Ralph Nader was on San Franciso radio today and told the host that he would run if Hillary becames the Democratic nominee. Nader said Hillary is, ” just another bad version of Bill Clinton.” Nader said this during a book tour promoting his new book, “The Seventeen Traditions.” When asked to describe Clinton, Nader said, “Flatters, panders, coasting, front-runner, looking for a coronation, not taking on the huge waste in the military budget as a member of the Armed Services (Committee), never going after the corporate crimes against pensions, against workers. … She has no political fortitude.” Nader also had things to say about other candidates. About Barack Obama, Nader said, he “has capacity … whether he gets specific in his proposals, that’s what a lot of people are waiting for,” Nader said. “He hasn’t shown that much political fortitude … in his two years in the Senate.” Nader also had something to say about John Edwards as well, “I like the way he’s emphasizing the poverty in the country, the sinking of the middle class.” But, he said Edwards is “not very good on foreign relations. He doesn’t challenge the military budget. He should go after things like abuses of the Patriot Act against the civil liberties of the American people.” So, if Hillary is in, Ralph will try to play the spoiler again.
Alan Cosgrove
[...] Chuck Hagel appeared on ‘Face The Nation’ today and told host Bob Schieffer that he is not happy with The Grand Ole Party anymore. “I am not happy with the Republican Party today,” Hagel said. “It’s been hijacked by a group of single-minded almost isolationists, insulationists, power-projectors.” Hagel hasn’t decide when he will run, or even if he will run as a Republican or an Independent candidate. He told Schieffer that he thought Independents are good for the campaign. “What America will be looking at and wanting and demanding is honest, competent, accountable leadership,” he said. “We need some new, fresh, independent ideas to lead this country forward.” Hagel recently had lunch with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and mentioned the two as a possible ticket. “We didn’t make any deals, but I think Mayor Bloomberg is the kind of individual who should seriously think about this,” Hagel said. “He is the mayor of one of the greatest cities on earth. He makes that city work. That’s what America wants.” It would sure be a good way to add a bit of money to Hagel’s war chest. He told Schieffer, “It’s a great country to think about – a New York boy and a Nebraska boy to be teamed up leading this nation.” This is the strongest Independent team mentioned yet. Hagel is already known for breaking with Bush on his Iraq war policies, and he sees other Republicans doing it by this fall. “The President may find himself standing alone sometime this fall where Republicans will start to move away, and you’re starting to see trapdoors and exit signs already with a number of Republicans,” Hagel said. He said the 11 that went to speak with Bush this past week was just the tip of the iceberg. If Hagel runs as an Independent he could be the Republican’s version of Ralph Nader who has already promised to enter the race if Hillary gets the nomination. The nation is pleading for a change in the two party system, and they want another option besides the big political machines. We have some really strong third party candidates this time around with Chuck Hagel, Mike Bloomberg, Ron Paul, and Ralph Nader all showing interest. It’s going to be fun. Alan Cosgrove [...]
Fantasy Politics USA » Blog Archive » A Chuck Hagel, Mike Bloomberg Ticket For Independents
May 14th, 2007