Join me in not giving a sh*t about Ralph Nader.

Hey folks, I wanted to write a diary that (I believe) explains the reason why Ralph Nader will be a nonfactor in this race. I know a lot of people who remember that he made the difference in Florida and other swing states in 2000 are angry today, as well as maybe a little afraid that he could tip the balance once again.

I just want to go over two factors that, in my mind, prove that he will not matter.

1. Green Party Support in 2000/No Green Party Support Today

In 2000, Ralph Nader headed the Green Party's ticket for President. In 2008, he will not have that party's support and resources behind him, as he will be running an independent campaign. This will mean that it will take a lot more to get on ballots in larger, more influential states, it will be more difficult to raise money, and to generally conduct a strong campaign.

Not to disrespect the Green Party, but it wasn't all that effective in the first place, all things considered.

2. Most of Nader's 2000 supporters have been merged into the Democratic Party.

Even Kevin Zeese, Nader's biggest supporter and campaign manager in 2000 and 2004, is sitting on the sidelines this time. The influence of the massively unpopular and criminal Bush Administration has shown even most of the Nader supporters from 2000 and 2004 that there are, in fact, real and demonstrable differences between the desires of the Democratic and Republican Parties (however small we may all believe that they are.

Generally speaking, these factors are highly damning of his candidacy. Unlike the 2% nationally that he received in 2000, he got only a paltry 0.3% in 2004. He will likely get even less this time.

3. Barack Obama is likely to be the Nominee for the Democratic Party

Obama is widely seen as a strong progressive, and his candidacy attracts many of the independents who lean harder to the left than any candidate in the past. I suppose if Hillary Clinton is the nominee, Nader could be more of a factor. But as it stands, Obama's massive influx of support absolutely destroys Nader's potential electorate.

Don't Listen to the Media!

The media, however, considers him a curiousity and will talk about his candidacy. Don't be fooled.

He won't do any better than any tiny little party's candidate. And if Barack Obama is the nominee, many of the same states won't even be close like they were in 2000.

In conclusion, every time he runs, he becomes more and more of a nonfactor. Don't concern yourselves with him. Too much other important work is to be done this year.

UPDATE: Don't vote for "lazy eye". That was classless on my part.