Nothing to fear but fear itself
As if there wasn't enough fear and loathing in America, now we have Ralph Nader's presidential run. This makes me very happy, because nothing illustrates the pathetic state of the Democratic party quite like its hatred of Ralph.
Ralph Nader presents something of a conundrum for partisan Democrats. I'm an independent, but I think I understand how this works. You have to hold two contradictory ideas at the same time: You concede that the two-party system is too limiting, but demand everyone fall in line behind it. You call Ralph a buffoon, but fear his ability to attract the votes you feel entitled to. You claim you have the same progressive goals, but concede important ground during the campaign. You blame Nader for Gore losing in 2000, but also acknowledge that the election was stolen. Finally, you condemn Ralph's run for President (the greatest venue for a voice to be heard), but revere the First Amendment and the marketplace of ideas.
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Will Shetterly sheds some light here, commenting on a Making Light blogpost called "Why Does Nader Hate America?" [title is perfect illustration of my point, even if it is tongue-in-cheek -ed]:
As if there wasn't enough fear and loathing in America, now we have Ralph Nader's presidential run. This makes me very happy, because nothing illustrates the pathetic state of the Democratic party quite like its hatred of Ralph.
Ralph Nader presents something of a conundrum for partisan Democrats. I'm an independent, but I think I understand how this works. You have to hold two contradictory ideas at the same time: You concede that the two-party system is too limiting, but demand everyone fall in line behind it. You call Ralph a buffoon, but fear his ability to attract the votes you feel entitled to. You claim you have the same progressive goals, but concede important ground during the campaign. You blame Nader for Gore losing in 2000, but also acknowledge that the election was stolen. Finally, you condemn Ralph's run for President (the greatest venue for a voice to be heard), but revere the First Amendment and the marketplace of ideas.
--
Will Shetterly sheds some light here, commenting on a Making Light blogpost called "Why Does Nader Hate America?" [title is perfect illustration of my point, even if it is tongue-in-cheek -ed]:
One last useful look at Nader's 2000 campaign: Dispelling the Myth of Election 2000: Did Nader Cost Gore the Election?
Here's my favorite bit from it:
"Twelve percent of Florida Democrats (over 200,000) voted for Republican George Bush" -San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 9, 2000
Since there were 97,488 Green voters in Florida, that means the Democrats are objectively two times more responsible for the Florida results than the Greens.
