Nader takes steps towards another White House bid
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/30/art.nader.gi.jpg caption=" Nader is taking steps toward another White House bid."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Ralph Nader, the longtime consumer advocate who was blamed by many Democrats for Al Gore’s loss in the 2000 presidential election, launched an exploratory committee Wednesday for another White House bid, and told CNN he is likely to get in the race if he can put the resources in place.
"John Edwards, the banner of Democratic Party populism, is dropping out, and Dennis Kucinich dropped out earlier, so in terms of voters who are at least interested in having major areas of injustice, deprivations, and solutions discussed in a presidential campaign, they might be interested in my exploratory effort," Nader said.
Nader has launched an official exploratory committee Web site, and said he will formally make a decision in about a month. He said he is certain to get in the race if he can demonstrate the ability to raise $10 million and recruit enough lawyers to deal with ballot access issues. He has yet to formally file paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission, though he does not need to until he officially becomes a candidate, according to the FEC.
Nader said he finds Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both unacceptable candidates, and he said whichever wins the party's presidential nomination will not have an impact on his decision to run.
"They are both enthralled to the corporate powers," Nader said of the two leading Democrats. "They've completely ignored the presidential pattern of illegality and accountability, they've ignored the out of control waste-fruad military expenditures, they hardly ever mention the diversion of hundreds of billions of dollars to corporate subsidies, handouts, and giveaways, and they don't talk about a living wage."
He expressed particular disappointment with Obama, whose senate record he called "mediocre, and quite cautious."
"It's not that he doesn't know what the score is, of course he does - look at his background, he knows plenty," Nader said. "But he's censoring himself."
Nader attracted close to 100,000 votes in Florida in 2000 - a state Al Gore ultimately lost to George Bush by approximately 500 votes. He brushes aside suggestions his candidacy this year may ultimately spoil the election for the Democratic Party.
"Political bigotry will be the label on anybody who uses the word 'spoiler,' he said. "Because ‘spoiler’ means minor candidates are second class citizens. Either we have an equal right to run for election, or we are spoilers for each other trying to get each other's votes.”
- CNN Producer Alexander Mooney
My god man! You put Bush in the white house last time you ran. It wont happen again , stay home and enjoy your life. Even though I don't think it is going to be as close as it was last time unless the republicans start playing with the voting machines like last time lol.
And you people chant that Hillary will do anything to win !!!! Just what the Campaign needs Ralp Nader – NOT
Well I'll bet Nader had Republican Organizers for this announcement !
This election is turning into a three ring circus! Step up people three balls for $1.00 see who can topple their strongest opponent or despised Canadidate into the brink!
George Bush may end up looking pretty good by the time this race is over ! UNBELIEVABLE !
Hillary is going to win the nomination. She will then lose the election and the Democrats, due to bull-headed old-timers over 50 will once again have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
If Ralph Nader is serious (and I hope he is not) he is proving again, if proof be necessary, that he is an egomaniac, and a pathetic one at that.
He has no chance at all of election, and (I hope) will not draw enough support to make an iota of difference.
He has, however, in the past made a world of difference: since 1991, all bad.
It's time for Nader to pack it in.
It was cute the first time, and only led to the worst presidency in the history of America. This is not the time to help the republicans. F your self-righteous principles.
I think more than 2 parties would be great, but that will not happen by some guy who is no longer socially relevant running for president. How arrogant can you be to think that jumping into the race is going to do anything. Not to mention the fact that Nader is wholly uninspring– at least find an Obama-like figure to get people really fired up and ready for change.
Rather than run for pres, start movement, so that public opinion will shift to support these third party ideas, and create real demand for a Nader-like president and Nader-like ideas. Running for president didn't work last time, and didn't do anything but create animosity toward the third party he was pushing for.
Oh no..plz stay out...you are terrible..
what a cadaver.....
he will be counteracted this time by either Paul or Bloomberg, one of whom is bound to run
Great...Ralph's running! another 4 years for the GOP. Thanks Ralph.
it is abot time. Since both political parties care more about what happens over sea's then they do in thier own country. We need a voice for the people. I for one have had enough with hearing how Ralph cost Al Gore the election. If Al gore would have stood more for the American people he would have wonthe election hands down.
ralph has every right to run but he must realize what him running did in the 2000 election and why he would want to repeat that i dont know. I mean does he want the republicans to keep control of the excutive branch. There's absolutely no way he will win so whats the point. Get a hint Ralph DROP OUT
What a waste of a Vote !!!
Haven't you done enough damage, Ralph? As far as I'm concerned, we can thank you for GWB....and YES, there is a difference between the Republicans and the Democrats. Do you honestly think that the US would be in Iraq right now if Al Gore had been elected in 2000? Of course we wouldn't! For God's sake, get your ego under control and stay out of the election this time! Don't you see how much damage you've done to this country, and to your own reputation? You could have been remembered as a great man. Now, most of us who used to respect you think you're an enormous jerk!
Ugh.... the Nader Sideshow is all we need now to make this another full blown circus. once again he will get in here and hand the presidency to the republicans on a silver platter. The guy should know better! he knows he cant win and all he wants is another year of attenton so he can earn another few years of viability and not get thrown out on the d.c. border. we as a nation need to stand up and say "NO to Nader" stop playing with our elections!
Ralph – check the ego at the door. If you genuinely want liberal reform, the best hope is to join forces with those who are sympathic to your causes – not to run AGAINST them!
i THINK THAT RALPH SHOULD JUST DRIVE DOWN WITH THE SUNSET. HE NEEDS TO GET A LIFE AND RETIRE. LET THE REAL POLITICANS MAKE THE FINAL RUN FOR PRESIDENT.
NOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The ghost of Pat Paulsen lives?
I'm sick and tired of Ralph Nader and his ego-fueled campaigns for President. This is the same man who said that George W. Bush getting elected President might be a good thing because "it would put a lot more focus on our issues." Huh? Do us all a favor, Ralph, and go back to finding the 21st Century version of the Corvair - it's the only useful thing you can do these days.
this guy is so annoying. go give your money to charity, ralph.
how much are they paying you this time? don't fool yourself, it won't work again.
We want Ralph!!! Bring him back.
Ralph crawls out of his hole every 4 years like a bug. We shouldnt be surpirised. Where does he get his money? Maybe the republicans pay him a few million to run each time. I wouldnt put it past them. How come we never hear of him or from him except at election time.
The man is such a loser. Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go away.
Nader looks like he died and someone forgot to tell him.
I suggest someone tells him he died and maybe, just maybe he really will croak!
How old is he at this point? 117? 118?
Nader needs to check out – he is completely FUBAR
Ralph,
Stay out – Get a life