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I'll never understand some people. Look folks (and I hope some party "leaders" are reading as well) Nader only becomes an issue if you make him an issue. If you are constantly shouting in rage that this guy might steal the election the media is going to throw tons of free press his way. Why? Because he is controversial. People will watch to listen to what Nader has to say even if they hate his guts. It's about ratings. It's about selling News Papers.
You are doing all the harm to yourself. Each time you mention his name. Each time you shout about how you hate him or how he's going to steal the election -- you give him creditability. You give him power that he doesn't have. You lift him up from third party status to equal status. You *MAKE* Nader an issue.
I support Ralph Nader's run for President, because I believe everyone should have the right to run for President. I believe in Democracy and giving people choices. Does that mean I am going to go out and vote for him? Of course not. Does that mean I am going to sit idly by and let him cost us votes in a General Election? Of course not. That is why I am posting this. To put it bluntly: YOU NEED TO SHUT YOUR MOUTH! The more you whine, bitch, and moan the bigger issue (and therefore NEWS STORY) you make this become. If you don't want Ralph to be in the news then don't talk about him. Pretend he doesn't exist.
Then you do your damnest to make people believe that your candidate is better than anyone else that they could possibly vote for. You don't mention Ralph's name. Mentioning his name gives him creditability.
This is like a John Edwards and John Kerry debate. If John Kerry debates John Edwards he elevates John Edwards to the same status -- he's telling everyone that "John Edwards is my equal". Kerry has no interest in doing that because it would hurt him. The same principle applies here. If you treat Nader like a non issue, and though you may watch him quietly and keep an eye on him, he will eventually sink to a non issue. The more you hype him up the more credibility you give him and yes the larger threat he will become.
That being said I have one suggestion for everyone on this board: SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT RALPH NADER! If a reporter asks about Ralph running for President shrug your shoulders, smile and simply say, "I believe in Democracy, and I believe that anyone who wants to run for President should get a chance. That's what makes this country so great." THEN SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT HIM.
Thank you and have a pleasant day.
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