Ralphie Jumps In
- Posted by Justin Higgins on February 24th, 2008 in
Way back in July of last year I blogged about Nader considering another run for President. He's now officially throwing his hat into the ring. Here's the news about everyone's favorite alleged spoiler:
WASHINGTON (AP) – Ralph Nader is launching a third-party campaign for president.
The consumer advocate made the announcement Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” He says most Americans are disenchanted with the Democratic and Republican parties, and that none of the presidential contenders are addressing ways to stem corporate crime and Pentagon waste and promote labor rights.
Nader also ran as a third-party candidate in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. He is still loathed by many Democrats who call him a spoiler and claim his candidacy in 2000 cost the party the election by siphoning votes away from Al Gore in a razor-thin contest in Florida.
The truth of the matter is, he didn't spoil anything back in 2000. The people that voted for Nader would've stayed home, because they didn't like either George Bush or Al Gore. The idea that Nader supporters would've all went Democrat is factually ludicrous. Welcome to the fun again Ralphie.
Consider the Impacts
I am no Ralph Nader fan, however, the Republican Party cannot wave off Nader's campaign. This is a new presidential race with rules being broken everyday. This is a "liberal" media and Independent-focused America (unlike campaigns of the past). Introducing an ultra "liberal" (and perhaps borderline socialist/anarchist) may put even a moderate conservative at the "far-right" of the political sphere. Democrats may gain ground on independents that may disagree with Ralph Nader, but are "moved" by his "corporate greed" and environmental campaign. And the media is already intensely focused on the Democratic race, nearly "crowning" the most liberal Senator in the U.S. Who's to say that today's media may not favor Ralph Nader and his policies? So, my opinion is: Do not discredit Ralph Nader in this turbulent election.
Ralph Nader In His Own Words
If we can just get Mike
If we can just get Mike Bloomberg in the race, we'll have four liberals to choose from.