WASHINGTON - Consumer advocate Ralph Nader announced yesterday he is running again for president, this time as an independent, and rejected claims that a longshot candidacy would merely siphon enough votes from the Democrats to ensure President Bush's re-election.
But Nader's decision was greeted with a chorus of condemnation from Democrats, longtime friends and former supporters who blame him for Al Gore's loss four years ago. They suggested that Nader would not pull close to the 2.7 percent of the vote he won before without the backing of an established party and some of his past supporters.
Republicans resisted the temptation to gloat as party chairman Ed Gillespie proclaimed that Bush would win a second term no matter who runs. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a former Republican National Committee chairman, said, It will make less difference than the Democrats fear
but I know they're very nervous about it.
In getting into the White House sweepstakes, Nader declared that Washington has become corporate occupied territory and he accused both Democrats and Republicans of being dominated by corporate lobbyists who care little about the needs of ordinary Americans.
It's a question between both parties flunking Nader said on NBC's Meet the Press, where he chose to make his announcement. He asserted that it's time to change the equation and bring millions of American people into the political arena.
Nader said he will mount a national campaign as an independent to highlight issues he claims the major parties are ignoring, including universal health care, rising poverty and environmental concerns.
Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, who personally urged Nader not to run, called the decision unfortunate.
You know he's had a whole distinguished career
fighting for working families
and I would hate to see part of his legacy being that he got us eight years of George Bush
McAuliffe said on CBS's Face the Nation.
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico minced no words. It's a total act of ego
he said.
Liberal Vermont Rep. Bernie Sanders, the only independent in the House and a longtime Nader friend, called Nader's decision counterproductive. Even the Green Party, whose banner Nader carried four years ago, did not renew its interest.
But Nader dismissed his critics among the liberal intelligentsia. It shows how hostage they are to the antiquated electoral system and how unwilling they are to oppose and change it
he said. I would urge them to calm down
start reflecting
be tolerant of democracy and freedom and watch events unfold since we're all on the same page of wanting to retire our supremely elected president
George W. Bush.
Nader predicted he would get more net votes from conservatives and liberal Republicans dissatisfied with Bush's record than from registered Democrats.
Democratic officials yesterday claimed that Nader has promised to focus his ammunition on the Bush administration. Nader acknowledged the pledge but said it does not mean he will refrain from criticizing Democrats if they attack him. I'm not going to avoid responding
