Ralph Nader

[12thMan]

Other than consumer protection, what else is Nadar really known for. It's not that Ralph Nadar isn't smart or doesn't have the ability to inspire people, but I don't get the sense that Nadar wants to be President. I mean, really wants to President. The issue of leading the country seems to be optional to him. Nadar seems to always be running against other candidates more than actually running for President. And that just doesn't resonate with the majority of the American people.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Other than consumer protection, what else is Nadar really known for. It's not that Ralph Nadar isn't smart or doesn't have the ability to inspire people, but I don't get the sense that Nadar wants to be President. I mean, really wants to President. The issue of leading the country seems to be optional to him. Nadar seems to always be running against other candidates more than actually running for President. And that just doesn't resonate with the majority of the American people.

That's it in a nutshell, in my opinion. His platform seems to be "I'm not that guy" (no offense to That Guy)

For those out there who "worry" about McCain's age and believe there is a real possibility that, if he won, Palin would be President, here's a question for you. How would you feel about President Matt Gonzalez, after all Nader is two years older than McCain.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Other than consumer protection, what else is Nadar really known for. It's not that Ralph Nadar isn't smart or doesn't have the ability to inspire people, but I don't get the sense that Nadar wants to be President. I mean, really wants to President. The issue of leading the country seems to be optional to him. Nadar seems to always be running against other candidates more than actually running for President. And that just doesn't resonate with the majority of the American people.

yeah that's a good point, I think his motivation is to simply keep plugging away at keeping the idea of a 3rd party alive which is important nonetheless.

[Beemnseven]

Too many people believe a third party will never work, because too many people believe a third party will never work.

I can't understand it. For ages, the American people have complained about Washington, complained about politics, and freely admit that policitians are all crooks and liars, but continue to put the same two-headed monster in charge in election after election.

For some reason, people in this country cannot fathom the thought of voting differenty than the vast majority -- or as we should call it, the giant herd. Gotta be part of that "winning team" right?

Until we break loose of that mentality, there will never truly be 'change' in Washington.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Too many people believe a third party will never work, because too many people believe a third party will never work.

I can't understand it. For ages, the American people have complained about Washington, complained about politics, and freely admit that policitians are all crooks and liars, but continue to put the same two-headed monster in charge in election after election.

For some reason, people in this country cannot fathom the thought of voting differenty than the vast majority -- or as we should call it, the giant herd. Gotta be part of that "winning team" right?

Until we break loose of that mentality, there will never truly be 'change' in Washington.

Well, is it really about whether or not a third party will work or fail? I question whether or not that's the real argument. I think people, especially Americans, love tradition and that sense of pride that comes with being affiliated with a certain party. Families have passed down party traditions and ties to generations

People take great pride in saying this is the party of FDR or JFK or Lincoln or whomever. See what I'm saying? I think it's more about belonging to some long standing ideology rather than a hand full of policy positions that could perhaps make America better.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

yeah that's a good point, I think his motivation is to simply keep plugging away at keeping the idea of a 3rd party alive which is important nonetheless.

A legitimate third party that could actually win a few states would force us to amend the electoral college. Neither the Republicans or Democrats would have a candidate strong enough to pull 270+ electoral votes if say, Nader was pulling 30 in an election.

I do think that the presidential election in November of every fourth year should be between only two candidates, just so we aren't electing a president on a plurality. However, I would like to see a system where those two candidates aren't necessarily one democrat and one republican, but two good candidates that a majority of America could both get behind.