Cynthia McKinney has chosen a Vice-Presidential running mate, New York City-based community activist and journalist Rosa Clemente. The New York City IMC conducted in interview with Ms. Clemente which can be viewed by clicking the story link below.
I am going to try to keep an open mind about Cynthia McKinney’s choice because I think it’s great to get more people involved in the party. However I am somewhat disappointed that she did not choose some already in the party who have been actively seeking nominations or who have been vying for the Presidential nomination already. My choices would have been:
SKCM Curry (who was actively seeking the VP nomination)
or
Jared Ball
Having said that, I do like what I read about Ms. Clemente and excited at the prospect of having two women of color running for these offices. Additionally, I feel it will attract a population of voting age people that have not voted in elections before.
Finally, I would hope that Ms. Clemente would set her sights on continuing her involvement in electoral politics with the Green Party and run for other offices in her area in the future.
It will be interesting to see how Cynthia McKinney’s choice affects her chances for obtaining the GPUS Presidential Nomination.
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Rosa Clemente helped found and coordinate the first-ever National Hip Hop Political Convention in Newark, NJ, which brought together over 3,000 people from across the country. Speaking afterward with The Indypendent’s Ana Nogueira, Clemente summed up her efforts: “If we don’t make some power moves now and in 2008, we aren’t going anywhere as a generation.”
2004 Indy Interview w/ Rosa Clemente, Likely Green Party Vice-Presidential Nominee
Rosa A. Clemente released the following statement:
“I am honored and excited to accept this invitation to run with Cynthia McKinney. Cynthia McKinney is a hero to me and many others across this country and around the world for her courage in standing up to George Bush while the Democratic Party establishment caved.
“This campaign is the opportunity the Hip-Hop generation has been working for. This is our time to address the issues affecting our communities – rising unemployment, the high cost of food and housing, a lack of quality public education and access to higher education, the prison-industrial complex, and unaccountable corporate media. These issues are not being addressed by either the Republican or Democratic nominee.
“I choose to do this, not for me, but for my generation, my community and my daughter. I don’t see the Green Party as an alternative; I see it as an imperative. I trust that my Vice Presidential run will inspire all people, but especially young people of color, to recognize that we have more then two choices. Together, we can build the future we’ve been dreaming of.”
Hip-Hop artist M1 says, “I’ve never voted in the Presidential election; I’ve never felt strongly enough about a candidate to. Knowing that Rosa Clemente is down with Cynthia McKinney’s run, I feel that now is the greatest opportunity for the Hip-Hop community to put our collective strength and power to the test and vote for someone who represents who we are and what we stand for.”
For more info visit:
http://www.rosaclemente.com
http://www.runcynthiarun.org
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 