on Air Force Once?” “Something must have made you change your mind sir. Were you simply won over by Barak Obama’s dreaminess?”
These are questions he will have to address. How he handles that could make things very very interesting. I could very easily see him stepping up to the microphone, pounding his little chest and boasting about how President Obama promised him that this was the first step towards a single payer system. If he comes out and justifies his switch by proclaiming that Obama convinced him that this yes vote is in fact the key to openning the door to socialism, then all hell is going to break loose.
Zetterson on March 16, 2010 at 7:50 PM
Is it me, or does Dennis look like an older version of Percy from The Green Mile? LOL
His wife is gorgeous. Obviously this guy is loaded. lol
capejasmine on March 16, 2010 at 7:50 PM
The Elf Lord speaketh! Somewhere, a village in Middle Earth is missing an idiot.
Philly on March 16, 2010 at 7:52 PM
BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHA…COUGH…choke….Bwaaaahahahahah…wheeze…gasp..gasp…chortle.snort… OH GAWD… Dang…gasp… whew!
Good one, broheim!
Doorgunner on March 16, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Or has a giant…………….you know what I mean.
Knucklehead on March 16, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Well, he belongs in the place Percy ended up in.
Aviator on March 16, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Dennis is a moonbat. He doesn’t need a bribe or a kickback, just word from the horse’s
assmouth himself that this bill, Obamacare, is going to lead to single-payer, socialized medicine at some point down the road.So I think the press conference is partly at the request of Obama to swing the undecideds, and partly Dennis’ mea culpa to his moonbat followers to explain why he’s voting yes now, even though “Big Pharma” endorses this bill.
Vyce on March 16, 2010 at 7:53 PM
The “applicable amount” is $750. The penalty is 3 times that. Per individual.
pedestrian on March 16, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Oh boy, hell’s comin’.
Mojave Mark on March 16, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Looks like the Wonka Bars are wearing off Florida’s tallest Oompa Loompa. He’s now starting to turn on healthcare himself…. Politico’s got it.
ted c on March 16, 2010 at 7:54 PM
I’m betting he’ll kick the Chairman in the nuts. I base this on the fact that everywhere and anyone that the Chairman has backed or bet on HAS LOST. Using this theory, I’ll go out on a limb and suggest that since the Chairman spent all of this time and effort to woo Kooky that Kooky will simply follow historical precendent.
Dick Turpin on March 16, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Kucinich is a loose cannon and no one has any idea what he’ll do next. If he proclaims a “NO” vote, that will be a plate awesomely awesome covered in awesome sauce (served up with a side of awesome). But I am not getting my hopes up. He could just pull a typical libnut maneuver and vote yes.
Philly on March 16, 2010 at 7:55 PM
We have Kucinich, the Moonbat from Ohio, Slaughter, the false teeth fabulist, and Pelosi, the wax maiden lost in a fog, crafting the downfall of our economy. Even Stephen King could not dream up a better horror story.
onlineanalyst on March 16, 2010 at 7:55 PM
It will be a “yes,” and he will explain that this bill provides a baseline for future expansion into single-payer. He will studiously avoid making any reference to any promises Barry made to him. That’s the rub. Our dimwitted idiot freakshow “president” tells the mouth-breathing masses “don’t worry” this isn’t about a government takeover of health care. Meanwhile he tells his lefty sycophants “don’t fret about what I tell the mouth-breathing masses. Rest assured this is just the first step toward a government takeover of healthcare.” Genius boy thinks every one but him is a complete idiot.
WarEagle01 on March 16, 2010 at 7:56 PM
Obama’s tone deafness continues to amaze.
He makes the threat that he won’t campaign for those who vote no for Obamacare, completely missing the fact that most of those who are going to vote NO on it were trying to figure out how to tell the POTUS to stay the hell away from their campaigns.
Now he is courting one of, if not THE, looniest members of Congress to try and pressure members from purple to red districts?
I am continually stunned at his lack of understanding of our nation
Nathan_OH on March 16, 2010 at 7:58 PM
The guy is a friutloop. Of course he’s voting for it.
ROCnPhilly on March 16, 2010 at 7:59 PM
So how can CBO score this thing when new deals are being added to it every 5 minutes?
ctmom on March 16, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Disabled gentleman has own small business will be nailed, down 70% in his business this bill will force him to close. Thousands of dollars on penalties per employee because he currently does not offer it. Did not offer amt. of staff he has.
that’s basically all I am gonna write.
ProudPalinFan on March 16, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Of course it’s no! Why would he bother to call a press conference. Now the only thing is to find out why. My apologies to any Ohioians here, but most of Ohio will think it’s fine if they get something for nothing out of this? I have not heard FL or LA feeling any remorse. However, it will reinforce any Constitutional challenges from the states over these provisions.
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 8:02 PM
However, Kucinich as a “yes” should be played to the fullest in every purple congressional district held by a Dem…
There may be enough time to do that…
NRSC… do want to see the return of real donations? Prepare to drain your coffers now.
Doorgunner on March 16, 2010 at 8:02 PM
Thanks for the laugh. I needed one after today!
truetexan on March 16, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Oops, of course it’s yes. Wishful thinking, sorry!
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Sorry tedc, will fetch her website and cut/paste your q’s and mine. Townhall is fini
ProudPalinFan on March 16, 2010 at 8:06 PM
Oops. This is what made me laugh. Sorry!
truetexan on March 16, 2010 at 8:06 PM
I called the House Committee on Rules a few hours ago. That poor staffer did not know what to do with me. I wish I had a transcript or recording of the call. Good times.
bluetick on March 16, 2010 at 8:06 PM
I bet Obama promised to open the freezers in the basement of the White House so we can finally see those 7 aliens they’ve had on ice since the Carter Administration. Who wouldn’t vote yes for that?
Lily on March 16, 2010 at 8:08 PM
Why did the White House not discourage Kucinich from holding a press conference?
Does the White House really want this doofus to be the face of Congressional support for health care reform?
Edouard on March 16, 2010 at 8:15 PM
Sooner or later we’ll know what bribe was used. It will be leaked by someone, somewhere because it’s just too juicy to keep quiet about. However the kicker may be that the dang thing has already passed!! What then my friends, what then?
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 8:16 PM
This is the lady I bugged all of you about that held the phone call town hall meeting (fun listening to ppl complain about Clinton’s sex scandals!)
http://pegluksik.com/
ProudPalinFan on March 16, 2010 at 8:18 PM
Did we really believe He wasn’t going to be voting yes?I didn’t .I heard on top of the hour news that Obama was having a “friendly” meeting with some of the hold outs at the White House tonight. We should see a few more yeses tomorrow.
sandee on March 16, 2010 at 8:21 PM
Kucinich is a fruitcake and would be the perfect poster child for a dystfunctional piece of legislation.
Philly on March 16, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Honest to God, if Kucinich flipped it has got to be Obama’s Mile High Club.
Forget the cornhusker kicker and the LA Purchase, Obama’s Mile High Club takes the cake.
This president is making history all right. I’m not sure it is going to end up the kind of history he had planned.I hope Dennis didn’t flip but if he did, Obama will never, ever live this down.
Forget the Lincoln Bedroom, it is Obama’s Mile High Club!
ORconservative on March 16, 2010 at 8:24 PM
The Buckeye Buyoff, staring Barry the Magician
JoePa for POTUS on March 16, 2010 at 8:25 PM
Obama’s Mile High Club. LOL.
Philly on March 16, 2010 at 8:25 PM
I wonder just how many are going to follow him now. I just have a bad feeling about this. I think they can bribe the rest of the democrats now.
Brat4life on March 16, 2010 at 8:26 PM
No, we won’t. Much of Ohio is embarrassed by Kook and wish that Lake Erie would swallow him and his district.
Nathan_OH on March 16, 2010 at 8:26 PM
How desperate are you when you try to prove “Everybody else is doing it” by putting Dennis Kucinich on the stage?
tom on March 16, 2010 at 8:26 PM
When the Pres. gave Kucinich a joy ride in Air Force One, they probably made some UFO sightings.
mobydutch on March 16, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Well ole Dennis will have the distinction of being the first Mile High Club member.
He’s kooky enough to think that is a good thing.
ORconservative on March 16, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Eeehhh. I don’t know. It’s MSNBC. I think they may be trying to, ahem, lean on Kucinich.
Weight of Glory on March 16, 2010 at 8:28 PM
Did anyone here see the MSNBC interview where he said Kucinich was a yes? I mean, I know no one watches MSNBC, but it’d help to know context (speculation vs. an informed spoiler).
RachDubya on March 16, 2010 at 8:29 PM
So much for the insider knowledge of Michael Medved.
angryed on March 16, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Or maybe:
Kucinich: AAAAUUUAAAUUAUUAUUUGHGHGHGHGHG!!
Rahm: Next time we drop you.
tom on March 16, 2010 at 8:33 PM
Effin’ crapweasel. I think I’ll send the moron my bill for my increased premiums.
I want to say a lot more, but I’ll get banned.
changer1701 on March 16, 2010 at 8:33 PM
OT trivia but Cleveland myth: Dennis is really Mister Jingeling’s (the head Christmas elf of Halle’s Department Store fame) secret love child. The resemblance is uncanny. Sing after me – “Mr. Jingeling, How You Tingeling, Keeper of the Keys, On Halle’s Seventh Floor, We’ll be Looking for, You to Turn the Keys, He Keeps Track, Of Santa’s Sack, And Treasure House of Toys,
With Wind Up Things, That Santa Brings, To All Good Girls and Boys.” Well, that just might explain Denny’s weirdness and freaky world view.
MayorDaley on March 16, 2010 at 8:34 PM
Let’s hope he has seen the CBO scoring and will say it’s fiscally irresponsible. I’m starting St. Pattie’s Day early.
djaymick on March 16, 2010 at 8:34 PM
I have my voodoo dolls out in force tonight, and it ain’t nothing good for the democrat leadership.
SouthernGent on March 16, 2010 at 8:35 PM
Fall of Rome.
ThePrez on March 16, 2010 at 8:35 PM
Oddly enough intrade wet down from 75 to 67 during the time he announced his press conference.
angryed on March 16, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Kucinich (Kucinich Party-Representing Kucinich)
Repurblican on March 16, 2010 at 8:37 PM
LOL. Awesome. I hope you have LOTS of extra pins.
changer1701 on March 16, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Schumer: Violate the Constitution
http://www.therightscoop.com/chuck-schumer-wed-like-to-create-senate-rules-that-cant-be-changed-by-a-23-majority/
andy85719 on March 16, 2010 at 8:41 PM
I saw Fineman. He also said Kucinich will say it’s the first step to single-payor.
Marcus on March 16, 2010 at 8:46 PM
Have relatives in Cleveland who think OCare is the answer to their prayers.
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 8:48 PM
Barry had a nice talk with Dennis the Opportunist yesterday.
He thinks he’s got his vote.
Gonna be tough to break it to Joe about 2012, though.
JEM on March 16, 2010 at 8:49 PM
I wonder if that will persuade any wavering Dems to vote no, if the veil is lifted and he actually admits that is the ultimate goal?
Or not. I’m trying to hold out some hope, here!
changer1701 on March 16, 2010 at 8:50 PM
They have a surprise coming.
Aviator on March 16, 2010 at 8:52 PM
They are both grinning and/or smirking in that photo. The only difference is that obama has his mouth open(what else is new)and K. has a smug look.
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 8:53 PM
A big Golden Gopher thank you to Ohio!
Kucinich makes Franken and Ventura easier to bear!
Bruno Strozek on March 16, 2010 at 8:54 PM
WOn’t that be risky to moderate dems who don’t necessarily want to sign up to single-payer?
Oink on March 16, 2010 at 8:54 PM
This part of Ohio showed both of these drones, (Obama and Kucinich), exactly how we felt yesterday.I’ll bet barack saw yellow Gadsten flags in his dreams last night! Dennis can keep any part of his “Buckeye Bailout” that he wants…..he’s gonna need retirement cash.
Rick554
Strongsville, Ohio
PS: for all those that think his little wifey is a hotty….look for a FULL length pic of her.
Rick554 on March 16, 2010 at 8:57 PM
I was just listening to Jim Geraghty on Hugh Hewitt and he made an interesting point. Imagine what it looks like to the world to have Mr. Obama groveling to the likes of Mr. Kucinich?
Cindy Munford on March 16, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Contact Congressman Dennis Kucinich
http://kucinich.house.gov/Contact/
albill on March 16, 2010 at 8:59 PM
I don’t quite understand why Mr. Kucinich wold vote against it because it doesn’t go far enough when he has to know that the will build on it until it is single payer universal health care.
Cindy Munford on March 16, 2010 at 9:01 PM
Barack doesn’t give a rat’s behind. He wants to win and will sell whatever integrity? he might have once had to do it. It remains to be seen who else(who has not already)will join him.
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 9:02 PM
Only kickback I can really get behind!
chickasaw42 on March 16, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Put your imaginations to work here? Sadly! what kind of he!! do you think will break loose on the Dem side if this passes? Celebrations? Gloating? What? I’m not sure I can face it. And our side?
jeanie on March 16, 2010 at 9:05 PM
You know Dennis, you work for the revolution for decades, and nobody will call you a revolutionary. But s*** just one d***, and everybody calls you a c***s***er.
smellthecoffee on March 16, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Pelosi will get the votes. They’re going to stop at no lengths, and I will not be able to stomach the reaction in congress. All smiles and cheers. It sickens me.
deidre on March 16, 2010 at 9:12 PM
Kookcinich vote will not create momentum.
katy on March 16, 2010 at 9:12 PM
Kucinich was *promised* a public option in an amendment. THAT IS FOR SURE!! It’s what they all want, particularly Obama.
elclynn on March 16, 2010 at 9:13 PM
That Kusinich was a no was a total gift anyway. He should have been an in-the-pocket yes the whole time. It’s only that he is bat-shite crazy that he was coming on with his “principled opposition”. Also, he is sui generis, and doesn’t influence anyone. He really won’t be the same after this–he’s really given up something important for himself here, and his natural constituency won’t soon forget it. Good luck getting his tofu and alfafah sprout pizzas anymore–they’ll run him right out of the joint. He and Nelson can get together and cry about it.
smellthecoffee on March 16, 2010 at 9:14 PM
Kucinich create momentum? You mean like he did when he ran for President LMAO.
Dr Evil on March 16, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Thanks a lot Capejasmine! With these images now in my brain I will pass on dinner!
Bubba Redneck on March 16, 2010 at 9:18 PM
If anyone honestly thought that Kucinich would stand firm on his no, then I’ve got a nice bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. Of course he was going to switch his vote–that should have been a given in any serious vote calculations. The man’s too erratic and loves to grandstand.
But–it’s important to remember that his vote switch alone isn’t going to do it for Rancidy Pelousy. We have to continue the pressure on the others to maintain their no vote and on the “undecideds” that it is in their best interests to vote NO.
Matt Helm on March 16, 2010 at 9:18 PM
Which is exactly what Obama told him. Kucinich, I really wish you wouldn’t call him Mr., has a few years to go for re-election, not until 2012. He will be assured by that time we’ll all have kissed and made up and his spot is safe if he votes yes. Not only that, but the arrogant little ass is probably flattered to death by the attention.
elclynn on March 16, 2010 at 9:19 PM
So after all is said and done Kucinich is nothing but another two bit lying political whore. No more of your sanctimonious bullshit kucinich. You’re lost what principles you had and proved to be nothing but another corrupt AHole waiting to be bought off.
Goodale on March 16, 2010 at 9:19 PM
As I posted earlier, I knew Obama would promise more goodies ‘a la public option for Kucinich’s vote. There was no way Kucinich would call a press conference and embarass Obama with a no vote.
KickandSwimMom on March 16, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Obama must have promised Kucinich a trip to area 51…
WhoU4 on March 16, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Of course Kucinich will vote “yes.” Did anyone think this liberal pu&&y was going to make a principled vote against the pu&&y in chief? C’mon!
D2Boston on March 16, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Is that what we are calling Obama’s backside now?
Aviator on March 16, 2010 at 9:25 PM
Why he gets votes I will never understand. He’s so useless as a Rep. He accomplishes zero and still gets voted in. We almost had him tossed during the last election. We will next one for sure.
elclynn on March 16, 2010 at 9:25 PM
hee hee
Colorado Anne on March 16, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Word.
It’s kind of like having Ron Paul decide to vote yes on a Republican bill. Is that more likely to get undecided RINOs on board? I would say no and maybe even likely to get some RINOs to run away from it.
angryed on March 16, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Barry knows, just ask Larry Sinclair.
Monica on March 16, 2010 at 9:28 PM
elclynn on March 16, 2010 at 9:25 PM
He keeps getting voted in because he is a reliable liberal who also sounds calm and reasonable. I actually respect him because he is up front about his socialist leanings. At least he doesn’t deny it like the other weasel dems. Of course, I can’t stand his politics, but I do appreciate his willingness to fight for his ideology.
KickandSwimMom on March 16, 2010 at 9:31 PM
Off you go into where no one has gone before, Dennis! *Vulcan salute*
ProudPalinFan on March 16, 2010 at 9:32 PM
What? Dennis is the new Sec. of the Navy?
d1carter on March 16, 2010 at 9:36 PM
It feels like we’re at a casino in Vegas watching a gambling on this sweetie.
ProudPalinFan on March 16, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Nah, of ‘Intelligence’
Schadenfreude on March 16, 2010 at 9:39 PM
This IS NOT about Kucinich!
It’s about JOHN BOCCIERI – Kucinich’s District Neighbor!
http://boccieri.house.gov
It’s about MARCIA FUDGE – also on AFO with Kooky
http://fudge.house.gov
http://oneclick.indiatimes.com/photo/06DegiQaA227p?q=Ohio”
It’s about Marcy Kaptur
http://www.kaptur.house.gov
1. Kucinich is untouchable – He’s gerrymandered in a way that his entire voting block consists of blue-collar unions and he’s not up again, IIRC, until ’12.
2. Boccieri, Fudge and Kaptur were NO votes the first time – Fudge will go with Dennis. Boccieri and Kaptur are on the fence but Dennis is expected to bring them along since they are his literal congressional neighbors.
FOCUS ON BOCCIERI and KAPTUR – if they go with Dennis, it’s game over.
budfox on March 16, 2010 at 9:51 PM
The Little Weasel will vote yes.
MaiDee on March 16, 2010 at 9:52 PM
Kucinich is about to join the ranks of the unemployed this November.
GarandFan on March 16, 2010 at 10:05 PM
On the one hand, I agree with you. On the other, I imagine the threat of yet another toilet swirlie from Obama’s secret service was just one more swirlie he couldn’t bear. By the time the top of his head hit the toilet water, he was says YES. I’ll vote YES. Just put me down!!!!
capejasmine on March 16, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Actually…what if Kucinich gets up and says just that? “My friends, the President has given me his solemn assurance that this bill will lead to a single-payer system within ten years, and that is why I’m voting for it.”
Whoa nellie. That would be fun stuff.
Missy on March 16, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Massa’s got to be jealous as hell. He gets pushed out and Kucinich gets the Obama Mile High Club.
Guess Massa should have gone the air force route instead of the navy………….
ORconservative on March 16, 2010 at 10:52 PM
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