Peace Train rally kicks-off without presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich

San Francisco, California
Friday, December 21, 2007

In a show of support, admirers of Dennis Kucinich filled the pews at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Francisco this evening to help the outspoken antiwar candidate kick-off a state-wide "Peace Train" campaign tour-- despite his inability to attend the event himself. Many of his admirers arrived yet unaware of news that Kucinich, eldest of seven siblings, had just lost a brother on Wednesday. Perry Kucinich, 52, had died suddenly and unexpectedly.

According to a notice in the kick-off event's program, Dennis and his wife Elizabeth won't be able to participate in this weekend's Peace Train events which are still planned. The couple will tend to their family in Cleveland, Ohio, while a Kucinich representative, Amy Vossbrinck, takes charge of the Oakland to Oceanside, California campaign whistle-stop tour. Named in honor of the famous Cat Stevens' song, the Kucinich campaign describes the tour as "a series of rallies, town hall meetings, fundraisers, and train station events in towns along the route."

Despite the pall of uncertainty hovering over the energy-dampened political rally, the audience was respectful and supportive. Vossbrinck dutifully joined other scheduled speakers to demonstrate that the campaign would continue and that the evening's planned presentation would be fulfilled as best as possible. Speakers included Nation correspondent John Nichols, author Michael Parenti, and CodePink activist Medea Benjamin. (Although expected, Cindy Sheehan did not attend. The audience was told that she was ill with a cold or flu).

In turn, they spoke of Kucinich's courageous stands against the war and for impeachment hearings, the formidable money and media challenges he has faced in getting his message out, and of his proven ability to pull other Democratic Party candidates' positions to the left.

Vossbrink gave the most personal testimony. She related anecdotes about Kucinich's integrity and personal honesty, how she had first been drawn to supporting him, and why she had stayed devoted to him. She mentioned her admiration for a speech of his called "Spirit and Stardust." http://tinyurl.com/2mvg7f

A short tape of Kucinich was shown. In it, he expressed his confidence and resolve to continue working on behalf of creating a sounder world.

More information:
Kucinich cancels campaign appearances following brother’s death
http://www.dennis4president.com/go/resources/kucinich-cancels-campaign-appearances-following-brother%92s-death/

Perry J. Kucinich, beloved brother 12/11/56 - 12/19/07
http://www.dennis4president.com/go/alerts-%11-right/perry-j.-kucinich,-beloved-brother-12%1011%1056-%11-12%1019%1007/

Dennis Kucinich Campaign website: