Going after Nader with both barrels

[quaoar]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/02/politics/campaign/02nader.html

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The group is armed with a poll conducted by Stanley Greenberg, who was President Bill Clinton's pollster. The group includes Roy Neel, a former Gore associate who worked for Mr. Dean and is now preparing the computer model for finding the 2.8 million people who voted for Mr. Nader in 2000 and might vote for him again.

Mr. Moffett said there was no chance that Mr. Nader would drop out, so the only way to stop him from throwing the election to Mr. Bush is to discourage his supporters.

< snip >

Nader supporters, Mr. Greenberg's polling shows, are generally older and angrier than other voters. They are fiercely against globalization and corporate dominance, and they are largely indifferent to social issues like abortion and gay marriage.

They are also hard to find, and the Moffett group is debating how to track them down and shape and deliver a message that will reach them.

Two early clues from the polling: when Nader supporters learned that Mr. Nader had accepted help and money from Republicans to get on the ballots in various states, they dropped away. And one of the few public figures who has credibility with Nader backers is former President Jimmy Carter, who is perceived as not compromised by or profiting from the political system. So some of the group's officials say they have discussed redeploying Mr. Carter, who they say has indicated a willingness to help.
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[havocmom]

1. Nader, Nader? Is he that guy who stiffed those homeless people

who carried petitions for him?

So, what does he do during years without presidential elections, anyway?

Gads, I hope they chase him outta public life period. He has gone round the bend or seriously to the dark side. He is unsafe at any speed!

[mzmolly]

5. Yea the union busting stiffer of the homeless is the only true progressive

in this race, dontcha know. :eyes:

[hope42mro]

2. Interesting. Yet, he still has inexplicable pull with young voters. Why?

Honestly, I'm really confused by that.

My generation, the 18-21 yr old vote, is "angry" and "against corporations" therefore something like 12% of them are prepared to stick it to both parties by voting for Nader.

Why, God Why? I'm trying to imagine...

Because they feel a need to not conform?
Because they think Democrats and Republicans are the same?
Because want to diversify the political system with more parties?

None of these reasons are necessarily bad or wrong. But this election one TRUTH trumps whatever idealistic notion they believe: BUSH MUST GO!!
Whatever grievances the Nader supporters have against Globalization, a two-party system, corporations, etc. will only grow under Bush. At least the Democrats have Far-Left loyalists in their party applying pressure.

The Nader vote strikes me as a pessimistic protest to the Democrats. Therefore I wonder how people of my generation can be so pessimistic when we've been given so much, when we have so much potential and opportunity.

Still confused.

[bklyncowgirl]

3. Uncompromising clear message

Real politics involves compromise.

Ralph Nader presents a message that is clear and uncompromised. Unlike someone who is trying to wing a real election by forming a coalition of people who may not totally agree with them or even like them or pursuade voters that their real interests lie with them even though they disagree on some issues, Nader can present a clear, uncompromising message. He doesn't have to worry about turning off swing voters.

This is very appealing to young people. As someone who voted for environmentalist Barry Commoner in 1980, I understand their feelings. Oh by the way, that was the election which Jimmy Carter lost to Ronald Reagan.

I've never voted third party for president again although in every election except for this one I've been tempted.

[Justice]

4. Nader's 2004 message is about as clear as mud

As the former prime minister of Canada said to Nader - you are a great man, you have done great things. If you drop out of this election, you will continue to have a voice in American politics. If you continue in this election, and George Bush wins, you will have no voice ever again.