Ralph Nader 2008
Posted by Charles on March 5, 2008
When Dennis Kucinich dropped out of the Presidential Race, it appears that there were no longer any worthy candidates that would truly make a huge difference. Hence, when veteran consumer advocate, Ralph Nader, publicly announced his decision to run, a glimmer of hope resurfaces for the coming American election.
Why Ralph Nader, one might ask? Why vote for a man who has been accused of splitting the votes of the ‘liberal camp’ causing Al Gore to lose his presidency to George Bush in the 2000 elections? Why not vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama who might truly promise a better America?
In his interview with Meet The Press, reproduced on Counterpunch, dated 25 February 2008, Nader explained his decision to join the race, which can be summarised as such - that according to a Gallup poll, Americans are generally fed up with a two party system, with as many as 61 % believing that ‘both major parties are failing’. Quoting a poll conducted by Republican, Frank Luntz, 80% ‘would consider voting for a independent this year.’ Moreover, the major candidates meaning, Obama, Clinton and Mc Cain are offering nothing substantial which the electorate wants.
A cursory glance at Nader’s website reveals what is off-limits to these promising candidates - they tend to side with the corporations from denying single payer national healthcare insurance to refusal to reverse US policy in the Middle East and repealing the Taft Hartley anti-union law. Issues which are at the core of the average Americans’ concern.
When asked in the interview if a replay of the 2000 elections might occur, hampering the success of a Democrat President, Nader rebutted that Al Gore lost due to ‘politicized Supreme Court decision’. Moreover, he argued that it is a lamentable excuse to put the blame on him for causing Al Gore to lose since America purportedly needs ‘an infusion of freedom, democracy, choice, dissent’ when voters are stuck between the two parties that ‘turn the government over to big business’.
Another reason why Nader is a more progressive choice compared to the Obamas and Clintons is his historical record of not having lying ‘in bed with corporations.‘ Without accepting any donations from ‘commercial interests, political action committees, only from individuals’, it is commendable that his track record as a consumer advocate has been unsurpassed and legendary. From questioning the safety of automobiles in his book, ‘Unsafe at any speed’ to calling for the repeal of the Taft Hartley anti-union act, Nader is the only candidate we know so far who would not be pressurised by the intense lobbying efforts of big business.
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References:
1. The Meet the Press Transcript, Why I’m Running, Counterpunch, Ralph Nader, 25 February 2008
