Some Democrats Make Me Wanna….
So apparently, Ralph Nader is running for President again. Which means, among other things, that once again Eric Alterman is going to become completely unreadable.
Look Democrats, before your heads explode, here’s your final exam in Digamma University’s Introduction to Political Strategy. Which of the following is the appropriate response by a Democratic Presidential candidate to the threat of a “spoiler” campaign?
- A. “Here are the issues on which I differ from Nader. Here’s WHY I differ from him. I understand your concerns, but I ask you for your vote, because I need it, and if I win, here’s what I can promise you that you won’t get from Bush.”
- B. “Yeah, Nader’s better, but at least I have a shot at winning.”
- C. “You must want to illegalize abortion and end all environmental regulation!”
- D. “I don’t care if he has a ticket to watch the debate. He is not welcome here. Take him away.“
Give up? The correct answer is A, the only answer NOT chosen by the Gore campaign in 2000!
When Nader was escorted out of that debate audience, and Gore’s campaign didn’t denounce it, Nader had my vote locked up. How many others were swayed in the same way? Whoever the Democrats nominate will be able to make Nader look stupid in a debate, if only they face him. If they clap their hands over their ears and yell “SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!", well, a spoiler’s what they’ll get.