This
AP article paints Nader in as something of a humorously sarcastic political wit. It's almost enough to make you like the guy. Almost.
Some of what Nader had to say:
"John Kerry has got to get loose...He cannot allow political consultants to put handcuffs on his mind and his imagination. He's got to stop talking Senate-ese and be the old John Kerry I knew 23 years ago."
"The Democrats should just stop whining and go to work...They should be landsliding Bush."
Re: disgruntled conservatives whom Nader thinks will vote for him:
"They are either going to stay home or look for an independent," he said.
Re: those who call him vindictive or egomaniacal:
"That means they're out of arguments."
I agree with a lot of what Nader wants to see happen, but I'm a big proponent of the theory that the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. What worries me is that Nader's words resonate best with those of the liberal crowd. While he may think that he's going to take away votes from Bush, he's also going to take away votes from Kerry. This sword cuts both ways, and, though it may be wielded with the best of intentions, Nader should be more cautious about choosing his battles.