Ralph Nader is the mostly unknown candidate for the Presidency of the US, and always finishes far far behind the two main political parties on election day. But why are the Democrats moreso than the Republicans worried about him yet again this time round? Well, Ralph Nader is seen as a 'spoiler', or in other words, someone who has the potential to creme enough votes from your voter-base, that there is a risk of the other party winning. Making this doubly worse for the Democrats, is that Nader creme's more of their votes than those of the Republicans.
So who is Ralph Nader?
Ralph Nader is an Lebanese American who was born in Connecticut. After serving in the US Army, Nader became an attorney, but followed a well publicised track into political activism.
Nader ran for President in the 1996 and 2000 elections for the Green party, and then the 2004 and the upcoming election as an independent.
Nader's 2000 bid for president attracted wide controversey and is widely thought to have influenced the outcome.
So, how much of an effect will the Nader Factor have this year? I called the Nader campaign for comment, however I'm yet to recieve a response from Nader's press officer... (I called a week ago). It is fair to say though, in what is being billed as a very tight election, just like in 2000, the Nader Factor could once again be the deciding factor...
We shall see...
Footnote: If I hear from the Nader camp, I will share their comments with you here.
Nader Camp: feel free to get in touch with me and share your opinion...
Update (26/10/08): I have now heard from the Nader Camp, you can read more about that by clicking here