Reply #140: I think most would agree with you on the Green platform

[ShimokitaJer]

These used to be the key issues of the Democratic platform. In 2000, they weren't, and many flocked to Nader's camp. Some of them seem to be back with the candidates this time around, and I have no doubt that many will flock back.

I may be idealistic, but I believe Nader was motivated out of a simple desire to get these issues talked about rather than a desire to be the president. Had the Democrats spoken out about them, they would have effectively undermined Nader's base, and I believe Nader would have been happy to step aside. Instead, the DLC chose to ignore those issues and instead courted the center while embracing corporate money. Thus, Nader stayed in the race. And the Democrats attacking of Nader convinced his supporters more fully that they were against his positions. Why was it so hard for the Democrats to champion Democratic ideals!?!

I don't think Nader will ever be elected president, and I don't know if I will ever vote for him again. But until the Democrats start embracing their traditional values, I hope he keeps running. If nothing else, he will keep the DLC from doing to the Democratic party what the PNAC has done to the Republicans.