Reply #8: Some More about the Nader Factor [View All]

[WitchWay]

Drop out? No. Nader has principles, and in all likelihood wouldn't drop out of the race. He's said as much. Nader's constituency isn't all dem, by the way...you can look at recent polls to see that when he is out dems and repubs loose the same percentage points.

On Nader's website, he has a letter to ABB democrats, which is an interesting read and tells something of the strategy. Also, look into the word and meaning of "trimtab" because Nader calls his campaign a trimtab campaign. Very interesting stuff.

Nader expects, in the long run, to pull many more votes away from Bush than Kerry. He also feels that his attacking Bush will help Kerry (becuase Kerry's got his hands tied in many ways). He pretty much expects Dems to vote Dem, while Bush folks can cast a protest vote for Nader (instead of Kerry whom they might find too distasteful). His purpose in this race is to expand the debate, bring new subjects to the table, enliven the discussion, reinvigorate our political climate, attack Bush, attack corporatism, and engage more people in the democratic process.

He also hopes to bring out disgruntled non-voters and independents, who because of the terrible Bush administration, will likely vote Dem in local and state elections (adding to the dem vote down the entire ballot, not just presidential).

Kerry is meeting with Nader, and it gives me hope and confidence that there is an exciting and progressive political race ahead of us.