Dennis Kucinich knows a fund-raising moment when he sees one.

His anti-Bush, anti-war comments in Syria have churned a wave of criticism, but he hopes to turn it into cash for his presidential campaign (which puts him to Hawaii today). His plea to suporters, just sent by e-mail:

"Today I am being attacked as a traitor and vilified for reaching out to people of the region, hearing their concerns and discussing those concerns openly in public forums. My campaign is in need of immediate financial assistance to respond to a right wing hate machine that went into over-drive on the 6th anniversary of 9/11, using my visit to Syria and Lebanon as red meat for their attack dogs. Please go to http://www.dennis4president.com now to contribute."

Kucinich continues with an explanation for why he traveled to Syria and Lebanon (but not to Israel or to Iraq while it is being occupied -- his words -- by the United States):

"Elizabeth and I went to the region to determine the level of interest that exists for peace. As the person who led Democrats five years ago in opposition to the war against Iraq, I went to

determine the impact of the war on Syria, which shares a border with Iraq and has taken in over 1.5 million Iraqi refugees. I went to learn what the issues are that separate Syria from hopes

for peace with Israel. I went to see for myself the impact of border security issues. I went to learn how the U.S. is viewed by ordinary people. I made my self available to media to discuss

my own views as to how the U.S. can take a more constructive role in the region and lead the way to peace."

He also says he has "a special obligation" as a congressman "to determine whether the money that is spent in furtherance of U.S. policy is being spent constructively or destructively, based on lies or on truth." The presumptive policy here is Mideast peace, since if he were looking into the billions spent in Iraq, he might, well, you know, go to Iraq.

"As a Presidential candidate, I must learn first hand whether the opportunity for peace between nations is a pipe dream or a real possibility. I have no authority to enter into negotiations for the U.S., to fashion agreements, to sign treaties, or to establish policy between nations. As President, I will be able to affect these matters more directly."

Back to the plea for dollars: "Reason and peace should not be silenced by fear mongers or the

right wing attack machine," he writes. "But I need your help to answer them now. We must not allow efforts for peace and reconciliation to be continually destroyed by those who want permanent war."

So how much does he want?

As much as you can give, by Sept. 30.

"It is essential for our campaign to raise $250,000 to enable us to continue our message

of strength through peace," he writes.

It will be interesting to see how this pitch works compared with his Aug. 22 request -- asking for campaign contributions in honor of his second wedding anniversary. The goal then was $50,000.

"The love Elizabeth and I share encompasses all of the reasons you support our campaign and all the reasons we exist as human beings," Kucinich wrote then.