Ralph Nader enters the race...

[phoenics]

So how do you think this will affect the presidential election?



Ralph Nader is entering the presidential race as an independent, he announced Sunday, saying it is time for a "Jeffersonian revolution."

"In the last few years, big money and the closing down of Washington against citizen groups prevent us from trying to improve our country. And I want everybody to have the right and opportunity to improve their country," he told reporters after an appearance announcing his candidacy on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Asked why he should be president, the longtime consumer advocate said, "Because I got things done." He cited a 40-year record, which he said includes saving "millions of lives," bringing about stricter protection for food and water and fighting corporate control over Washington.

Nader's decision, which did not come as a surprise to political watchers, marks his fourth straight White House bid -- fifth if his 1992 write-in campaign is included.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/24/nader.politics/index.html?eref=rss_topstories


I hope that independents who may take their vote away from Obama or Hillary remember how Nader spoiled the 2000 election - and look at what Al Gore (who would have been president) has done for the Earth since. I hope they don't vote for him because they'd just be shooting themselves in the foot.

JMHO, of course.

[Dally]

I don't think it will affect the presidential election much at all this year. Nadar's time is not now--it was back in 2000, when Dems were disillusioned with Clinton (and consequently, Gore).

I also don't think of Nadar as a "spoiler" in the 2000 election. He didn't take votes from anyone, he earned them. Gore could have earned those votes, but he didn't.

And I voted for Gore in that election.

[Red'sGirl]

I don't think many will even care that Nadar is in the race - especially at this late date. He won't have the chance to debate, he's done this before, and I think everyone is just tired of him. It's time to deal with the people who are REALLY running.

Geez, maybe Fred Thompson will jump back in - just for shits and giggles.

[rachrich]

I can't believe I'm hearing this name, yet again. I agree w/ others though, that many people won't care or pay much attention. Maybe people will be annoyed by him jumping in again and not even look his way - that's what I'm doing. I have no interest in him.
It's time to deal with the people who are REALLY running.
ITA

[nylons73]

I don't think it will affect the presidential election much at all this year. Nadar's time is not now--it was back in 2000, when Dems were disillusioned with Clinton (and consequently, Gore).

I also don't think of Nadar as a "spoiler" in the 2000 election. He didn't take votes from anyone, he earned them. Gore could have earned those votes, but he didn't.

And I voted for Gore in that election.

I agree with you. At first, after the whole 'hanging chad' debacle, I was mad at Nader. As time has passed however, I realise that losing that election is the best thing that could have happened to Gore, and possibly the planet. (ETA: This stupid war not withstanding.) Gore has gone on to become THE elder statesman of the party, a credible spokesperson on global warming, and a noble prize winner. And now, I do look at the race as Nader earning those votes and not 'stealing them' from Gore.

This time around, Obama is putting forth a lot of what Nader was standing for in 2000, so I don't think that Nader is going to be as successful in getting voters this time around. I did hear him last night on MSNBC and I have to say that I really like this guy's positions. I agree with him whole-heartedly on many things. Surprised me!

[Niobe]

I agree with you. At first, after the whole 'hanging chad' debacle, I was mad at Nader. As time has passed however, I realise that losing that election is the best thing that could have happened to Gore, and possibly the planet. (ETA: This stupid war not withstanding.) Gore has gone on to become THE elder statesman of the party, a credible spokesperson on global warming, and a noble prize winner. And now, I do look at the race as Nader earning those votes and not 'stealing them' from Gore.


I hate Nader. I'm bitter, yes, but I still hate him for causing Gore to lose the 2000 election, getting Bush put in office, and having this whole stupid bloody war start in the first place (I still harbor great resentment for the entire state of Florida, rational as that might be).

That said, I do agree with you on this. Gore didn't really want to be President, it was evident from the half-hearted campaign he put on and the fact he looked happier giving his concession speech than he ever did while campaigning. I genuinely believe that had Gore won, he wouldn't have been a terribly effective president either. I kinda think he would have lost the re-election in 04, probably to McCain. BUT, that still means we wouldn't be in this effing war, which would make it all worth it. And Gore would have gone on to be like Carter, garnering great respect after his presidency.