Geraldine's
Defending Nader's Run
RECEIVED Tue., Feb. 24, 2004
Dear Editor,
To those who say that Ralph Nader should not run for president: The problem with politics is that it's too political. The New York Times editorial on the subject says that Bush being so far right has motivated those interested in progressive politics to get active, like Nader suggested might happen. But they ignore the fact that the Democrats and the left are settling for the center in a frantic attempt (reminiscent of Gore 2000) to be all things to all people. This is a mistake.
The Dem nominee will win by presenting an inspiring vision and comparing that vision to the record of Bush.
When Nader and his supporters said that Bush and Gore were too similar, there was an implied suggestion that Gore could appeal to Nader's supporters by being less like Bush. (Just being Al Gore would have been a good start.) That opportunity will also be available to the '04 nominee. I felt in 2000 that I was being told by the anti-Nader Democrats: "You must vote for Gore because he's not as bad as Bush and Nader can't win." I guess I want more than that. I'm prepared to work hard for a Democrat if he appeals to me, but I don't respond well to threats.
When the most important consideration in an election is electability, democracy loses.
To those who say that Ralph Nader should not run for president: The problem with politics is that it's too political. The New York Times editorial on the subject says that Bush being so far right has motivated those interested in progressive politics to get active, like Nader suggested might happen. But they ignore the fact that the Democrats and the left are settling for the center in a frantic attempt (reminiscent of Gore 2000) to be all things to all people. This is a mistake.
The Dem nominee will win by presenting an inspiring vision and comparing that vision to the record of Bush.
When Nader and his supporters said that Bush and Gore were too similar, there was an implied suggestion that Gore could appeal to Nader's supporters by being less like Bush. (Just being Al Gore would have been a good start.) That opportunity will also be available to the '04 nominee. I felt in 2000 that I was being told by the anti-Nader Democrats: "You must vote for Gore because he's not as bad as Bush and Nader can't win." I guess I want more than that. I'm prepared to work hard for a Democrat if he appeals to me, but I don't respond well to threats.
When the most important consideration in an election is electability, democracy loses.
Bill Passalacqua
