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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I swear, I think Nader does this intentionallyb to screw the Democrats. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the take from the Republicans. Why the hell can't he leave well enough alone and give us a fighting chance to get a Democrat in office.
Woo hoooooo – Republicans we get to keep the White House, again!!!!!!
PLEASE STAY OUT OF THIS RALPH NADER. YOU ALREADY GAVE US BUSH FOR 8 YEARS, ISN'T THAT ENOUGH??
Ralph Nader? HHmmm...last I checked, it's a free Country. He should run. People should not be afraid of anyone being a spoiler. A worthy candidate should be able to prove their merit. if Ralph has a chance, then maybe we don't have enough quality candidates running. I say he should run...if only to test the mettle of all the running candidates.
i hope u run loser replubilican operative
Good-bye Obama if he does...
Can't believe CNN let someone talk negative about their glorified Senator Obama...oops 1 less CNN editor.
This post was waiting for moderators since 8am this morning.
Guess I touched a nerve?
Senator John Edwards you rock and thank you for you patience towards the glorification of Senator Obama by the cable news media.
So much for fair and subjective journalism…
The BIGGEST Loosers?
CNN MSNBC and FOX
I bet they are scrambling to get an interview…but now he can tell them…Why should I…you chose to ignore me, bash Senator Clinton and all that to Showcase Senator Obama.
What's the old saying???
Never Burn Your Bridges!!!!!
As a past Nader voter I will be watching this closely. For the first time I have taken a serious look at the Democrats options and thus far I can say I feel comfortable voting for a Democrat if the nominee is Obama. However, if Clinton is the nominee, I hope that Ralph Nader is on the ballot so that I can still cast a vote I can be proud of.
When I first read the Green Party platform, I cried because it spoke such a deep truth to what we need in our civilization. Not necessarily the radical left-wing solutions, but the overall objective. I voted for Nader in 2000.
Our reality, however, is not what it was in 2000 when we could entertain these ideas.
PLEASE DO NOT RUN!!!! You don't stand a chance of winning, only taking votes from Obama who could realistically begin the shift we need!
Ralph Nader is responsible for 8 years of Bush, the Iraq War, and the failure of the US to address issues relating to the environment and climate change. The man's ego knows no bounds; he is a sociopath and should be ignored. Of course he will raise whatever funds he needs – from his Republican masters.
I hope he has a stroke and dies before he has a chance to ruin the election yet another time. If it wasn't for him,Iraq might never have happened, tens of thousands might still be alive.
We don't like you, Ralph Nader, and your egotistical motives for joining this race are disgusting.
Hey, wasn't his hay-day the Covair death-and-destruction issue that was easily fixed by the addition of a swaybar !? Duh........................
It's great to see folks like him and Ron Paul sweep in to save thew day for what they call a "stab wound" in the election – but only suggesting an aspirin and a band-aid !
Just ignore this guy....
GO AHEAD AN RUN BABY RUN. wE HAVE THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO RUN IN ANY CAMPAIGN. IN THE LONG RUN, ITS GOD WHO PLACES THE PERSON IN OFFICE WHOM He needs for his purpose,and His plan.
NOOOOOOOO!!!! He's partially to blame for the past 7 years! He is very smart, has great ideas, but that will never get him elected. He should offer his services as a consultant to whoever wins.
As a young person in the '60s and 70's, I have always admired Ralph Nadar's efforts as a consumer advocate. BUT THE GUY MUST BE MENTAL! NOT AGAIN!. Isn't ruining one election for the Democratic Party enough? Isn't helping to hand the White House to a Republican once enough? Haven't they done enough to destroy the country? NADER, GET OUT OF THE WAY OF CHANGE! The country will not SURVIVE another Republican president.
yay someone who talks seriously about the issues.
he has no buisness running knowing fully he has no chance to do any thing good.
if he runs again and republican get elected he will be remembered for this than all good things he has done
don't run
don't run
don't run
don't run
don't run
I hope you get it
You people are sick. Are you trying to stop an American from using his rights to run for President? What gives you the right to shoot down the constitution?
I agree with Nader insofar as Obama and Hillary Clinton are not acceptable candidates..so why wouldn't Nader endorce Romney? I would think that they have similar views on economy and finances in general.
Okay, I respect Mr. Nader but is he all there – I mean is he sane? If he hadn't run Bush never would have won; we never would have gone into Iraq and maybe 9/11 may never have happened. Mr. Nader – we are still trying to recover from you last Presidental run – if you have issues you would like discussed why can't you take the millions and sponsor a debate instead..................
Well, Ralph is right about Obama - all hat, no cattle. Gives a nice speech and when he is not sulking seems like a reasonable nice guy. Not a president though, maybe someday, not yet.
OH....HEELLLLLLLLLL......YEAHHHHHHH.........
It's about time Naddieeeeeeeee
plain and simple... STAY out 🙂 ... the last thing we need is a someone acting as a tie-breaker again... (hint, hint)
Give it up! All you do is take votes away from the other candidates!!!!
Stay out. You gave us Bush for 8 years, haven't you punished us enough.