He’s run for president as an independent, a Green, and even a write-in Democrat: Noted consumer-rights activist Ralph Nader was in Austin July 27 to promote his 2008 presidential campaign as an independent. This makes him the fourth presidential hopeful – along with Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney, Libertarian Bob Barr, and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama – who’s visited Austin this election cycle. (Sen. John McCain only made it to Round Rock.)
During a speech before an estimated 300-strong crowd at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Nader attacked the two-party system, the corporate influence on Congress, and what he called Obama’s right-wing voting record. He had particular criticism for the way presidents are elected, noting that eight of the last 24 commanders-in-chief were elected without a majority of votes cast (sidestepping the fact that it took third-party and independent candidates like himself to make that happen). His most vehement attack was reserved for “the contented classes,” which he accused of confusing personal liberty with civic liberty and becoming politically disengaged.
His vice presidential running mate Matt Gonzalez, the former president of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, praised Nader and said, “As an outsider, he has passed more significant legislation than any other candidate.” Stressing their platform of universal health care, workers’ rights, and holding companies more accountable, he added, “Despite much of the criticism you will sometimes hear of our candidacy, on these particular issues, we have majority support.”
Nader, who again claimed that his 2000 candidacy helped Vice President Al Gore because it forced him to take more populist positions, argued that it is essential to raise these issues in the context of the presidential campaigns. Much like presidential contender and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, who plans to turn the momentum of his primary run into a “Campaign for Liberty,” Nader hopes he will at least spark debate. He asked, “If [the issues] are not going to be discussed in the campaign, do you think they’re going to be considered by whichever candidate from the two parties wins?”
That may be the biggest impact of his candidacy. While Nader’s staff said he was polling between 5% and 6% (the latest Rasmussen numbers put him at 2%), as an independent he faces an uphill struggle for ballot access. According to his campaign website (www.votenader.org), the only state where he’s been certified for the November ballot is Washington. Applications, petitions, and litigation in other states are pending.
This article appears in August 1 • 2008.
