2000 Election
Why Does Ralphie Run?
![Ralph Nader's 1965 book "Unsafe at Any Speed" triggered senate hearings like the one at which he is testifying in the photo above in 1966.](http://origin.observermediagroup.com/files/imagecache/article-teaser/files/ralphnader.jpg "Ralph Nader's 1965 book "Unsafe at Any Speed" triggered senate hearings like the one at which he is testifying in the photo above in 1966.")
As Ralph Nader becomes the Harold Stassen of the 21st century and a running joke to everyone except Al Gore, we sometimes forget that a generation ago (When Stassen was our perennial candidate for President), Nader was a founder of the consumer and environmental movement. How does someone evolve from one of the most credible policy advocates in the country, to a punch line on late night television?
When you buckle your seatbelts and when your air bag deploys—saving your life—you should thank Ralph Nader. The Clean Air Act, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act are at least partially due to Nader’s skill as an advocate in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
I mention the history because Nader did not build his reputation as a consumer and environmental advocate by pushing symbolism at the expense of results. He must know that his popularity is trending down. read more »
