Independent and third party candidates Ralph Nader, Bob Barr and Cynthia McKinney are all running for the same position that Obama and McCain are vying for. But the mainstream media are not spending valuable real estate on such candidates with the U.S. so close to the elections.
Many label third party and independent candidates as “spoilers”, taking away precious votes that may alter the outcome of a close election. Yet these candidates and their supporters argue that the current dominance of the two party system in the U.S. unfairly whittles political choice to only two candidates, leading voters to have to choose between the lesser of two evils.
For those who are in the second camp, below is a brief synopsis of Nader, Barr and McKinney, who they are and what they think about some major policy issues:
Ralph Nader: An attorney, author and consumer advocate, Nader has been involved in politics for decades, and was a serious contender in the 2004 presidential election. While Nader is often associated with the Green Party, he is running as an Independent in 2008:
Abortion: Endorses the National Organization for Women (NOW) agenda which supports access to safe and legal abortions.
NAFTA: Believes it subordinates U.S. regulatory agencies and health, environment, labor, and consumer standards.
Universal health care: Advocates providing universal health care to be accomplished through a single-payer system.
Gay marriage: Believes the only way to ensure full equal rights is to recognize same-sex marriage.
Withdraw troops from Iraq: Proposes a rapid withdrawal.
Bob Barr: The presidential nominee for the Libertarian Party. Barr was a former federal prosecutor and served in the House of Representatives (R-GA) from 1995-2003. He was one of the more prominent leaders in the impeachment proceedings of Bill Clinton in 1998:
Abortion: Believes it is a state, not federal, issue. Therefore, federal decisions like Roe v. Wade should be overturned.
NAFTA: Claims it should be repealed unless it shows that it has a positive effect (from a 1999 column).
Universal health care: Believes in access to affordable health care, but not through socialized or nationalized medical systems.
Gay marriage: Reiterates his statement that this is a state, not a federal, issue. However, he does not support same-sex marriage.
Withdraw troops from Iraq: Proposes an immediate withdrawal, but does not believe in setting a timetable.
Cynthia McKinney: She is the Green Party nominee. McKinney served in the House of Representatives (D-GA) from 1993-2003 and from 2005-2007, and is the first African American woman to represent Georgia in the House:
Abortion: Co-wrote the "Draft Manifesto for a Reconstruction Party" which supports full reproductive rights for women, abortion.
NAFTA: Wants to end free trade agreements.
Universal health care: Endorses the Green Party platform that strives to bring about universal access to health care.
Gay marriage: Supports full recognition for same-sex marriage.
Withdraw troops from Iraq: Calls for an immediate withdrawal not only from Iraq, but also Afghanistan.