Nader announces run for president

Oh no! Look what we did! You might recall Rachel and I were still registered Green and we voted for Ralph in the California Primary...

By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer 48 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Ralph Nader on Sunday announced a fresh bid for the White House, criticizing the top contenders as too close to big business and dismissing the possibility that his third-party candidacy could tip the election to Republicans.

Nader said most people are disenchanted with the Democratic and Republican parties due to a prolonged Iraq war and a shaky economy. He also blamed tax and other corporate-friendly policies under the Bush administration that he said have left many lower- and middle-class people in debt.

Nader said Obama's and Clinton's lukewarm response was not surprising given that both political parties typically treat third-party candidates as "second-class citizens." Nader said he will decide in the coming days whether to run as an independent, Green Party candidate or in some other third party.

Pointing a finger at Republicans, he described McCain as a candidate for "perpetual war" and said he welcomed the support of Republican conservatives "who don't like the war in Iraq, who don't like taxpayer dollars wasted, and who don't like the Patriot Act and who treasure their rights of privacy."

"If the Democrats can't landslide the Republicans this year, they ought to just wrap up," Nader added.

Well, he's right about that. And he will probably get lots of support from Republican donors.

Rachel and I had an interesting discussion last night about Clinton and Obama. She feels that Hillary's familiarity with world leaders would be an advantage in efforts to repair our image around the world. I feel just the opposite - that she represents more of the same. Obama, in my opinion, would represent a radical change - a new face to represent us. I think he has a much better chance of repairing the damage done by U.S. actions around the world.

We're both solidly behind Obama, mind you. Our discussion was limited to foreign affairs.

Also, I saw Tina Fey rally for Hillary last night on Saturday Night Live. I was a bit disappointed - rather than make a reasonable, if impassioned case for her, she called her a "bitch" and said that bitches get things done. And that's why I should vote for her? Sorry, Tina. I dig you, but I think you are merely backing the best female candidate and not the best candidate.