Washington Whispers

Nader Still Thinks He Can Win

By Paul Bedard

August 11, 2008 RSS Feed Print

When you know you're in a losing battle, it's best to find a larger meaning of "victory," and that's what independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has done. "I define winning in many ways," he says. "One is that you keep the agendas alive." Next, "you bring a lot of young people in. A lot of not-so-young people get a little morale boost, and maybe they'll go to the city council meeting." Third, hope that what you say "would pull or push the other two major candidates." And, "on the traditional definition, allow me a slight tinge of immodesty: Put me on all three debates, and we'll have a three-way race."

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Ralph Nader

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Republicans are responsible for Bush. They nominated him and they voted for him. The people that voted for Bush knew there were better choices and they still voted for Bush. That has nothing to do with who the democrats picked. If you republicans had picked a candidate who knew what he was doing we wouldn't be in this mess. Your candidate was in charge, not ours. Stop trying to brainwash people.

Lauren of PA 9:28PM October 05, 2008

I believe that if Americans had access to all the brilliant ideas progressed by independant and third party candidates that our political discussions would be rich in dialog and generate greater expectations for what 'should' be achieved by our elected officials. It is a near crime that a public election is so fully orchastrated by a privatized debate system monopolized by the two major candidates. This does not allow the average citizen a true comparison of the candidates and will never challenge the system. It reminds me of grade school politics where we as ignorant children would defend the existance of Santa Claus and Chevrolet over Ford because of the traditions of our parents... but, upon learning the truth, are dismay at the fraud of them all.

It is not Ralph Nader's or any other third party candidates fault for Democratic Party election failures. Besides, it is not a constitutional right that either party must be elected. As it is, Republicans where a third party success story. Maybe history could repeat itself and replace one of these parties with a more civic minded, citizen oriented party and redeem our democratic republic before we go the way of Rome.

The fraud of our system is evident by the lack of concern... outrage by our citizens to demand more, higher expectations and service for the peoples needs before the profits of our soon to be slave masters. What have we to fear of third parties/Independants if the all powerful Big Two are serving the people as they sould. The only reason for not entertaining third parties is fear of the public exposure and embarrassment it would be to have ones sins announced from the rook tops.

We should have debates that allowed ALL presidentials candidates accesss to the debates. Anything less is a fraud. And if our citizenery deny such, we deserve the ourcomes we face after electing/empowering an oligarcy. We are sure to fall as a nation as a consequence of our failure to vote our conscience... or perhaps that is the problem... we have lost our integrity and enjoy winning rather than doing what is right.

Eric Hardison of UT 3:46PM August 14, 2008

The media has done a pathetic job of reporting "news" by entertaining those still watching, listening and reading. What is left out is their choice, so we continue on path dertimental to the well being of what used to be a democracy. How many times do your hear "the two presidential candidates" when this is not true? Are they afraid or just reaping the financial benefits for not telling the truth, and keeping what should be aired or written from being made known? Why do they allow these two "major" political parties to get away with what they do? Is the status quo most beneficial to their own well being? Oh yeah, who owns the media? It has even got to the point where the RNC has it's own national network. Just how far will these "major" networks go to make sure "We the people" are kept in our place? As long as the ratings call for it? Will even one network have the courage to drive home the facts about the Presidential Debate Commission? Why 18,000 people die every year because of our health care system? Why we are really at war and the lies leading to it? Why we do not have a run off electoral system instead of the electoral college? How and why legislation beneficial to "we the people" does not make it out of committee and legislation beneficial to coporate welfare passes?

"News" entertainers and political operatives use of spin, costly negative sound bites and labels to blur the truth, do not change what is real.

Mr. Nader has a right to run for office. Those saying he is the cause of "our" problems should take a look in the mirror. Instead of placing misguided blame, hold those accountalble who were "elected" to be your voice.

4 non duopoly of CT 11:06PM August 13, 2008

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