Let me tell you a little horror story. At least for Democrats. Imagine that you have a Democratic nominee who is leading his Republican opponent in all the polls. Now imagine a man deciding to launch a third-party candidacy. Imagine that man were sure to draw off enough Democratic votes to hand the White House over to the GOP.
Oh hello Ralph, we were just talking about you.
For those who think this is strictly a history lesson, it’s not. Ralph Nader, the scourge of Democrats and Bush haters everywhere may be poised to launch a presidential campaign. Much to the Democratic Party’s chagrin, Nader formed an exploratory committee last month and now he’s set to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” this Sunday. That’s the very same show where he announced his 2004 candidacy.
Now whereas Ralph inarguably cost Al Gore the 2000 election, his 2004 run was largely ignored. I don’t think Ralph would prove any kind of force whatsoever at the polls this time around, but I just hate the idea of him sticking his nose into things again.
At what point do you realize that absolutely no one wants to see you? Not Democrats. And since a Nader candidacy would be exploited as a scare tactic to fuel voter turnout by any eventual Democratic nominee, probably not the Republicans either.
Once upon a time people respected the record Nader built as a consumer advocate. Now that good work is virtually forgotten and he’s seen as an egomaniacal interloper who once upon a time helped thwart the electoral will of the American people.
Ralph, I’m sure you’re a good enough guy. But do yourself a favor. Do us all a favor. On Sunday, sit down with Tim Russert and talk about seat-belts, or air-bags, or anything besides politics. You’ll be a better man for it.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
[...] Ralph, Ralph??? I thought we discussed this just a couple days ago. But then I see this morning that you’ve announced another completely [...]