Ralph Nader announces presidential bid

Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:44 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray and NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
On Meet the Press this morning, Ralph Nader -- who won 2.7% of the popular vote in 2000 and just 0.4% four years later -- announced that he will once again be running for president this year.

Yesterday, when asked about a potential Nader candidacy at his press conference, Obama said: "I think anybody has the right to vote for president if they file sufficient papers. And I think the job of the Democratic Party is to be so compelling that a few percentage of the vote going to another candidate's not going to make any difference."

When reporters reminded Obama that Nader had said some not-so nice things about him, Obama replied: "He had called me and I think reached out to my campaign. My sense is that Mr. Nader is somebody who if you're -- don't listen and adopt all of his policies, thinks you're not substantive. He seems to have a pretty high opinion of his own work. Now, and by the way, I have to say that historically, he is a singular figure in American politics and has done as much as just about anybody on behalf of consumers. So in many ways, he is a heroic figure and I don't mean to diminish him, but I do think there's a sense now that um, you know if somebody's not hewn to the Ralph Nader agenda then you, you must be lacking in some way."

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Comments

Finally! A true liberal and Washington outsider is running for President! Ralph Nader has my vote!

Dan Grant, Newark, NJ (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:56 AM)

oh Please, Not Again!!! What does Nader hope to gain by this. He is only making mud in the water. Who is supporting him, is this some sort of underhand trick of the Clinton;s Also why is the MSNBC front pages covered with Obama not saluting the flag, are they now starting a smear campaigne also

Betty LHC Az (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:56 AM)

Nader is working for the Republicans!
Whenever there is a strong Democratic candidate, he enters the race to split up the sensible, liberal vote.
Go Away Nader..there is too much at stake for your Shennannigans!

Ashley, Chicago, IL (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:56 AM)

Hi, Mr. Nader!
I'm relevance...have we met?

JTP (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:57 AM)

Ladies and gentlemen meet your new President, John McCain.

Linda Boughton, Tempe AZ (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:59 AM)

Democrats are incredibly happy with their choice. So maybe Nader will spoil the republican race!!!

a of Illinois (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:02 AM)

Democrats are incredibly happy with their choice. So maybe Nader will spoil the republican race!!!

a of Illinois (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:03 AM)

Great News,
atleast we have choice now, we can vote for Nader if Obama gets ticket

Hillary for 08.

harry, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:10 AM)

He's on Meet the Press right now, and he raises some good questions.

Substantive questions, which we are unlikely to hear discussed without SOMEONE forcing the issue.

Lee in CA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:18 AM)

Obama is such a smug jerk.

Brian, San Diego, CA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:20 AM)

Now we have two narcissists to ignore.I do pretty good speeches Obama and I once again think I am the smartest guy on the planet.

HMT-MI (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:21 AM)

Let me preface by saying that I was once a great admirer of Ralph Nader...As much as I respect Nader for being one of America's greatest consumer advocates, I think now he is blind to the real effects of his actions. He still denies that his participation in 2000 had anything to do with Gore's loss. Yes, Gore lost that election for many reasons, he should have won Tennessee, he should have won Arkansas, and yes he did win Florida. Nader was not the only reason Gore lost in 2000, but he was one of the reasons (and the exit polling numbers prove this beyond a doubt). Without Nader, Gore would have won the popular and electoral vote outright in Florida and the Republicans would not have been able to wrest it from Gore. Like in 2000, Nader is once again trying to lump the Democrats and Republicans together, proporting himself to be the only real "change" candidate. If we as a public haven't learned how vastly different noble prize winning Al Gore is from George Bush then maybe it's our fault if we fall for Nader's rhetoric again. Lastly, Nader says that his running for president displays the importance of a multiple party system. However, the truth is, is that he has done nothing but extreme damage to the idea of a multiple party system. His third party presidential candidacies have led to zero changes that were part of his platform. Quite the opposite actually. Most Americans probably view a third party as less of an agent of change and more as an agent for spoiling elections. He is making third parties look like fringe lunatics, and that is a terrible diservice for America. Wake up Ralph Nader.

Steve, NY, NY (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:22 AM)

"He [Nader] seems to have a pretty high opinion of his own work."

So would Mr. Obama, had he helped create The Freedom of Information Act, The Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, OSHA, Public Citizen, The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act...

Jurgen Vsych, San Francisco, CA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:23 AM)

Finally, a decent candidate for President enters the race!

John (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:29 AM)

I think Nader would do well in a Obama white house. He is a very smart man about government problems.

Obama- yes we can

OWL (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:29 AM)

Nader is a schill for Republicans

James Quad-Cities, IA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:29 AM)

nader's an egomaniac, utterly addicted to running for the presidency. anybody who'd support this loser is as crazy as he is.

sickofitall, philly (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:31 AM)

Ralph Nader has always been more effective as an advocate versus a candidate. Ralph comes across as a fringe personality on the stump. Please don't let us suffer through this again.

EP, NC (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:31 AM)

Here we go again. . .

vhild TN (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:31 AM)

Go Nader!I hope he holds both Obama and McCain acountable. Let's debate!

Isaiah, Boston, Ma (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:35 AM)

I hope Nader is ready to handle the obamanoid culture of hate that will now be dumped on him.Perhaps even a death threat or 2.Tavis smiley and his family have been threatened because he dare to be upset that Obamanoid did not show up at the black convention.

HMT-MI (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:39 AM)

He had an effect on an election that was a typical Red Blue, split down the middle, photo finish election where 2.7% of the electorate can effect the outcome. That type of election and political climate has been our problem for a generation.
This election is different. We are in a period of political climate change. Rapid, political climate change. Come on in Ralph, the water is fine.

Obama/Edwards '08

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:43 AM)

HRalph Nader? Hell no! All of our current troubles can be laid at the feet of this egotistical 21st centruy versionof Harold Stassen. Nader threw the elections of 2000 and 2004 to the Bush-Cheney team by his hopeless entry into two bids that siphoned off just enough votes to allow the regime from hell to be elected.

His ego may prevent him from seeing a difference between the two major parties, but there is one and I am delighted to give Barack Obama a chance to prove himself superior to John McCain.

Do NOT vote for Ralph "Spoil Sport" Nader!

Will Ruha, Folsom, CA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:47 AM)

Mr. Nader has said that "most" Americans are not really happy with either the Democratic or Republican party. That doesn't mean we are not happy with the presidential candidates. Those of us who are supporting either or Obama or Clinton are thrilled with these two incredible candidates. Many polls have shown that the Democratic folks are pleased with our choices in this primary. Mr. Nader, you are needed this year; and, frankly, not welcome. Unless you plan to lean more Republican in your campaign. CM

Carol McDonald (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:47 AM)

Ralph Nader? Hell no! All of our current troubles can be laid at the feet of this egotistical 21st centruy versionof Harold Stassen. Nader threw the elections of 2000 and 2004 to the Bush-Cheney team by his hopeless entry into two bids that siphoned off just enough votes to allow the regime from hell to be elected.

His ego may prevent him from seeing a difference between the two major parties, but there is one and I am delighted to give Barack Obama a chance to prove himself superior to John McCain.

Do NOT vote for Ralph "Spoil Sport" Nader!

Will Ruha, Folsom, CA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:47 AM)

wow sounds just like Obama. His words are more important than the flag. He doesnt need flag pin cause he can with his gibness show that's better. Doesnt need to hold hand on heart cause it wasnt the allegiance (only the National emblem)?If you dont believe what i say your not worth much. Hard to tell the 2 of them apart. Will give those people someone to vote for if Obama gets the nomin.Well at least his wife is proud now of America.

Jane Doe (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:48 AM)

How many times must he try to run for president before he realizes that his attempts are futile? If you are trying to make a point about ending the stranglehold of the two-party system Nader, I think your point was already made in the last few elections. All the other parties out there like the green party, libertarians, peace & freedom, etc. always have bids for the presidency like they are allowed, but any hope for them to actually win is a joke. If you really want to help your small parties you should concentrate more on winning local and state positions first, showing what good your party can do, build a larger base, and prove to the American people what your party stands for. Until then, be prepared to be disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I don't like a two-party system, but until there is a third party that can create a vast network of elected officials then that is what we are stuck with.

Dubya-thenotsoevilone (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:49 AM)

finally, we are going to have some actual discussions on issues that are important to the american people, as Nadar pointed out we need a warrior in the white house someone who's a fighter with backbone, not a spineless wimp with a good speech that adresses nothing but hope, i don't want to HOPE it gets done-iwant it done...He gets my donation TODAY

s.longley (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:58 AM)

Good for Ralph Nader. American voters need another "choice" in this campaign. In my opinion we have very slim picken's among the three that have been chosen for us. I have three concerns in this election: illegal immigration, the Iraq war, and the dismal state of our economy. Would love to hear Mr. Nader's position on these issues as I am sure most of America would enjoy hearing. I hope the media will give him a chance to let America hear it.

Lois (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:58 AM)

Since the NY Times ran a wonderful eight year old story on John McCain will they follow suit on Barack Obama?
We were treated to the Obama Girl, will we now be treated to the Obama Man - Larry Sinclair?
Bill O'Reilly alluded to Sinclair last week. Fact, fiction or muckracking? It is better to know now in view of Obama's admitted cocaine use!

Fred C Dobbs Sierra Madre, CA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:00 PM)

It is really sad we have a man this far in the election still doesnt know Bukus(code word)Obama is a user,decietful,doublestandard,false hearted person that uses his race shamfully.The fact that he uses Barack instead of Barry tells a lot. He planned this out well.unite the blacks than let them rant on Clinton and his wife on Senator Clinton so he stays clean. User-After doing this he doesnt have time now for The Black State of the Union.Hillary only canadate there. Obama told them he was to busy with his campaign.In other words thanks guys dont need you so much now I am after the Latinos and young and workers.They will be easy to get like they arent able to think for them selves. See a pattern? Than when he doesnt need them its so long -whites here comes Barry. Pathetic, but at least this isn't empty name calling here.By the way why is he so above being questioned?This is America and things arent so great.We should know now what people have to offer not blind acceptance.I am and have always been Proud of America.

Mox (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:03 PM)

There are reports that this guy gets more signatures and campaign contributions from republicans than anyone else because they know he can hand the election to another republican. He invented seatbelts and car safety features many moons ago, terrific. At present we are at war with Iraq right now because Nader ran the first time around, and yet Nader disagrees with the war. Is anyone who argues he's not a republican familiar with spies and undercover agents? They're not exotic roles in a James Bond movie, undercover agents are as common and domestic as every local police force. Actors in Hollywood? People who make a living being professionally disingenuous? Ever heard of insurance doctors who, after taking the Hippocratic oath to heal people, are paid twice the exam fee by insurance companies to DENY patients treatment to maximize profits? Or the PR camps and "researchers" for companies that make unhealthy or addictive products who will look right into a camera and say that there's nothing wrong with their products? I'm just saying that Nader might be "Green party", or he might be getting paid to play one on TV. Politicians switch their stances constantly to get paid. One prominent ex-POW comes to mind...

You can disagree with Nader's motives until the cows come home, but the people I knew who voted for him in the first George W Bush election (who I begged not to right down to when we were standing together in line at the polls) only to see GWB get elected have regretted it ever since. Disagree with Nader's motives, but if you actually cast a vote for Nader you deserve the next republican you get.

Mel M, Atlanta GA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:03 PM)

Nothing sybolizes the past more than Nadar.

Failure to accomplish anything. Counterproductive and "agree with me or you're a fool."

Time has turned Nadar into an old embittered radical.

Time to move on, time for Obama

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:05 PM)

HA!! obama is stutterrrinnggggg AGAIN

John in la (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:06 PM)

...and Teaxas Governor Rick Perry immediately asked him to drop out.

Beth, Bradenton, FL (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:07 PM)

Oh, sheesh! What a complete laughing-stock Nader is. It's time to go home, Ralphy. You did some good years ago....pat your ego.....enough already.
How could anybody in their right mind vote for someone with such an inferiority complex as Nader anyway? Too funny.

Patsy in Flint (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:08 PM)

You are the lacking one BO, Ralph at least has some wisdom and experience, we know WHO is in that can of worms. I will have to vote McCain, Ralph is no friend of my Corvair and he unsafe to vote for. See Ralph what goes round comes around!

HP Boston (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:11 PM)

SHAME ON YOU NADER!! Your ego is unsafe in any race! You are an old fool who has undone your own good works. Just GO AWAY!!!!

Brian Santa Fe NM (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:18 PM)

Ralph Nader is nothing but a tired old man. This guy must be senile or something. I don't even know how he even got on meet the press. This idiot has had 18 months to jump in and give the world his opinions on what's wrong with the politics of today. I wouldn't let him engage in any of the debates to Hillary or Barrack. It's like Hillary and Barrack have been running the mile race, and they are on their last lap and Nader decides to put his SKECTERS on and say I’m in the race now. This is crazy Dennis Kucinich had to take Nevada to Court to try and get into a debate in how the heck is this person feels that he deserves to be on the circuit. Ralph Nader there is no demand for you if you felt that strong about running you should have put your hat in the ring 18 months ago. Please do us a favor, and go back to your little cave and don't come out. You have nothing at this point and time to offer the American people but more confusion.
Everything that you talk about on meet the press you should have been saying 18 months ago.
As far as sitting on the sideline watching the game where were you in 2004? Where was your concern then???? You have nothing to offer this country GO HOME!!!!!!!

kenny (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:19 PM)

I agree that Ralph Nader must be on the payroll of the Republicans. It's true that anytime the Democrats have a chance to win...he pops uplike the devil. Follow the money trail and see that a Republican is funding his campaign. The man should be running with John McCain aren't they both the same age?

Alice Smith (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:25 PM)

Nader is 74 and has 0 shot @ being president. So why is he doing this?
EGO. I think once Hillary has to drop out she can be his running mate.
Can Hillary please DROP OUT? PLEASE.ITS OVER

Nj (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:28 PM)

As a young voter i see Nader as nothing but a spoiler. He says he's doing this for the people, BS , it's for the Republicans. I like to see scandel surround Mr. Nader. Also, as a young voter, i don't see how all the other candidates have had to campaign and spend money for over a year for the privlage of being able to run for the Presidency and Nader ( who could pass for Cosmo Kreamer's father on Seinfeld) Just gets on TV and says "Im Running." Nader being able to skip a year of debates, campaigning and spending just doesn't seem right, but then again nothing in this process is the way it seems. And thats the problem

Sean, PA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:29 PM)

I wss disappointed to hear that Mr. Nader is running again. I think he would do better to support the mainstream candidate most closely suited to his views rather than act as a spoiler for the Dems. After so many times of being soundly rejected by the voters, you think he would have gotten the message. There is a difference in tenacity and blind stubborness. I hope he withdraws.

Lynn Oliver, Centervillem OH (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:29 PM)

Obama/Richardson 08

Nader/Clinton 0-PLEASE ;) 2 ego manics

Nj (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:30 PM)

Lynn Oliver, Centerville, OH (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:31 PM)

For all the Obama supporters that keep crying about Hillary potentialy splitting up the Democratic party, if the Democratic party is going to split, it's going to split and Hillary has no more to do with it than Obama.

To assert that Hillary would be the cause of such a split is to give her way too much credit (which Obama supporters don't believe in giving anyway).

The problem with the Democratic party is not Hillary Clinton, but rather the party itself. I switched from Democrat to Unaffiliated last summer because I'm sick and tired of the Democrats not having a backbone and the two party bullshit.

The idea that you have to belong to either the Republican or the Democratic party in this country or you don't count, the idea that you should fall lock in step behind whatever idiot a party nominates as their candidate is a load of crap.

One of the biggest problems this country has had for a long time is this two party system. This country needs a third party to give people in this country an actual choice.

Let Hillary drop out at some point as all of the Obama supporters keep urging, then Obama will have to go up against McCain and Nader, neither of whom are going to try to be so delicate with Obama like Hillary has.

McCain and Nader could care less about hurting Obama or his supporters feelings. For the first time since this campaign started Obama is going to actualy end up being vetted and tested and everyone is going to see him for the fraud he really is.

Obama is going down!

Bob Jones, Birmingham, AL (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:31 PM)

we had a good economist Mitt what a waste, still supporting obama, Change is what we need no matter what better than the 29percent rating washington has and thats probably only about thirty that are doing a good job......Play it safe replace them all and then we wont have to guess......Unfortunatley in order for people to run you either have to be finically well off or have a good war chest, my state thats whats going on no one can run against the senator outside of cong. andrews who has a war chest...neither one are any good...long time politicians....Change...

Russ Fox Wells, Maine (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:31 PM)

Totally pathetic.
Nader is the most egotistical man in politics today. After destroying the reputation of the Green party in 2000, and being at least partially responsible for the disastrous 8 years of Bush, now, in an attempt to keep his name in the history books, he will at worst push the county into endless war and at best diminish the new working majority that Obama is creating, thereby increasing the likelihood that bipartisan bickering stays around in Washington.
Please stop giving him media coverage he does not deserve.

Mark, Cambridge, MA (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:32 PM)

Raplph Nader just wants attention and anyone that doubts Barack Obama's patriotism should read his book "The Audacity of Hope" I guess that explains why most of his supporters have an IQ of more than 2 digits. I agree Obama/Edwards 08

Joan Indianapolis IN (Sent Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:34 PM)

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