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
Ralph how dare you try to lump Obama in with the Clintons? You are a spoiler if you try to join this race.
Hillary is a farce. Bill was elected promising universal health care. The Congress was democratic. Eighty percent of the public was behind it. The economy could easily support it. Yet her program was 100% failure. She had another 6 years to try to revive it. Let's hear the excuse for 8 years of failure on her supposed pet program – when her husband was the president no less.
Now there's an election, she's promising you healthcare again just like Bill did – with an unworkable mandatory plan.
The theory is that if you can fool them once, you can always fool them. As Geffen says, "the Clintons lie with such ease, it's troubling". and the NY Times' William Safire called her a "congenital liar". Hillary flunked healthcare. She flunked Iraq. She flunked Iran. She even flunked the Washington bar exam twice. That's her record – her so-called experience. Vote Obama to get the job done.
Gooooooo Ralph, these people cant even see that there isnt any difference in the two- headed snake.
Give it up already.
As much as I like Obama's energy. Nader is right, both candidates were very mediocre on the senate and have had support of corporations.
I think Obama needs to adress those issues and give us a straight answers.
Sen. Obama wants unite the nation, a great ideal. But he is running as a Democratic Candidate endorsed by well known very Liberal Politicians. It will be a very difficult proposition to unite the people in a democratic society. Sen. Obama should be himself without imitating others. We are interested in economy, terrorism,immigration, education, crime and foreign policy. What are the goals for our country in first four years of his term?
Talk about ego! No, Ralph. Go away.
Radar does not run the election for his own fame, which he already gained years ago. Running election is a tiring and punishing process. When Radar ran in 2004, he was thrown out of two-party debate, he was humiliated.on the running trail. No man who is into 'self promotion" wants to endure such a race again. No, Radar runs the race for the country. If you watch his TV interview or ever listen to his talk, he runs because democrats today has become just like republican.
If Hillary or Obama is elected, would they really change Iraq policy? Just look at democrats in the house today. Did they stand up to Bush? Did then bring the troop back home? What happened to the promise of ending Iraq war?
No more Nader please! go off and do something else!
OMG RALPH NADER
This is the 1928791824 time you are running why don't you stop!!!
Speaking of an unacceptable canidate.
It's because of Nader that we have been stuck with Bush for the last 8 years. What does Nadar have against America?
Please not Ralph Nader again! Ralph's entry would guarantee another Republican administration. For once Nader, put your ego aside and do not run. You bring nothing good to the race.
Blah blah blah –
You're yesterday's news Ralph! GO AWAY!!
I'd hate to think that people would, once again, throw away their vote and give the presidency back to Republicans! Are memory's that short?
Ralph,
GET OVER YOURSELF! You are not helping the serious problems facing our country. If anything you will once again make it worse by taking any Independent votes away from someone who represents real change and helping the Establishment (McCain, Clinton) win. I will never forgive you for 2000. STAY OUT!
Nader didn't lose the election for Gore. Gore lost the election for Gore. Nader was running his campaign and people liked what they heard. Gore should have done better... the end.
No new Nader, a hopeless campaign that costs democrats votes is not in the interest of the country at this time. Go talk to Obama Nader, get him to see your issues.
Ralph Nader has done many many positive things within and outside of Washington, that said, to be a major contender in anything these days (such as politics, music, art, film, literature) in one way or another you need to deal with major corporations. CNN is owned by Time Warner, right? I believe Nader is a great voice that should inspire people, but the reality of the situation is that 47 year old Obama is much more inspiring, young, and full of energy then 74 year old Ralph Nader, or 71 year old John McCain. A recent article I read described Hillary as a "policy hound" and Barack as a "visionary" even though they are a similar political entity, Obama is inspiring a lot more people to vote who don´t usally come out (especially not in primaries).... I mean it truly is amazing the voter involvement and excitement in this election. I support you Nader, but will vote Obama!
Dear God,
Save us.
Tell me this isn't happening again. Is he so arrogant that he wants to hand over the White House to another Republican again (see Florida, November 2000)
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Yes!!!!
Perot stole the election from Papa Bush and we ended up with Slick Willy. Now, Nader will prevent another Clinton from ending up in the White House.
I'm pledging money to Nader tonight. You should, too!
Go Away. What is the purpose of this? You know you won't win. Do you do it just so we know you are still alive or for your ego? Either way, NO ONE CARES!
IM VOTING NADER! obama is overrated
When oh when is this nut job going to give it up? He's egotistical, as he knows full well he has ZERO chance of winning. All his candidacy does is ensure some stupid people will vote for him who would otherwise vote democrat, and thereby hand the white house over to another republican. Nader, give it up! You can't add anything at all to the debates or the process because none of the presidential debates will invite you.
NADER IS A LOSER!
NADER MUST BE GETTING AWFULLY RICH FROM SECRET PAYOUTS TO HIM BY THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITEE