Reply #8: Tough call. Nader was begging for it publicly, so Kerry

[jobycom]

Had to either meet with him or not. If he didn't, it could look like he was afraid of Nader. If he met with him, as you say, it legitimizes Nader, but Kerry also looks unafraid, even unconcerned.

It won't kill Kerry, it mainly just lets the story die. The longer Kerry refused, the more it becomes a story, and that would sidetrack legitimate issues.

I don't buy the line that this might convince Nader supporters to vote for Kerry. Everyone knows what's at stake, and Nader supporters are going to make their choices on the whole picture, not on Kerry meeting with him. IMO. I don't understand why anyone would still like Nader, but no one can claim Nader voters are stupid.