March 29, 2008
Posted: March 29th, 2008 09:30 AM ET

From ,

(CNN) – Ralph Nader, who recently announced his own 2008 presidential bid, has now also weighed in on the battle between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

In a blog posting on his campaign’s website, Nader advised Clinton to stay in the Democratic nomination race, despite recent calls for her to drop out from high-ranking members of the Democratic Party who back Obama.

“Just like every other citizen, you have the right to run. Whenever you like. For as long as you like,” wrote Nader.

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, both of whom support Obama, made comments Friday that are some of the strongest yet from prominent Democrats suggesting that Clinton reconsider her presidential run.

Clinton has showed no signs of dropping out of the race. She currently leads polls in Pennsylvania, the next state to hold a primary. But, Obama was endorsed Friday by Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. and the endorsement may help Obama with Catholic voters, an important demographic in Pennsylvania which has favored Clinton in other states’ primaries.

–CNN’s Rebecca Sinderbrand and Martina Stewart

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Pennsylvania • Ralph Nader


dee   March 29th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Is Hillary's condition that bad?

Now Nader is asking her to stay...

Roger   March 29th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Looks like Obama and his supporters don't like democracy.

A Hillary Coup d'état ?   March 29th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

The only reason that Hillary is still in the race is because she is staying true to her strategy. If you cannot win it fairly, then steal it behind closed doors at Midnight.

Hillary plans on staying in, and staging a Super Delegate Coup d'état – thus, "stealing" the election from Obama.

If this happens, just watch the rioting in Denver. Democrats will run from her like rats off a sinking ship if she steals this election at the convention.

jake   March 29th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

you're not voting obama because he didn't celebrate st. patrick's? all i can say is.. wow.

FAIRNESS   March 29th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

This is a close race. The Obama supporters have no rights to force the opponent out. It's an unethical way to steal the nomination without a fair fight. If you are a real winner, you should not be afraid to fight all the way to the end unless you have no confidence that you will win.

Swami   March 29th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

In true democracy every vote must be counted. Why should Hillary drop out now? Whether she is leading or not she should stay in. Nomination is not a coronation – it must be won.

Nelson Masha   March 29th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I hope Ralph Nader should be sensible enough, reasonable enough to consider the soul results of exercising the dual rights to stay, 'for as long as she wishes and whenever she like, because this is not all about Hillary Clinton's ego, BUT AMERICAN citizens'. The pain, the blood, and the victim of this is the Democratic party and American people [voters and the world at large], because with all these bloody fights for the nomination, in the end, McCain winns the 3rd term for George W. Bush. And so is the wows in this down spirral of economy- [recession, depression+stagflation, etc tec], the idiology war, and in general America looses even more. Think about it Mr. Nader!.

Hillary Clinton should get out, the sooner the better, for the good of mankind.

Leave Your Comment

truth 08 time   March 29th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

thats right ralphie, tell her to stay in the race so you can defeat her, its pretty obvious he knows she is weaker, and would be easier to beat than obama!

DD   March 29th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Nader, are you NOT a Republican?

Christian, Tampa FL   March 29th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Ralph Nader is a fool that has no purpose in running for President except to make some pathetic attempt at a statement and otherwise hurt the Democratic party. Any vote for him is a wasted vote, and in this election it's not a good idea just to cast a protest vote that's ultimately meaningless. There are too many issues at stake in this election.

dstuff   March 29th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

the first good thing that he has said in a while

Kidinme   March 29th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

What if the roles were reversed, and the media started calling for Obama to quit after winning 10 out of 11 big states, well up in the next big state, sure to win whatever they decide in Michigan, and Florida, and with neither candidate going to get the number of delegates needed....there would be a civil war...

Fadi   March 29th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Clinton OUT. We want Obama to win....

Yours truely, The Republican Party! :-)

arvind chhabra   March 29th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Will Ralph Nader be open to become a running mate to Hillary? Will be a good crusade team against rotten washington!!!

Penny Hood   March 29th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

I would agree that a lengthy primary season could be good for the Democratic party, BUT that would only be if the candidates were running on the issues and not trying to tear the other down. I am disgusted by the Clinton campaign's strategy, and the "kitchen sink" tactics. Looking at how each of the democratic candidates are running their respective campaigns I would much prefer Obama's focus on building a broad base, community organization, lifting people up, excellent financial management and fund raising, cool demeanor under fire, and considerable knowledge of world and local customs. He's got my vote, and I'd prefer him on the 3AM call anytime.

Tom T   March 29th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

One thing to remember – Republicans cannot vote in the Democratic primary in PA. So therefore, she will lose a good number of the votes she has been getting in other states. Don't be surprised if PA is alot closer than people are predicting.

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   March 29th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Nader is entitled to his views just like I think he looks hungry and needs a good breakfast.

mickey   March 29th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Yeah Ralph, lets put another republican in!

By the by, Thanks for all your help in that regard last couple of times around.

Rohit Singh   March 29th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Take your pick:

Clinton/Nader '08 or

Clinton/Sinbad '08 or

Clinton/McCain '08

Dan from Ohio   March 29th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

As much as I would love for Clinton give it up, I would rather see these high profile Democrats pressuring Nader to drop out. What a disaster it would be if he gave the White House to the Republicans again. Hasn't Nader been paying attention during the last 7 years?

bearcat   March 29th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

How ironic is it that the person who doesn't know when to stop running and wasting democrats' votes encourages the desperate candidate who has virtually no chance of winning the nomination without bringing apart the party

Big C   March 29th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Well, anything Ralph says MUST be good for the Democratic Party. Isn't that why he's a candidate himself?

Graham Jay   March 29th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

I had always held Sen. Leahy in high regard, until now. How dare he attempt to short circuit democracy for his own gain, (there cannot be any other reason in asking Senator Clinton to stand down). Shame on you senator.

Sandy, PA   March 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

My family is Catholic (and proud of it) , and we are not Obama supporters and never will be. You can count on about "10" catholics voting for Hillary in my family.

Obama made a BIG mistake playing the race card!!! I would rather vote for McCain than Obama–count the other "9" in for McCain
too.

DNC made a big mistake coming out and encouraging Hillary to quit.

DNC needs to worry about fixing the voting process–NO MORE CAUCASES (all geared toward Obama because held at 1:00 in afternoon when blue-collared voters working), make all states use electronic voting machines, make sure all Democrates don't endorse anyone until ALL primaries are over, and do away with Superdelegates who are only to select the candidate with the most popular vote, which is HOG WASH. If that was the reason the Superdelegates were selected then there was no need to have them in the first place. DNC truly knows that the Superdelegates were setup to fix what currently exists today. Making sure a candidate (Obama) is not elected who is not experienced and who can't answer the call at 3:00 AM.

DNC caused the problems in these primaries, Dean should be thrown out of his position. He should of seen the issue with Florida and Michigan coming. Dean stand up like a man and take "accountability" for what you decided. Just like the rest of the
US Government, downsized the Federal Government and outsourced
jobs to contractors–WHICH LEFT LITTLE ACCOUNTABLILITY ANYWHERE. Millions of dollars send to Iraq (noone knows where it went), parts shipped to Iran (noone knows how they got there).

Hillary will stop outsourcing.
Go Hillary 2008

sam   March 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Well said Nadar. What right has Lehay and Dodd to tell Hillary to throw in the towel!! There are many more Americans waiting to use their cherished right to vote. How can these two claim Obama has more delegates than Hillary? Did obama's croonies allow a vote in Michigan?NO!!.Were Florida's votes counted. NO!! If these were taken into account the scenario would have been different. Also,If those who voted for Obama knew more of him then than what they know now – the result could have been different!!!

Emma   March 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Hillary, are you going to listen to those two bullies that want you out of the race? - those two chauvanists must be having fun suggesting thatr you to stay out of the race.

Keep going Hillary - Stay in!

I vote Hillary for President of the United States

Rob   March 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

If HRC wins Nader gets my vote.

Michael Guinn Ventura, CA   March 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

ANOTHER REASON she should stop! This is the man that gave us George W. Bush!!!!!!!!

Edgar   March 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Bob Casey endoresement will hand Obama PA – get over it! Rendell support will!

Hillary our next U.S. President like it or not!!!

karen charlottesville, va   March 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Nader is trying to justify the fact that his campaign contributed to the mess that we are currently in. Without him, Bush would not have been elected – anyone ever think about that? Let's not dignify his self-justification

Cliff   March 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Good advise from Ralph Nader. Stay in there Hillary. Not only can you capture the nomination but can at the same time irritate Senator Leahy, Governor Richardson, Senator Casey, etc., etc., all of whom require to be irritated "big time" and neither of whom has yet to state a legitimate reason for abandoning you in favor of Senator Obama.

pascale   March 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

hillary should win, she will win .she has better arguments on all aspects. period

Rock   March 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Senator Clinton's speech is that, "more people have a chance to vote, the better it is for our democracy.” It sounds like code for "I know I'm not going to win, but I'm going to keep swinging on my way down."

Andrew   March 29th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Ok, Clinton has to drop out now if Nader is encouraging her to stay in. We all should know Nader was the spoiler that cost Al Gore the 2000 election and started the horrible Bush administration. We must make sure that Nader doesn't benefit or affect any part of this election.

HH   March 29th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

If you need to take advice from this clown, I am positive it is time to drop out.

Clinton quote" If you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen"

Its time to exit the kitchen.

Also CNN WHY DONT YOU REPORT, on real news like the pardon BILL GAVE TO THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION FALN. Which bombed and killed AMERICANS. WHICH HILLARY SUPPORTED.

eddie n. powellnye   March 29th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Nader is as bad McCain. I hope someone tell him- WELCOME TO THE 21st. He is so out of touch with the real world that even his thoughts are confusing to him. It is no wonder the green party turned
blue.

NickNasc   March 29th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Ralph Just shut up please! Oh wait though, birds of a feather................

You might help us ....GO RALPH GO!!!!

Bob Stephens   March 29th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

It's because of you Ralph, that we have been stuck with George Bush for the last 7 years,

Pho   March 29th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

And his voice matters because....?
Hillary, you need to quit. You are tearing up the party and further tainting the Clinton name.

Obama '08

Nick Ann Arbor, MI   March 29th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

I guess Nader figures if HE can't ruin this year's election, he's gotta find somebody else who can!

Spirit of America   March 29th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

America to Ralph: Drop out, and take your Republican donors with you.

Donna in KY.   March 29th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Clinton should not drop out because she is going to win! Go Hillary!!! Let the voters decide. For once I agree with Nadar.

redwhiteblue   March 29th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Hillary has given the campaign a good fight and helped many of us to decide who we wanted to be our next president. I believe that after Pennsylvania, she should go quietly. It is not in the best interests of our party and our country for her to continue. We should be spending this time campaigning against Mc Cain.
Some of you people that are disappointed had better understand that we have to choose between a Democrat or a pro war Mc Cain.
Think-–do you really want another 4 years under the republicans? Do you think it will be any different under McCain? He has said he was totally against torture because he was on the receiving end of it. Now the powers that be tells him to say that he is for it.
In a few weeks McCain has also changed his mind three times about not raising taxes.
Let us all stand with the Democrat, no matter which one it is. Nader is another obstacle we must consider.

Kathy in Michigan   March 29th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Mr Nader has appeared on "Keeping it Real" the Al Sharpton Radio Show and if it appears that Senator Clinton "steals" the nomination from Senator Obama, supporters would go to Mr. Nader. All of the stations are reporting poll numbers for votes going to McCain, but are they offering Mr Nader as a choice. This has been discussed openly on the Sharpton show over a month ago when Nader appeared. Of course he would advise her to stay in.

Po Win   March 29th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Fortunate for the frontrunner are the unending positive headlines heralding his nomination. Among these are his neon-like, nationwide endorsements. Freshman Sen. Bob Casey endorsed Senator Obama due to Casey's devout support of his father who dismissed Former President Clinton more than a decade ago for being pro-choice. Senator Leahy made an unbelievably arrogant condemnation for Hillary Rodham,Clinton to get out of the race with his remedial argument that she will not have enough pleged delegates to win the party's nomination. Quite clearly, neither candidate will. Christopher Dodd has been questioned for his intimate relations with accounting firms across the U.S.; some related to the Enron scandal. Does anyonoe need to hear that Bill Richardson damaged his standing among his constituents for his unspoken vying for a VP ticket. These endorsements amount to a bake sale for promises that fiscally cannot be kept.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   March 29th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Nader is another foolish self serving old man so who cares what he says. He has nothing to do but sit around and figure out how he can be part of the problem because he sure isn't the solution.

Arina   March 29th, 2008 11:58 am ET

I see where he is coming from; they share a major weakness in math.

Andrew   March 29th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Ralph Nader needs to go away. I firmly believe that he is in bed with conservatives to ensure that democrats don't win another election for the rest of his (short?) life.

karen   March 29th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Yes Yes Yes.....you know the polls and media cou,d be wrong and Hillary may just jump right to the top...hope hope

David   March 29th, 2008 11:56 am ET

America to Nader: DROP OUT.

Travis-NC   March 29th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Nader has a screw loose.

Ross in MD   March 29th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Sure Clinton, get election advice from Ralph Nader.

"So what if you stay in the race. What harm could come from that? I stayed in the race in 2000 and everything turned out OKAY!"

gdouglas   March 29th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Anyone with a brain would not let soMEone else decide who they can vote for no matter if the reason is religious and or race. use your own God given brain and intelligence and vote for the person who can do best for your country IF I WERE ABLE TO VOTE I WOULD VOTE CLINTON

miguel   March 29th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Of course she has the right to stay in. Just like Ralph has the right to run for pres. But that doesn't always mean the we choose what is best.

Very Concerned American   March 29th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Having Hillary drop out would be a discrace for the millions of Americans that haven't voted.

The media is pushing the story for some odd reason.

Obama still needs to have a thorough investigation about his ties with radical or racial groups from his past.

He also needs to be asked about why he is still attending his Church.
Reverend Wright is there today.

His ties with the church are outrageous. It would be like Clinton going to a KKK church and standing up for it.

After further review,Texas   March 29th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Ralph is right.We better use what few rights we have left.In the near future you will be told what to do in every aspect of your life.There are only two candidates running who can be trusted at their Word and they are Ralph and Ron Paul.

Adam in NJ   March 29th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Now this proves Nader is a Republican party puppet..."yes Hillary, stay and prolong the primaries"...he might as well have "McCain for President" written all over him.

Manuel TX   March 29th, 2008 11:53 am ET

For once I agree with Nader.

Keep up the fight Hillary!

:)

jason   March 29th, 2008 11:52 am ET

lol! If nader approves, it benefits the republicans.

Neutral   March 29th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Nader has more sense than Leahy and Dodd asking Hillary to step down. Many may not like Ralph, but he's the only one making a lot of sense. Dodd, Leahy and others wanted to disenfranchised other states that haven't voted yet this primary.

The democratic party has a problem, they should have a winner take all instead of a drawn out primary that cost millions of dollars. DNC must abolish caucus, caucus does not represent the voice of the majority, a meager 2% registered voters join a caucus; the American people believes their vote should be private not standing up in the corner raising their hand like attending an auction.

JOHN DOBBINS   March 29th, 2008 11:51 am ET

OBAMA SHULDNT WIN THE CATHOIC VOTE HILARY SHOULD.OBAMA COULDNT TAKE TIME TO JOIN IN THE ST PATRICK CELEBRATIONS .HILARY DID .OBAMA WAS MORE WORIED ABOUT HIS CAMPAGN .IM IRISH AND CATHLOIC I WULDNT VOTE 4 HIM HILARY GETS MY VOTE.STAY IN HILARY

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