If Kerry loses, don't blame Nader

If by some strange chance John Kerry loses the presidential election, don't blame Ralph Nader. The Democratic Party has done everything in its power to keep Nader off of state ballots - abandoning its supposed "democratic" principals. It has been interesting listening to all the liberals say that the nation "can't afford" democracy in this election because of George W. Bush. Can't afford democracy? Since when?
While the nation is a constitutional republic, it is founded on the notion that anyone can do just about anything they want to do, especially in the political arena. I have supported Nader's right to run in this election but I am furious by how he was treated. However, I am also encouraged by some of his recent statements, including those Nader made in Manchester on Saturday ["Nader to Democrats: 'It’s not over'"]:

Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader Saturday warned Democrats to expect legal action over tactics he called "disgraceful" and "fascistic."
"Stay tuned. It's not over," he said.
Democrats have tried to keep Nader off the ballot in several states, including New Hampshire. Nader called their efforts "the most disgraceful, fascistic practices in the modern history of the Democratic Party."

Good for you, Ralph. Sue away! Make them pay for what they have done to you. They deserve it, the way they have behaved. Can you imagine the yelling and screaming from the Democrats and liberals if the Bushies went after the Libertarians the way they have gone after Nader?

But frankly, here is the reason if Kerry loses Nader can't be blamed: Democrats voting for Bush! Almost no one but Ralph Nader and I have said word one about all the registered Democrats who are planning on voting for Bush tomorrow. In 2000, had even less than 1 percent of the 13 percent of Democrats who voted for Bush in Florida or 2 percent of the Democrats who voted for Bush in New Hampshire voted for Al Gore, Gore would be cruising to reelection now. But no, few people in the political world ever talked about before or after 2000. It was all Nader the spoiler this, Nader the traitor that.

However, in 2004, a similar result could occur. In poll after poll after poll during this campaign, I have posted the huge numbers of Democrats who are plnning on voting for Bush with few Democrats voting for Nader. Well, one more time, here are some of the numbers from the last round of polls posted.

* Arkansas: Survey USA - Bush 51, Kerry 46. 9 percent of Democrats, 11 percent of self-proclaimed "liberals," and 25 percent of pro-choice voters supporting Bush.

* Colorado: Survey USA - Bush 52, Kerry 46. 9 percent of Democrats, 8 percent of liberals, and 32 percent of pro-choice voters supporting Bush.

* Florida: Survey USA - Bush 49, Kerry 48. 11 percent of Democrats, 14 percent of liberals, and 34 percent of pro-choice voters supporting Bush.

* Iowa: Survey USA - Bush 49, Kerry 49. 5 percent of Democrats, 15 percent of liberals, and 28 percent of pro-choice voters supporting Bush.

* Nevada: Survey USA - Bush 49, Kerry 49. 9 percent of Democrats, 8 percent of liberals, and 35 percent of pro-choice voters supporting Bush.

* New Hampshire: ARG - Bush 47, Kerry 47, Nader 2. 8 percent of Democrats voting for Bush. 1 percent of Republicans and 0 percent of Democrats voting for Nader.

* New Mexico: ARG - Kerry 48, Bush 47, Nader 2. 20 percent of Democrats voting for Bush. 1 percent of Democrats voting for Nader.

* Ohio: Survey USA - Bush 49, Kerry 47. 9 percent of Democrats, 7 percent of liberals, and 27 percent of pro-choice voters supporting Bush.

* Wisconsin: ARG - Kerry 48, Bush 47, Nader 1. 10 percent of Democrats are voting for Bush. 1 percent of Republicans and 0 percent of Democrats are voting for Nader.

In state after state, Democrats voting for Bush are costing Kerry Electoral College votes or making states closer than they should be. In state after state, Nader is either not a factor or helping Kerry by taking votes away from Bush, something I have predicted here for months.

In the case of New Hampshire, it will be in more difficult for Nader since he is the only independent on the ballot here. So, no matter what happens, if Kerry loses, Nader will be blamed, even though he will most surely earn the votes of conservatives and Republicans as a protest vote just as he has done in the past.

It is unfortunate that this election cycle has turned out the way it did. I hope for the best and just decision. But our nation truly needs - and deserves - more political choices. The days of the rigged two party system, rigged by the same two parties, must come to an end.