Dean Calls On Voters To Reject Nader

[flpoljunkie]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52534-2004Apr5.html

Dean Calls on Voters to Reject Nader Bid


By BRAD CAIN
The Associated Press
Monday, April 5, 2004; 5:59 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. - Former Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean warned on Monday that "a vote for Ralph Nader is the same as a vote for George Bush" as Nader sought to qualify for his first state ballot.

Just hours before Nader's appearance in Oregon, Dean urged the state's voters to ignore the independent's presidential bid and stick with presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry. To get on the Oregon presidential ballot, Nader only needs 1,000 registered voters to gather in one place and sign their names on a petition.
"The only way to send President Bush back to Crawford, Texas, is to vote for John Kerry because, unfortunately, a vote for Ralph Nader is the same as a vote for George Bush," Dean said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Dean, the former Vermont governor, had a strong following in Oregon, where supporters threw more fund-raising house parties for him than any other state except California. His plea could have some sway with voters.

In Washington, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry told reporters Monday that he will reach out to Nader backers in hopes of securing their support. "I respect him. I'm not going to attack him in any way," Kerry said of Nader. "I'm just going to try to talk to his people and point out that we've got to beat George Bush. ... And I hope that by the end of this race I can make it unnecessary for people to feel they need to vote for someone else."

more...

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. GO DEAN!

[Sparkly]

2. Hurray for the Good Doctor!!

I am glad he's saying what he's saying.

[wyldwolf]

3. Dean is now the enemy of "true progressives" everywhere

</sarcasm>

[The Magistrate]

4. Indeed, Mr. Wolf

The outcry against his treason, and that of any who follow his lead, should prove most entertaining....

"It's quiet in the old town of Tombstone today."

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[Old and In the Way]

5. It is rather quiet in here, hmmmmm.

I think they've moved on to other problems, like Air America.

[madfloridian]

7. "They", meaning?

I am here. I agree with Dean.

13. The reason I'm being quiet

is because I heard Dean say this in person a couple of weeks ago at the New School.
It's old news.
Also I happen to agree with him.
Those of "they" who disagree with him also know it's old news.

[madfloridian]

6. Your sarcasm is noted. However, most of us agree.

We are not stupid people. Most of have a brain inside our head, and we know what must be done.

This is nothing to do with being progressive, this is just being practical and sensible.

I do wish there would come a time when the cute little asides toward us would cease. You know, the backroom chuckles and giggles about Dean folks, like we are something foreign.

Dean is perfectly right to speak up about this. Most agree. He knows that many will not agree, but he still takes the stand.

[wyldwolf]

8. my sarcasm wasn't about Dean folks...

...it was about Nader supporters who think they're the only "true progressives."

[madfloridian]

10. Sorry, misunderstood.

Did you hear Janeane Garofalo and Sam Seder on radio the other night, when Dean was on there for the hour? They were Nader supporters in 2000, and they are very much not so now.

I think he has the right to run, but Howard Dean and the others have a right to criticize him for it. Dean met with him on Saturday, I think, but I don't think he has had any luck.

[mzmolly]

17. I did not know that Janeane Garofalo and Sam Seder were Nader supporters

in 2000.

How interesting. Michael Moore as well...

I think most people are waking up to the dangers of Bush*.

[madfloridian]

18. But Janeane campaigned for Dean this time all over.

They were almost apologizing for 2000 the other night.
They will vote Kerry this time, while as they say, keeping an eye out.

[ulysses]

12. no...

You will notice, though, Kerry's commitment to outreach, as opposed to browbeating, where Nader supporters are concerned. Perhaps some DUers might take notice.

[moez]

9. Sorry Doctor....

Can't do it.

http://www.unrepentantnadervoter.com

[AntiCoup2K4]

11. As I've said before, regarding Nader

He's about 99% right about what's wrong with this party, but 100% wrong in his attempt to solve it.

As for Howard Dean, he hasn't been wrong yet :D

[mzmolly]

15. Here here!

;)

[Old and In the Way]

19. Disagree.

Since he's never been active in the Party, I think he is in no position to critique it. George Bush will tell you what's wrong with the Democrats...do you think he's 99% right, too?

Nader ought to get a mirror and ask himself why this country is so fucked.

[jpgray]

14. Ironic that Nader would get blasted with 'they're the same' obfuscation

:D

It isn't accurate, but since I think voting for Nader is something no progressive should do anyway, I won't complain. Cobb or Camejo would be far superior choices to Ralph Nader if one wants to vote third party.

[mzmolly]

16. I totally agree.

The Green Party is a better choice than Nader...

Though on the larger point, I agree with Dean. A vote for anyone but Kerry is helpful to Bush from a progressive POV.

[The Zanti Regent]

20. Thank You, Dr. Dean

Thank you for exposing Nader for the asshole he really is!

[zulchzulu]

21. I'm really thankful for Dean coming up to bat

I wasn't a real big fan during the primary season, but he has really proven to be a cool dude.

Thanks Howard!

[sangha]

22. That's my boy!!

I just love Howard Dean!!

:loveya:

[AntiCoup2K4]

23. Oh geezus....

:puke:

[sangha]

24. WTF?

:shrug:

[AntiCoup2K4]

25. You love Dean??

Since when?

I seem to remember your opinion of Dean being equivalent to my feelings on root canals without novocaine.

[sangha]

26. I have always loved Dean

My love, unrequited until now, has always been for the REAL Dean, who is only now coming into public view.