Meet Matt Gonzalez

Posted: Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:14 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Lindsey Pritzlaff
The past year of campaigning has birthed grandiose political events. But this afternoon’s press conference at the National Press Club was quite a different scene.

As the perennial presidential candidate Ralph Nader announced that former San Francisco Supervisor Matt Gonzalez would be his running mate, there was not a Nader supporter with a sign in sight. With no were cheers or applause, the room was so quiet you could hear the photographers’ shutters click.

More than a dozen TV cameras rolled as Gonzalez said that he is not disillusioned and he “understands what stands before us,” but he added that he has “never entered a political campaign without the idea that it could be won.”

Nader said he hopes that his bid for the White House will change the current political discourse. “We’re both honored to be running together and looking forward to addressing issues, conditions, and solutions ignored by the other major party candidates,” Nader said to approximately 60 reporters in attendance.

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Comments

" ...but he added that he has “never entered a political campaign without the idea that it could be won [until now].”

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:27 PM)

Who cares? Nader should reimburse the reporters for gas.

CommonCents (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:28 PM)

I wonder why there were no supporters in sight?

George (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:30 PM)

Matt Gonzales is a good man !!
I voted for hime for mayor of SF
He is a Green who would have made a GREAT MAYOR

That said, Ralph Nader is trying to drive the Democratic party to the left
That's where the Democrats belongs

Bill Clinton and his DLC clowns hijacked the party and gave it over to the corporate interests.
It's time to take the party back

Obama isn't really left, but he's honest

He'll get us away from Washington 'insider dealing',
from 'FOB' or 'Friends of Bill', from 'pay to play' and from the crooked fund raising of the Clinton past

Hopefully, he's serious about looking at reforming NAFTA and maybe even looking into the
'De-Regulation' scam that's been ruining our country

Nader was RIGHT about NAFTA
Nader was RIGHT about de-regulation
Nader is right about the Palestinians

That said, Obama '08

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:31 PM)

<<yawn>>

Yawn, Yawnville, USA (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:31 PM)

Why is Nader like the GOP secret weapon? I think they played this card one too many times

Patrick, Detroit, MI (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:42 PM)

Sierra. Then why has Obama raked in 8 million from trial lawyers?[admittedly,among the most accomplished of the DC ''inside dealers''].

Lee Holmes (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:51 PM)

Having an idea that the campaign can be won is not the same thing as having an idea how to win it.

Pete, Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 3:55 PM)

And with this column, Nader has met his news coverage quota for the campaign. See you in '12, Ralph.

Kevin, Havertown, Pa. (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:01 PM)

Okay, this is enough coverage of Nader until the end of March. Unless, Nader has found some other consumer related problem that could physically hurt many people (bad brakes in a car, poisoned food or medical material), I don't really think he needs any more attention.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:14 PM)

Say goodbye to any hope the Democrats may've had to win the race!

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:15 PM)

America is in serious trouble because voters have submissively followed the dictates of media pundits. If by some miracle -- voters decided to elect the most decent, intelligent, knowledgeable president it would be Ralph Nader by a landslide.

Steve Miller, Bridgeport, CT (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:18 PM)

I miss Pat Paulsen. At least he got the joke.

Will Cuppy (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:23 PM)

So here goes Nader again, taking votes away from Dems without even the slightest chance of winning. He caused Bush to win over Gore back in 2001, causing untold damage to the country.

John, San Francisco, CA (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:28 PM)

I have had several demss and gops say they will vote for nader instead of mccain or obama.They say they are not happy with either partys pick.But they know it is their duty to vote.

HT-MI (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:31 PM)

WHO CARESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PBrown (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:35 PM)

What was his vote in the last one, .4%? This guy has become a completely self-centered, self-righteous little nobody. He was worth getting mad at in 2000 but now? Let him run. Most won't even notice.

ALMOST NOBODY would notice if it weren't that the media keeps treating him like somebody important. Why does he still get on all the talking head shows whenever he wants anyway?

Felix, CO (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:39 PM)

who? what? & why?

sozzi, mamaroneck, NY (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:40 PM)

Lee Holmes: '...Sierra. Then why has Obama raked in 8 million from trial lawyers?[admittedly,among the most accomplished of the DC ''inside dealers'']...'

Lee, Granted Trial lawyers are a mixed bag
But, Nader started by using consumer law suits against corporations

It beats getting contributiojns from the wifes of fugitive financiers, doesn't it ?

Who's your candidate, Lee ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:42 PM)

Would you people stop paying attention to this supercillious egoist. Please. Show a little common decency.

As has been pointed out, it's not like we didn't have a chance to vote for a far left progressive candidate. The people rejected Dennis... just like the people have rejected Nader several times now. What does he think has changed... aside from the fact that apparently even more people are ignoring him.

It's a sad, sad situation, like watching someone with Alzheimer's disease getting worse each time you visit with him. Doesn't he have someone in his life that can take him aside and explain what an Ass he is being?

jhaddix (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:54 PM)

Does anyone seriously believe Nader will take votes away from Obama with THIS running mate? Bloomberg and his billion dollars, maybe, but not a "former San Francisco Supervisor" who has never participated in national politics. What real change or difference has Nader made in the past 10 years? Who would take a chance on another 8 years like the last 7 based on a pipe dream involving this non-awe-inspiring ticket?

Take a look at Nader's website. You're greeted with "Whose side are you on?" People will think they've arrived at George Bush's website. Let's see Nader raise $1.5 million a day based with a veiled threat and a former San Francisco Supervisor.

"Yawn" has it just right. Yawn.

Mira (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:57 PM)

jhaddix: '...Would you people stop paying attention to this supercillious egoist. Please. Show a little common decency...'

You mean Bill Clinton ?
If you're looking for a self-serving egotist, Slick Willie's your man

Ralph is talking about 'single payer' health care
That's a better stand than any Democratic nominee (except Dennis Kucinich)

3rd parties often serve as the conscience of elections.

NADER was RIGHT about NAFTA
How many of you posters/posers were ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:10 PM)

I still think papa Joe Lieberman was a better fit.

nuanced (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:13 PM)

I am sorry FR, but Nader is a true fool. As a consumer advocate, he thinks he can win in this country with his radical pro-consumer ideas? I am not against him (in fact, I was once a Nader supporter), but tired of his ideas because I doubt they will have any fruit to them. I mean, in a highly capitalist society like ours, the best way to address consumer issues is not what he is trying t do. He better hold the job of the Taxpayers' Advocate.

Ron Allen (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:18 PM)

I used to think Nader was pretty cool. (& maybe he was, WAY back when) But now he just looks like an egocentric old fool. Kinda sad.

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:25 PM)

"MEET MATT GONZALEZ "

Hi Matt - Lee in CA

Lee in CA (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:27 PM)

Matt Gonzalez couldn't win in San Francisco against Gavin Newsome. If a Green can't win in San Francisco, what chance does he have across the country, but then, his running mate is Ralph Nader. He's the energizer bunny of presidential candidates. Wind him up and he runs and runs and runs.

Brian, Vallejo, CA (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:45 PM)

Good, now Nader will take more Hispanics votes away from Saint Barack of the Inspired. Also I just saw a poll where McCain leads O by 7 points in Florida.

Again ALL HILLARY SUPPORTERS: annoy the media, vote McCain in the general after you vote for Hil in the upcoming primaries.

Dean, Waterbury, CT (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:47 PM)

I love it! All the creeps and loudmouths that idolized and venerated Nader in the past, have found a new phony Messiah: O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma, and now Nader is the devil. Hillary should have won this campaign. It sickens me that I'm forced to share the democratic party with such a bunch of half wits and fools.

john polifronio (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:48 PM)

Nader's too leftist to ever win an election. Hell, even Dems won't vote for him this time around, and they're usually the stupidest lot on the block. Nader's a has-been that never was. And as for "Matt Gonzalez," I think he will again be available for your mayoral race, oh, about November of this year, Sierra.

Gerry, Anchorage, Alaska (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:50 PM)

Nader will serve his purpose. Obama is deviding this party so bad it is to late I think for healing. Can someone please tell me what this hurry is Obama keeps saying?Cannt wait ,why?? Why doesnt he allow his press access?? Just to much not right about him sorry.Nadar is smart he only has to wait.

Joe (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 6:04 PM)

Bravo Ralph Nader!
Lets hope that Ron Paul runs as an independent too...

Who was Al Gore's running mate in 2000?
Oh yeah, none other than Joe Lieberman....hmmm

Joe, Washington CT (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 6:11 PM)

Looks like Gravel is still on his own... Gravel still has my vote.

Debbie, Woodinville, WA (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 6:12 PM)

Ralph Nader is an aging old man that just likes to hear himself talk. Matt Gonzales is risking his career to waste time with a codgetty old geezer. If Matt thinks it will take him to the White House or at very least advance his career...Not happening. Its a bad career move for him. All Ralph Nader's proclaimed policies he steals from listening to other stump speeches... His are not fresh new ideas. Only idiots would vote for him.

good grief! (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 7:23 PM)

Yo, Sierra, SF: I couldn't help but notice that you said "pay to play" with regard to Bill Clinton. Maybe you haven't heard, but Antoin Rezko is on trial in Chicago for "pay to play" in the Illinois state government. Barack and Antoin used to be buds; they lived next door to each other in Chicago. Barack's name is expected to come up next week in Rezko's trial. I am sure it will be entertaining.

Billy G., Oak Brook, IL (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 7:26 PM)

Ronald Reagan. Being dead is no excuse.

Better check this out while you are about it.

USA TODAY Feb.26,2008:''Clinton,Obama, Won Tax Breaks For Contributors''.

Lee Holmes (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 7:55 PM)

I am an independent who lives in San Francisco. I don't know what's funnier, Matt Gonzalez as a VP candidate or that the self described "liberals" have been so taken with Obama. He's such a tool he should wear a suit that says Craftsman. You guys crack me up. Identity politics only works because it makes stupid monkeys like you "push the pedal". Nader is a fool, but at least he's got the brains to realize how the sytem works. The delusions exhibited by the majority on both the right and the left are the reason we have a broken sytem. We get the government we deserve.

John Doe, San Francisco, CA (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:22 PM)

Thank goodness someone else realizes that the top 4 Presidential candidates are just MORE of the same and do not represent real change. We need a real change. Nader and Gonzalez are sincere and consistent in their talk about change. Do you really think that Obama/McCain/Clinton/Huckabee are really going to change anything? The top 4 candidates talk a good game but we need more than better management and fancy oration. We need different ideas and solutions that address the real problems. Ron Paul and Ralph Nader asking questions and raising issues would BOTH shake things up ...... and goodness knows we need it BADLY. The economy is tanking, we are spending ourselves into bankruptcy both at home and abroad, the Patriot Act is still here with us, the war in the Middle East that is maiming children, immigration is a disgrace , and the Federal Reserve's policies are NOT helping. We need someone to raise the issues that need facing. Ron Paul and Ralph Nader may not win but they will MAKE the Dems and Repubs talk about reality, as well as make detailed and specific proposals. Thank goodness we live in a country that allows for open debates from everyone on ALL the major issues. Our current Congress and President are in my opinion quite clueless. They are caught up in a system controlled by the military/industrial/financial complex that is leading us to ruin. The common man is going to get screwed if we do not wake up soon. Go Paul and Nader!! I for one would like to see a debate among Ron Paul, Kucinich, Gravel, AND Ralph Nader. I do not care if the top 4 show up. The top 4 say nothing of importance any way, or better said; they say nothing that they will remember after the election!!

DenisL, Galveston, Texas (Sent Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:51 PM)

Ah, please allow this selection from Nader's dickipedia entry: "Ralph Nader (born February 27, 1934) is an author, lecturer, political activist, on-again/off-again third-party presidential candidate, and a dick.

He is also known for seriously cock-blocking Al Gore in 2000. Nader hopes to repeat this feat once again this election cycle, no matter who wins the Democratic nomination. And yes, even though she’s a woman, Hillary Clinton can totally still get cock-blocked. "

The rest is here: http://dickipedia.org/dick.php?title=Ralph_Nader

Eliana, L.A., CA (Sent Friday, February 29, 2008 12:44 PM)

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