Since Ralph Nader began his campaign, drones of media reports have cited how this could potentially harm John Kerry’s bid to take the White House. Besides Nader’s bid eating some of the left’s potential voting pool, numerous conspiracy theories have surfaced regarding Republicans supporting Nader by gathering signatures to place him on the ballot in many states. I have not personally met any members of the GOP helping Nader’s bid. However, I do not doubt that some have flocked to his cause in the political expediency that it will help President Bush in the tight race.
On the left, we have numerous Democrats crying foul. Recently, in my home state of Pennsylvania, two Democrats have taken the charge to prevent Nader from having a spot on the ballot in the key battleground state. Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader William DeWeese and Minority Whip Mike Veon believe Nader knows he cannot win and that his candidacy will only help George W. Bush claiming “his time has come and gone in the political world." Having until Augest 9th to file any challenges, they are checking all signatures. "But let's be clear about this. Our efforts this week have nothing to do with Ralph Nader, rather they are being done to prevent a repeat of the 2000 election when Mr. Nader's campaign drew enough votes from Al Gore to enable George W. Bush to win the election. We can't let that happen again," Veon said.
Is this right for either party?
Nader supporters simply want to have him on all ballots as a viable third option in a large two party system. Asking for signatures on petitions is not a vote for Nader, rather it allows those who would like to vote for him that ability. Despite the pleas and assaults on the Nader/Camejo campaign, they resisted joining the Re-invention Convention in Boston. The people have a right to place a vote for whom they support, the tactics by the Democrats to prevent that choice by the people is deplorable.
My view with Republican Nader support may surprise some of my readers. I believe that any Republican supporting Nader to help Bush only shows a lack of confidence in the GOP to win on its own merits. Republicans rushing to sneak Nader on ballots falsely gives the liberals various remarks that Bush does not have the support of the American people credit. Using Nader simply brings a lack of faith that Bush can win by a majority, therefore the best we can do is create a split in the opposition to have a win via a plurality. If W wins, it will be by the will of the voters and the GOP optimism, not through sneaky and scrambling tactics. Would the Gipper resort to such tactics or condone them?
Both parties are acting foolishly regarding Nader. W needs to win on his merits (as does Kerry), not solely by GOP endorsed split. Democrats need to allow the process to work legally and permit Nader to run and not evade and disparage his freedom for the perceived benefit of their candidate. The blame/use Nader game needs to stop.
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