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
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To coward Republicans,
What's the matter? Needing to fight dirty again? Buying out Nader again might not work this time.
I can only pray that Mr. Nader will run again, especially as a Green. Shame on the majority of folks who put negative posts up.
Apparently, people in this country don't know what's GOOD for them and the rest of the world. Ralph Nader is the only person in a long time to actually speak up UNCENSORED about important issues. Kudos to him and hope he runs. He has my support as always.
Nader's 15 minutes of fame are long over, but his ego can't let it go. If he truly loves this country, he will not again play the spoiler.
Dear Nader Haters,
Keep blaming Gore's lose because of Nader. Never mind the fact Gore LOST his home state and his presidents! Never mind that More Dems Voted for Bush than Gore. And what was the platform differance that Gore was running than Bush... Find another Scape Goats you blind sheep!
everyone who is against Ralph Nader is against any real and meaningful change
Please Ralph, for the love of this country find an effective way to help this country. As a conerned citizen it is worrisome to say the least to hear that Ralp Nader is considering yet another bid for the presidency. Ralph Nader is almost as responsible as the Bush administration for the current state of the country, even the world. We can only wonder how different the world would be if Ralph Nader would not have run in 2000...
I ,as many americans can truly appreciate and identify with Ralph Nader's disgust with corporate america. I respect the principles on which he ran but becouse I am not unrealistic, I did not waste my vote on him. He needs a huge wake up call, a reality check. Sometimes you have to be bigger than your cause.
It was not so long ago that in this country women were not allowed to vote, that african americans were not allowed to vote...and today in this 2008 election we have both a black man and a woman as viable cadidates, with a real chance to be elected. This is something every american can be proud of and the message that we are sending to the world speaks volumes.
I am sure that a man as intelegent as Ralph Nader can see that he would have a more positive influence on the country, the world and the future if instead of yet another bid for the presidency, another also ran he would actually stand up and endorse a candidate who can actually win. For the greater good be realistic Ralph.
It's not going to happen for you, not now perhaps not ever. Though it does seem our country is headed in that direction, but we are not there yet. I am sure Ralph would not want all his humanitarian work to be overshadowed by aiding in the demise of our country and our world....
this is to Moses Adelante,
Obama is the future president of the united states and this isnt even about Obama anyway!!! besisde the point Ralph nader should stay off the ballots becuase if he didnt run in 2000 we would not have to deal with the problems of the presidency of Bush. i agreee with babette duke!!!
Ralph -
We need you. Get in the race now because the good guys on the Democratic side have dropped out. Obama has already been manipulated and it will get worse if he is elected. Senator Clinton changes with the wind and opportunity is her middle name.
Well done Ralph. I'm glad to see someone with principles running for elected office. Good luck to you sir!
Nader has the biggest ego of them all! That's why he'll join the race– he LOVES being the center of attention, but plays it like he's doing everyone a service. I recall back in 2000 when he said there was no difference between Gore and Bush. Think how different the world would be if Gore had become president.