Bridging the Party Divides?

An interesting move for near-stereotypical "Strength Through Peace" Democrat nominee Dennis Kucinich: contemplation of a Republican running mate. While many of us may see this as a terrible idea- the thought of constant clashes due to ideological differences weighing heavily on us, the concept behind it is interesting. While Kucinich is running the election to- more or less- gain name recognition- as he is currently a long shot candidate (His claims of seeing a UFO certainly aren't helping him in the poles, methinks...) his tactics in his consideration of using Republican Ron Paul are interesting. The idea of creating a balance of power, more or less another system of a check and balance between the parties, has merit in much the same way that communism looks good on paper.
Although this strategy in the split President / Vice President party runners is interesting, history tells us that this sort of a setup has not worked well. Before the running mate system had taken its hold, when the second place candidate for President became VP, it became abundantly clear that having different ideologies in the top levels of the government brought about nothing but trouble. Constant disagreement in the upper level of the government may seen nice as a form of checks and balances, but it is these same checks and balances that would prevent a government from getting anything done.
IF (In the rare, rare chance...) Kucinich were to run on a platform of split views between the President and Vice President I would predict him losing a large amount of both parties votes. Let's see how this one turns out, Kucinich!

[Source: http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/11/if_kucinich_wins_nomination_ro.html ]

Dennis Kucinich: 11/2-11/18

In the polls: Dennis Kucinich currently sits between 1 and 4% according to Pollster. Regionally, Kucinich averages at about 2% in Southern States, 1.5% in Western States, 1.9% in Red States, 2.7% in Blue States, 2.3% in February 5th states, 1.8% in Midwest states, and 2.9% in Northeast states. In the first poll of active Democrats, Democracy for America, Kucinich beat other candidates in 47 states including Iowa and New Hampshire. Kucinich is also seen by 35% of Democrats as the most liberal candidate. However, 45% of Democrats do not know enough about him to form an opinion. Also, along with Gravel, Kucinich has filed paperwork and paid the $2500 filing fee with the secretary of state in order to appear on the February 5th ballot in Arkansas.

In the News: Kucinich has called himself the “long-shot candidate” in an interview with ABC News. He also said that his rivals have given in to health insurers and big corporations, while he has remained out of their control. Also, in a debate in Las Vegas , Kucinich challenged the front runners on issues such as Iraq, foreign trade, and health care. In talks with the National Latino Congreso in Los Angeles, California and with the AFL-CIO State Convention in Seaside, Oregon, Kucininch linked economic and immigration problems with free trade. In addition, at a Los Angeles forum on global warming, Kucinich, along with Clinton and Edwards, talked about their plans to combat global warming and promote energy independence.

In other news: Kucinich spoke at the 18th annual protest against Fort Benning, a school that trains Latin American soldiers, police, and government officials. Kucinich believes that the mindset that prompted the school relates to the mindset that prompted the Iraq war. Also, Kucinich backed funding for the Palestinian Authority which is led by the terrorist group Hamas. Kucinich believes that the isolation of the PA has caused much of the violence on the Gaza Strip.