Nader Undecided on Presidential Bid

[goobergunch]

By SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ralph Nader said Thursday he will wait until the end of the year to decide on another run for the White House. First, he wants to see how the Democrats and Republicans respond to his agenda.

The consumer activist plans to send the parties, in the next few weeks, his blueprint on the need for universal health insurance, a more progressive wage policy and an aggressive crackdown on corporate fraud and abuse.

"The highest priority is to defeat President George W. Bush and his administration, which is running this country into the ground," Nader said at a news conference.

If he runs, Nader has said it would most likely be on the Green Party ticket.

more...http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NADER?SITE=PAPHQ&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

If you want to beat Smirky...DON'T RUN!

[wryter2000]

1. Sheesh

Does the man have no sense of decency? Go away, Nader.

[jenk]

2. Nader, too old, peaked in 2000

he's finished, the green party is still a factor, but not like in 2000.

[ScotTissue]

35. He was too old and irrelevent BACK THEN!

Sheesh!

[Don_G]

3. If That's His Highest Priority

He shouldn't have run in the last election much less in 2004.

[carpetbagger]

4. Translation: "My ego needs stroking more than anything."

What a tool.

[RetroLounge]

5. Go away Ralph, your 15 minutes are up...

way up...

[Booberdawg]

6. I'm sure the bush campaign will be happy to fund him too

[kysrsoze]

51. Exactly. He just hasn't been offered enough $ yet

n/t

[FauxNewsBlues]

7. I will buy a Corvair

If Ralph runs. I swear, if he tries to boost his ego for a run, and it's 2000 redux, I will toss out my compost pile, stop recycling, because it is pointless with Chimpy still in the White House rewriting environmental rules.

Ralph needs to just shut the hell up. If he really thinks that Al Gore would have pulled the crap Chimpy has, he isn't fit to be out in public without heavy medication. There is more than a dime's worth of difference.

[The Zanti Regent]

11. What did YOU do to my nephew, Ralph?

My nephew got a one way ticket to Iraq, a bullet in his spinal cord and now he's a quadraplegic.

Al Gore would NOT have done this.

Thanks for fucking up my 23 year old nephew for the rest of his life, Ralph.

DROP DEAD RALPH

DROP DEAD AND BURN IN HELL YOU PHONY!

[demnan]

12. I'm so sorry

My heart bleeds for your family. I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry.

[Mari333]

68. Im so f*cking sorry and mad

23? dear god. Im so sorry . jesus Im mad. crying, and mad. Only 23. Just a kid, this is beyond what anyone should bear.
Im so sorry.

[cprise]

8. Nader will run if an anti-NAFTA candidate isn't nominated

Howard Dean.

[Tinoire]

14. Are you sure about Dean?

Last I heard, the only guarantee Nader gave was that he wouldn't run if Kucinich was the man.

Other than Kucinich, all bets were off.

[w4rma]

20. Nader mentioned something about Dean a while back.

Like he was looking into him or something. :shrug:

I don't have a link to a source.

[Tinoire]

24. Cool, I'll keep my eyes perked. Thanks

[Tinoire]

25. Cool, I'll keep my eyes perked. Thanks

[E_Zapata]

21. Dean is pro-Nafta

He is. Or maybe I didn't understand your post.

[w4rma]

23. *was*. Now he favors revising NAFTA. (n/t)

[JohnKleeb]

28. rma I am happy about this but why have I been told in the past that DK's

view on it makes him unelectable. :shrug: I dont get it. No offense to you guys but this has been a consistent theme with the Kucinich campaign since day 1.

[w4rma]

65. DK's position is bilateral trade, which was the norm before Clinton

I don't know if a bilateral trade position makes someone unelectable. I suppose that big corporations will pull out more stops to stop a candidate that supports bilateral trade. I suppose that after over a decade of "free trade creates jobs" propaganda (of which I believed up until not very long ago) that position may lose votes.

I do think that by the time November 2004 rolls around alot more folks will be asking to return to bilateral trade and at the least fair trade.

Note, I support bilateral trade, but am a pragmatist so I'll also support fair trade. Fair trade moves the debate closer to where I'd like it, again.

[JohnKleeb]

27. Kucinich is more anti NAFTA than Dean is

I thought this was one of the problems you guys had with DK, unelectable as a result of his opposition to NAFTA, :shrug: I am confused. I am serious.

[Born Free]

9. Waiting for money pledge from GOP

He is putting out the feelers, as soon as the GOP money is promissed he will run.

[_NorCal_D_]

10. I beg of you Nader...

Stay the hell out of the race!

[BattyDem]

13. If Nader really wants to help this country ...

he should do everything he can to help build the Green Party - and I don't mean by running for President!

We desperately need a major third party - even a fourth and fifth party - because this two party system has split the country and half and it's going to destroy us. But a third party can not succeed by aiming for the White House without first building a strong base of support in the states.

If Nader is serious, then he should organize the Greens so they can win elections on a local level, then a county level, then a state level and finally, go for the gold on the national level. Concentrate on building trust and support for the party before you jump into presidential politics. You have to learn to walk before you can run. You don't go from tossing a football with your Dad to starting in the Superbowl! There's a lot of time, effort and hard work that goes in between.

Like it or not, most people view any third party as a "fringe" party and the only way to combat that image is to build trust and gain respect by fighting for people in your own backyard. Once you've done that, they'll support you and they'll follow you ... all the way to the White House. JMHO

[Tinoire]

17. Nader not running doesn't guarantee Dems Green votes...

Plenty of Greens voted for Gore last election just as plenty of Dems crossed over and voted for Bush so in the end, I think it's a wash.

[BattyDem]

31. I didn't say it would guarantee votes

What I said was the Green party (or any third party) is not a realistic contender for the White House right now. I want a third party to have a shot. I want us to have more choices than GOP and GOP-Lite. But what's he going to accomplish by running? He can't win. He doesn't have the money or the support to win - even the Dems are going to have a hard time competing with Bush's bankroll!

Nader wants to change things for the better - I respect him for that - but why doesn't he do something that will really help America in the long run? We can't afford to have people cast a vote in protest, which is what I heard a lot of in 2000 - "I'm voting for Nader to protest our political system." A lot of good that did us. People have the right to vote for the candidate of their choice, but let's be honest - we can't afford to have that kind of attitude this time around. We're in a lot of trouble here. A third candidate of any kind is going to make a mess out of things. JMHO





edited for clarity

[SayitAintSo]

15. Pardon me .... but.... fuck Nader.

and the horse he road in on...

[bluestateguy]

16. OK, this is serious now

It's not 2000 anymore. There are real issues at stake her. If Ralph Nader swings the election to Bush lives will literally be lost: Iraqi lives, American lives and likely many others. American boys will be drafted into Bush's army. That will be the consequence of a Nader candidacy.

[E_Zapata]

18. and guess what the good Sen. Kucinich is doing?

He is appearing with Nader at some event or another - don't remember for what.

I am on Kucinich's email update listserve and it said Join K and Nader at blah blah blah.

thank you Dennis for giving Ralph an early appearance opportunity.

[kysrsoze]

52. Kucinich doesn't matter unless he pulls a Nader and goes independent

n/t

[JohnKleeb]

58. Its congressman Kucinich but I think Ralph deserves a bit of credit for it

Despite the fact he gets along well with Nader, Kucinich well duh supported Al Gore in the last election, Ive read that he worked real hard to get Al the state.

[Tinoire]

19. This thread is TOO funny for words!

Reagan Democrats or Independents who vote for Bush or other Republicans are ok- no one says a word about them- but Greens must be vilified and crucified for voting for their own party. This "New Math" is amazing.

DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER DEMONIZE NADER

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Forkboy]

22. so true

it's like I say...Nader-Haters=Hillary Haters.

[goobergunch]

29. Ah well

I knew when I posted this it would turn into a "bash-Nader" thread. Still, what's a newshound to do?

:evilgrin:

[cprise]

59. Heh, some of the Clarkies j!zz over Reagan Democrats

And nowhere are Independants, Libertarians or Reform candidates villified for their campaigns.

[Selwynn]

26. Nader runs = Bush wins

[union_maid]

30. What Nader should do with his agenda

He wants to see how the Democrats respond to HIS agenda? As far as I'm concerned we've just experienced three years of the agenda he wished for us. He can take his agenda, fold it four ways and put it where he's got his conscience. What an arrogant son of a bitch.

[Selwynn]

33. Well I don't know how you can possibly

even REMOTELY equate Nader's agenda with Bush's, but I'll suspend judgment until you explain.

And I do agree that he is becoming a very frustrating part of the political puzzle. But having read the entire green party platform of 2000 (yes I am a nerd) I fail to see how you can possibly equate it with Bush in any way. Are you just angry?

[JohnKleeb]

37. people think that

because him being there takes away votes from the dem nominee.

[jiacinto]

32. Of course he will run

I assume that Nader will be running next year. After all he wants to destroy the Democratic Party.

[The Magistrate]

34. If Nader Runs

His every effort will, as a matter of practical fact, be devoted to continuing the current administration in power. As that can be the only effect his action might have, and he is of sound enough mind to know the year and date and such like, the only conclusion warranted is that it is indeed his intention to see the country saddled with further years of reactionary mis-rule. The same applies to any who support his endeavor.

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[shanti]

54. hey

i'm with ya :hi:

[sal]

36. Anybody feel like pie?

I know I do.

[kysrsoze]

53. I'd rather throw shit

He deserves it.

[LevChernyi]

38. he may be needed

Apparently the democratic candidate is going to be pro-occupation. This new boss will not gain the bluewash that Bush attempted to get. No one is really was really that interested in helping Bush out if the first place and our new Democratic pro-occupation government is unlikely to generate much interest in policing what will probably be a Max World that has morphed Baghdad into Beirut circa 1982.

If this is the case I very much hope there is at least one voice out there saying that no matter what happens we have zero business screwing around over there, leave the oil and go home.

[The Magistrate]

41. A New Administration Might Well Receive U.N. Assistance, Sir

Nader will only assist the current criminals to remain in power if he runs: as this is clear to any able to cross streets on the green, to do so must be his intention.

He is of the "let's make it worse so it can get better" school of left infantilism: this has always failed to achieve a thing but rectionary dominance.

[LevChernyi]

44. eh..

Why would anyone else want to sink blood and treasure into that pit? Sheer altruism? I'm open to argument on why anyone would want to do that to themselves. I assume everyone else knows also that this mess isn't going to get solved cleanly and there is no light at the end of the tunnel by means of an international force and some form of election now.


on edit: I'm just imagining the future. Unnamed "gonna win the war Bush screwed up" Democrat is going to fail and without a doubt this will be chalked up to "sissy liberalism" even if he is using nuclear weapons on Baghdad. It's just asking to be handed a Nixon term.

[E_Zapata]

62. Aptly stated, dear sir.

so, why the heck is Dennis cavorting with such a nut? I love dennis and his agenda, but teaming with Nader is unconscionable.

[Pastiche423]

39. Why is a Green not acceptable

and an Independent is?

[union_maid]

40. Nader is not running on the Democratic ticket

If Nader wanted to be one of the candidates, fine and good, as long as he was willing to support the eventual nominee if someone else won. That's the same standard I'd hold for any candidate. A third party candidate on the left can only help Bush. That was true in 2000, will be true in 2004 and will be true until we have a totally different to elect our president, with run-offs to determine the will of the people rather than allowing a simple plurality to win. And that's not going to happen any time soon.

[Pastiche423]

42. Did you see the word "Democrat"

anywhere in my post?

[union_maid]

43. No and that was my point

The next president will be running on one of two tickets: Republican or Democrat. There are only two choices in that race no matter how many candidates there are.

[Pastiche423]

45. Your "point"

did not address my question.

[union_maid]

46. OK, then I guess I didn't understand your point.

Maybe I was making assumptions I shouldn't have made. What did you mean?

[cprise]

60. No 3rd party on the left helps conservatives

And liberal ideas (incl. the label) become virtually unspeakable, as we saw in the 2000 campaign.

Also, Libertarians have a great deal in common with Democrats as Dem politics are practiced. The difference is that DLC Dems (this includes Clinton) talk a good game about social programs. Nice show.

What's very sad is that Dems are not borrowing some of the Greens ideas to improve democracy (such as IRV).

[Minstrel Boy]

47. If he runs, his impact will be negligible.

Regardless of the Democratic nominee - with the possible exception of Lieberman - I believe the Green vote will plummet in 2004. Of those opposed to Bush, many recognize this as a national emergency and an international crisis. In 2000, many thought Gore and Bush were two sides of the same coin. After four nightmare years, how many still think so?

[rocketdem]

48. No credibility

"The highest priority is to defeat President George W. Bush and his administration, which is running this country into the ground."

Until Ralph acknowledges his complicity in putting Bush in the White House and apologizes to the nation for his campaign of lies, he has precisely zero credibility. If he had any shame whatsoever, he would retire from public life permanently. That he doesn't do this is nothing other than a pathetic demonstration of vanity.

[dad]

49. GO RALPH GO!!

You've got my vote. All you have to do is RUN!!

[dad]

50. .

and this time figure out a way to get on the ballot in NC!

[aquart]

55. Let me decide for you, Ralph.

Stay home, you egomaniacal jackass.

[Evanstondem]

56. Let him debate Rush

somewhere where nobody will see or hear either of them.

[Mikhale]

57. A Peace Candidate in 2004

will be on the ballot. Right now, we can make that candidate a Democrat named Dennis Kucinich. Otherwise, the Greens will run a candidate dedicated to the righteous condemnation of the war, and a Democrat promising to do a better job of occupying Iraq than Bush is doing (be it through better UN negotiating ploys or whatever) will face a nationwide challenge from a Green *and* a Republican. Ostracize Kucinich at your own risk: the depth of loathing for the Bushite war runs deep in every poll now, and will run deeper still in a few hundred more American casualties, a few more tens of billions of taxpayer dollars and a few more imperialistic lies. In short, it is insufficient to reject Prince George the Usurper without repudiating his regime's policies.

[Cocoa]

61. the Communist Party is supporting the dem

there's a thread in G.D. about it.

So Nader would have to say the Republicans, Democrats and Communists are all the same.

[leftofthedial]

63. If Bush is doing well in the polls

he won't need Raphie's help again this time and Nader won't run.

[The_Casual_Observer]

64. Idiot Savant

Nader along with the state of florida and the supreme court gave birth to the endless grief we now face.

[Voltaire99]

66. Good job, Ralph!

As has been noted elsewhere, Dean is Nader's gift to the Democrats.

May Nader long continue to put fear up the spines of Lieberman and the Liebermen!

[farmboxer]

67. President Gore And Bush Are Not The Same!!!!!!!!!

I will never forget what he said! Why didn't Nader say something about the coup in 2000?!