Criticism of Corporations Dominates Campaign

Ralph Nader spent most of his career as a consumer advocate, a role which has translated into a presidential platform. Despite heavy criticism from many media reporters, journalists, and Democrats who still blame him for the outcome of the 2000 election, Nader hopes to shift the balance of power between corporations and consumers towards the latter. Nader spent much of the past week in New England and Pennsylvannia where he spoke out against powerful corporations. At Princeton, Nader's alma-mater, he argued that "this country is not designed for corporate supremacy" and noted that "[a corporation] doesn't vote"..."doesn't die in Iraq," and "doesn't raise children." In Pennsylvania, Nader visted West Chester, a small town of quaker heritage, where he denounced big businesses as "corporate crooks" and even demanded corporate tax increases and protection again "corporate crime." Nader's message however, has fallen on deaf ears over the past several weeks, as his candidacy announcement was overshadowed by the race for the Democratic nomination.

Gonzalez Will Run With Nader

Last week, Ralph Nader announced his candidacy for president. Not long after, Matt Gonzalez joined Nader's campaign as his running-mate for the vice presidency. Both Nader and Gonzalez spoke in Washington D.C. this week, denouncing large corporations and urging "the people" to reclaim power. Nader and Gonzalez outlined their three major goals for their 2008 campaign: first, they aim for election reform, advocating a candidate ranking system like those in Ireland and Australia. Second, they both addressed the widening gap between rich and poor, calling for minimum wage increases. Third, Nader and Gonzalez spoke out against the Iraq War, demanding troop withdrawls from both Afghanistan and Iraq. Finally, Nader spoke of the importance of third party candidates in offering a choice and bringing options to voters.