The Greens Gather, Sharply Split Over Nader's Run

[GreenPartyVoter]

I understand my fellow party members' reticence, but I am going to give Kerry this one chance.



"Sporting anticorporate buttons, peace bandannas and tie-dyed shirts, the members of the Green Party of the United States - whose support of a Ralph Nader candidacy four years ago many believe cost Democrats the White House in 2000 - are in the midst of another national convention.

This time, they are openly and passionately split about whether to endorse Mr. Nader and campaign enthusiastically against both President Bush and Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, or nominate another candidate who will not directly attack the Democratic nominee in crucial swing states.

"It is an honest difference of opinion about what to do in the 2004 election cycle," said David Cobb, a Green activist from Texas who is seeking his party's presidential nomination and goes into Saturday's nomination vote with the most delegates. "Because we have a major problem, and that is George W. Bush. He's a huge problem. Bush needs to be out."

Normally, the internal disputes of a relatively small third party would be of little concern in the midst of a sprawling national election. But with indications that this year's tally could prove just as tight as that in 2000, the degree to which swing voters side with the Greens and other political parties may well determine the outcome in some states."

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0626-02.htm

[gottaB]

1. "Kerry is against all of the values of the Green Party"

That's all I need to know about Mr. Camejo.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Actually, Camejo is a pretty great guy.

I wish he hadn't chosen Ralph instead of the party, but that's his right.

[Cheswick2.0]

4. He's not a great guy

"Kerry is against all of the values of the Green Party"

Come on, that is just moronic.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. Moronic, no. Sweeping generalization, yes.

But no, I don't see Kerry as someone who would fit well on a Green ticket, not like Dennis K would.

[gottaB]

7. Whatever--he's talking bullshit

In the past I've registered as a Green, voted Green, given donations to Green campaigns, and generally been supportive of Greens. I've read the Green Party platform and I find it agreeable, indeed, I may see more points of agreement than I see in the Democratic Party platform.

That said, only a dishonest, self-absorbed jerk would (a) join Ralph Nader in his crusade to defeat the Democratic Nominee for President, and (b) say that "Kerry is against all the values of the Green Party." That would be ridiculous if the intention behind it weren't so vile.

links:

http://www.gp.org/platform.html
http://www.democrats.org/about/2000platform.html

[checks-n-balances]

3. Proof positive that GWB is not the only "divider" vs. being a "uniter"

The results being not only division among Democrats but also among Green Party voters.

As much problem as Nader followers may have with Kerry and the Democrats - legit or not - at least they can't lob that accusation at either.

[mzmolly]

6. Cobb adheres to the values of the Green Party, Nader does not

Cobb is a MEMBER of the Green Party, Nader is not

From Cobbs website.

"NADER/CAMEJO:
ON THE SAME TICKET, ARE THEY ON THE SAME PAGE?


For over six months, Ralph Nader has been saying that he is running to "retire Bush." Nader is actively and publicly attempting to influence John Kerry and the Democratic Party. Nader not only met with Kerry a few weeks ago, this week he publicly advised Kerry whom Nader thinks would make a good running mate for Kerry.

Peter Camejo, in contrast, said at the Thursday evening Green Party convention forum that Greens should never, ever vote for a Democrat. Camejo has said that "Kerry will do what Bush wants to do better."

What is the Nader/Camejo strategy?

Don't Greens deserve a straight answer?"

The Values of the Green Party do not allow the enabling of a Bush Presidency...


http://www.gp.org/tenkey.html