Nader announces candidacy
The power of the media in the election process is tragically overlooked. We will see little change in our belligerent stance toward Muslims and Arabs due to their special interest control. I have little hope for a brighter time for the next 4 years in regards to our middle-east debacle. I doubt if military spending drops any-- crippling education and health care. I see no reason to be hopeful that the government will suddenly become competent or less corrupt. I'll be surprised if Nader gets more than 1% of the vote regardless of merit. Nader's main problems with the media is that he sympathizes with Palestinians and he is far too liberal for their corporate tastes.
Nader is dismissed by Corp. media as irrelevant-- this is an endorsement to me. It wouldn't matter how charismatic he is-- he is being marginalized like Kucinich or any other peoples candidate would be. Until there is a freer media and a more honest election process the Green Party will struggle-- at least until it becomes more apparent that the two parties are really one party representing 4% of the people.
Nader is "untouchable" that gets my vote over age, charisma or anything else. Too bad his views won't be aired appropriately.
You make a good point Scrabble. Ron Paul brought up some really controversial topics during the debates which where shrugged off with a smirk. But, Nader's announcement on Meet the Press was the first time I've heard the aforementioned topics brought up to a huge national audience. Supposedly, a majority of Americans are in favor of a single-payer health care system... maybe that will spark some debate and force CNN to include Nader in future debates.
You say "two parties are really one party representing 4% of the people" ... thats 96% of us that are getting screwed. The tide has to turn eventually, i mean, they're still teaching Orwell in High schools... aren't they?
These issues Nader claims to be "bringing to the table".
1) Legality of Iraq invasion and US foreign policy.
2) Impeachment!
3) single-payer "canada-style" healthcare
4) ending Corporate rule of media and policy.
I'm stoked! These are the questions that I've been wanting to see asked of our candidates. I don't care about issues of Nader being a spoiler or too old. His policies are congruent with what I want to see in our govt and I plan to vote accordingly. Honestly, though, couldn't the Green Party find someone more charismatic that believes in these policies... sadly, it makes a difference.
Even a dead fish can go with the flow.