Kalibah

We've heard a lot about Libertarians here- but not so much from Nader supporters. I know they are few in number, but with such diversity im sure atleast someone is leaning towards him.

Ive read his website ( not in detail, but enough to get the gyst of it)
and Im wondering what entices you to vote for him? What resonates with you? I asked Liberaterians this too- not that your throwing away a vote ( because the only way to do that is to NOT vote) but why pursue voting for someone who - truely has no chance to win?
and i mean that as respecticfully as possible.

I suppose people not supporting nader might be able to offer some insight on his positions too...

hammer4all

I support Nader because he speaks truth to power and has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes for 30-some odd years.

The point of his campaign is not of 'winning' but of getting progressive ideas heard across the country. Progressive voices are largely shut of the media so whenever he is allowed on it helps widen the spectrum of debate. Nader is also not afraid to attack Bush in ways Democrats wouldn't even consider since they represent many of the same corporate interests that Republicans do. This country needs change and all movements have to start off start of somewhere.

Am I that concerned about Nader swaying the election? No, not really. I trust Nader supporters with their vote. I expect most to vote strategically (i.e. for him in safe states and against Bush in battleground states). Those that don't follow that strategy probably wouldn't have voted anyway or could have just as easily been disenchanted Republicans as they are Democrats. There are also other safe ways to make a statement. Above all though: progressive voices need to be heard.

Kalibah

but what does he say resonate with you? not to get into a fight but the whole " End war, Vote Peace" seems a little simplistic as far as the war on terror is concerned. Many republicans have doubts if john kerry could handle the war on terror- as many dems have doubts of how the pres has done thus far, but Mr. Nader doesnt even have a War on Terorism plan under " Issues" just a preaching Iraq War and Occupatiion page talking about how we should withdraw from Iraq.


If someone could explain in more depth his views on the warr on terror, then Id be in a better position to understand his political agenda. It seems thus far he is- right or wrong, a peacenik. I dont think terrorists will love us even if we do elect Ralph Nader, and thats all, thus far I can find on his position on this issue is " End war, Vote Peace"

Paxton_Free

You know, I went to hear Nader speak at my college and really enjoyed it. He's a very intelligent man with some good ideas, but they're good ideas in theory.
He DOES speak the truth and doesn't buy into the political process.

That said, I'm voting for Kerry.

Kalibah

What speicfic policies do you think are good in theory, other than End War?

bingle

I voted for Nader in 2000 because of his strong pro-consumer stance. I felt, and still feel, that both the Democrats and Republicans are much more interested in what they can do for various corporations than what they can do for the people. The sides support some different industries, but basically they've shown they're willing to sell our rights, our privacy, our environment, and even our well-being and health to various corporate interest groups. Nader is not a perfect candidate, and this year I am unhappy at the fact that he's running at all, but he is an honest consumer advocate. He does not take money from corporate interests, and I really feel that he wants to do what's best for regular people rather than special interests.

This year, I'm voting for Kerry because he's not Bush. I was really hoping that Dean, Kucinich, or General Clark would have been nominated, because all of them seemed like people I could agree with much more than Kerry. But Kerry is still much better than Bush.

Bingle

Kalibah

I agree- id have had a harder time deciding between Bush and say Dean or Clark


and thanks for giving me your views on nader. it helps those of us that are decided understand why your voting for someone ( or atleast why someone would vote for them)

hammer4all

Everything he says resonates with me: the power that unelected private tyrannies (corporations) have over our daily lives, his stance on electoral reform, military spending, and the environment.

He probably doesn't have a 'War on Terror' plan because it's a myth created as a convenient excuse to repress the population and divert people's attention away from the issues that really matter. Terror is just a tactic. You can't win a 'war' against a tactic. If you want to stop people from committing terror you have to address their legitimate grievances (i.e. support for repressive dictatorships, unquestioning support for Israel, and the war in Iraq). You must to take away their reasons for existing and turn them into petty criminals in the eyes of their passive supporters.

hammer4all

Incidentally, I have just watched Ralph give one of his best speeches that I've seen so far. I think even a staunch conservative could appreciate it.

Nader speaks at the Reform Party Convention