Election '08: Ralph Nader Leaps into the Fray

Election 2008 just got more exciting.

Infamous consumer advocate Ralph Nader announced his intention to run for President of the United States as an independent this morning on Meet the Press with Tim Russert. In an election season that has already been the most electrifying in decades, Nader's entrance into the race will bring many issues into the public eye that have been ignored by the mainstream candidates.

Nader has been a successful advocate for consumer rights for over 40 years, but he is most remembered for possibly being the reason Al Gore lost the 2000 Presidential election to George W. Bush. Russert broached this subject when he asked Nader if he worries that his bid could cause a similar outcome in 2008.

"If the Democrats can't landslide the Republicans this year, they ought to just wrap up, close down, emerge in a different form," Nader said.

While his platform consists of many issues, Nader said it is important to cut down the "huge, bloated, wasteful military budget." He is confident that the American public agrees and will vote accordingly.

"People don't like Pentagon waste, a bloated military budget," Nader said. "A wasteful defense is a weak defense. It takes away taxpayer money that can go to the necessities of the American people."

John McCain may the candidate most likely to worsen the problem.

"You think the American people are going to vote for a pro-war John McCain who almost gives an indication that he's the candidate of perpetual war, perpetual intervention overseas?" Nader said.

McCain isn't the only mainstream candidate with which Nader has serious qualms as a prospective head-of-state. Barack Obama has changed his position on the vital Israeli/Palestinian conflict during his time in public office, Nader said.

"He was pro-Palestinian when he was in Illinois before he ran for the state Senate, during he ran--during the state Senate," Nader said. "Now he's, he's supporting the Israeli destruction of the tiny section called Gaza with a million and a half people."

Other issues

Nader's website lists "12 Issues that Matter for 2008," including: