The impact of Ralph Nader's candidacy only serves as a negative diversion for the country, and publicity for him. Because of his past attempts to enter the presidency through the third party, it is not surprising that he would try again, to especially have his name associated with the Democratics most historical moment. But in truth, his running now is a bit annoying. He knows he's not favored enough to win a significant popular vote, let alone the necessary delegate votes, but for him it's just something to do to keep his name alive. His running causes unnecessary splits in the Democratic votes that could realistically be going for Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama. Since the country needs to get serious about positive change, and ways to make things better for us world wide and at home, nothing Nader is doing will lead us to that.

I believe the efforts of Ralph Nader are pretty much self serving, for the year 2000 and 2004 tells him America does not want him for president. Nor do we seem to be too terribly interested in the third party strategy. Even though a third party may have stronger and better policies for the country, obviously there hasn't been a nominee savvy enough to convince the public. Yet I suppose most anyone can RUN for president if they have the money and some followers. People do tend to follow the money, and Nader has plenty. I'd like to help him find better ways of using it to help the nation rather than the money he's wasting jumping into another no win race.

You kind of have to really wonder at a person who keeps getting himself in the way of something they know they can't succeed at. I find it hard to believe Nader sincerely believes he has a shot at winning after his past failures. Of course he could be operating under the idea of "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
We generally admire people who never give up their dream, don't we? One could admire his tenacity, but it's questionable. Somehow I don't see the public pushing hard behind him to cross the finish line.

We will no doubt hear more from him in the next four years, as he may seek once again to get into the mix. His efforts at helping consumers would be more appreciated in a different venue than running for president. Now, however, probably the best thing he can do for American consumers is get out of the way, by not causing a three way split in votes, and diverting Americans from the real historical moment. There are far too many relevant issues to focus on rather than helping Ralph Nader scratch his ego by jumping in the way of the present flow of things.

At the end of the day, though, Nader loses, and wastes our time stealing votes away from America's two favorite Democratic nominees. Perhaps he will get over himself enough to stay out of the way of a good thing. He's had his days in the limelight, and could better serve the country by helping to endorse and vote in the best candidate for the job at hand.

Learn more about this author, Lynda Phillips.
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